EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES IN EDUCATION

Computers are the important tools in modern education system all over the globe. By using a computer, each student is able to develop at his or her own pace, making the learning process more flexible and self-directed. As computers and technology play a prime role in many aspects of day-to-day life including education.
The recent advances in computer and telecommunication capabilities have made possible for development of learning modules that include the elements such as video transmission, e-mail, the Internet, and the World Wide Web. These modules can function either as components of the learning process or as the basis for instruction. The progression of long distance learning from pen-pals, college correspondence courses, teleconferencing over speaker phones, teleconferencing via modem, transporting still pictures along with interactive audio, to the latest technology of two-way, full audio or video communication has the implications for public education. The distance learning is one of the most striking technology-based changes occurring in the present day’s education system. Communication technology enables learners to receive instruction despite geographic and time disparities that would make traditional classroom instruction impossible.
Multimedia instruction with networked computers, video systems or television can be used to connect the local classroom to learners at a distance by adopting distance learning method. Satellite, compressed video/video clippings and fiber-optic systems are increasingly used for same-time, different-place education. This approach is called synchronous distance learning where as the learning at different times and in different places is called asynchronous distance learning.
Interactive instruction is possible because such technologies will permit the learner to contact databases, information sources, instructional experts, and other students in real-time with interactive ways. For example, any individual students can use their computers to contact other students or individuals who have information they need. Entire classes can participate in interactive video sessions with teachers from remote sites or with groups of students from other institutes. An instructor can organize the individual learning activities of students who collaborate with other learners, the teacher due to multimedia rich technology available locally or through the internet. Distance learning encourages collaboration without the limitations of time and location inherent to the brick-and-mortar classroom.
In most cases, the adoption of Information and Communication Technologies in education institutions only means which are giving access to students all over the globe. The hottest technologies are being used in the present day’s education system are ‘blogs and digital media’ which are opening up the new vistas for classroom based instructions. These new skills will be increasingly important in a globally networked, knowledge economy. Recent innovations in hardware, software and Internet technologies have made telecommunications based distance education systems are available easily to use at lesser cost.