IT allows students access to an unrivalled range of resources that the more traditional methods of education are unable to offer. The potential of these resources was shown in a study by McGraw-Hill. A massive 81% of those asked felt that digital resources enhanced their efficiency and effectiveness (McGraw-Hill, 2016). A good example of one of these resources is the interactive whiteboard. This technology has been implemented in all levels of learning, from primary schools to universities. They have been proven to have a positive benefit on the educational experience of the student and the ability to provide quality content on behalf of the teacher. These resources offer more that the more typical classroom tools such as textbooks. With these tools’ students can learn by watching videos and listening to audio. The possibilities of these resources are endless (Wall, Higgins and Smith, 2005). The resources offered by IT are extremely beneficial, not only to the student but also to the teacher in terms of the way they can present information.
The internet has become an extremely popular tool in assisting students with their education.
Long gone are the days when students would trawl a library for information. Within a few clicks, one is able to access the world’s biggest collection of data.
This endless supply of information can help students to research and learn more about a particular subject outside of the classroom
(Simon, Graziano and Lenhart, 2001).
One of the reasons why students are turning to the internet for their study is that the information is easily accessible and updatable in real time.
Similar to the interactive whiteboard the information can be presented in many different types of media such as videos, pictures, audio etc
(Dogruer, Eyyam and Menevis, 2011).
There are some dangers to using the internet for research despite the obvious benefits involved. There is a wealth of information online and it can sometimes be
difficult to verify the information. Information on the internet is not subject to a review process, this could cause the information to be false or misleading
Despite this, students should educate themselves on being able to recognise trusted sources and untrustworthy information. In doing so students will be able to
access high quality and reputable information that could prove invaluable to their education
(Brändström, 2011).
You can learn more about trusted sources by clicking this
link
IT has also allowed students to study at their own convenience. Distance education is a great example of this. Distance education allows students to study who may not have been able to otherwise. This could be due to their location, lifestyle or many other factors. Distance education offers flexibility and allows the student to plan their education around their current lifestyle (Gilbert, 2015). It is sometimes thought that distance education can be disadvantageous compared to studying on site. However, students studying online have access to many resources that can enhance their learning experience. Through the internet, students are able to watch live streams of their lectures and in some cases can even interact live with their lecturer via the use of applications. Message boards and forums also offer opportunities for students to converse and collaborate with other students (Connie M. Schardt, 2002).