Tech and Society #edcmooc

There are so many resources about the Internet . The Strands of Internet research focuses upon Uses, Technological and Social Determination.

The Uses Determination focuses upon the ways of using technology in pedagogy. The shape of educational institution is changing. Now, we have potential of technology to transcend the boundaries, roles and philosophies of traditional education, and to extend, enrich and enliven learning for all, from the very young, through to lifelong learners. The technology wave is not slowing, and won't go away. Educational institutions need to choose wisely when they are procuring technology, to ensure that they are meeting challenges, not merely buying technology to jump on the bandwagon.

The Internet is what it is today because of innovators, writers, graphic designers, coders, companies and millions of others who have contributed. People use the Internet in politics, domestic life, community participation, and business. We should recognize what it means for us. It is a communication, education, and information medium. Moreover, the Internet forms our social meaning because of media technologies.  The technology, according to Social Determination, “can be regarded as congealed social relations - a frozen assemblage of the practices, assumptions, beliefs, language, and other factors involved in its design and manufacture”

The Internet has fast become the most extensive resource tool available to teachers and learners across the globe. I found the Internet a very good instrument of self-education. And in this era, free education has never been so accessible. The Web gives lifelong learners the tools to become autodidacts. For instance, my first experience  of online studying was connected with painting (Frankly, I’m keen on it) on YouTube channel “A Splash of Paint”. I learned a lot of different watercolor technics.  Now “E-learning and Digital Cultures MOOC” is great opportunity to study want I am really interested in. During my study at university I was learning a lot of uninteresting and unnecessary subjects. I suppose it was just a waste of time.
 Using the Internet, we can learn a new language or delve into interesting things   with just a click of a mouse. The Web created a virtual school, potentially leveling the playing field for students around the world.

 Benjamin Hubbard the Manager of Webcast at UC Berkeley says, “I think there’s a wide array of reasons why faculty should be engaged in recording and publishing lectures online. The first is wanting students to have access to materials. The second is for cultivating a really great affinity for a public university that’s providing research and community service. The third is closely aligned with this opportunity to provide educational resources all over the world to those from all walks of life, despite what disadvantages they have faced. It’s so important that we recognize as a public institution that this is something people value greatly and has great value for us too.”

Today we have so much great recourses to study online, such as:  Coursera, Khan Academy, P2PU, Skillshare, Scitable and it isn’t complete list. This is Education without geographical borders.
Skype is also an important thing. It’s not only an instrument of communication, but it is helpful in work, collaboration on projects and sharing resources. I think teachers can integrate Skype to regularly connect students who have not opportunity to go to school. 

John Daniel, UNESCO Assistant Director for Education, claims: “Over 100 million children never see the inside of a school. As many more do not stay in school long enough to gain useful skills. 800 million adults have their lives blighted by illiteracy. The world needs more access to education.”There are many programs which also use Skype to give lectures to students all over the world.
We have another side. Yes, the Internet is an amazing tool, where we can learn and to acquire new information and new knowledge. But also it is  the place where unnecessary information is accumulated. It’s clear that the massive of data collection is moving faster than it ever has before. Don’t forget about poor countries which have a lack of Internet access.Can Online education replace traditional education?I don’t believe for a minute it is possible. Education is more than just listening to lectures, it’s a way of life. 

 Benjamin Hubbard, ETS, Manager of Webcast at UC Berkeley says, 

“We need a better integration between the videos we’re capturing in the classroom and the experience learners have when interacting in a social context. Online, you don’t get that same sort of feedback. What are the ways we can take the data about these videos and analyze that and understand if students are having trouble understanding something?”

The world is not standing, it is moving. The education system is changing. Obviously, the foundations of learning must change too.