Changing educational trends

Every age is controlled by a passion and today the passion is the Internet. The doubling and redoubling of computer power has created a drive to catalyse the information technology (IT) era. The Net is now a mighty force that has begun to overhaul operational systems that the brazen audaciously define as being ancient. The Net is said to consist of 2.5 billion documents growing by about 7.3 million pages per day. Adding the Web of connected databases and intranet sites there could be about 550 billion documents that are accessible by most surfers

Among the crucial aspects of our society that the new IT revolution has affected is Education. At schools and other learning institutions, computer technology encourages learning. Multimedia teaching offers an environment that is conducive for learning while allowing more personal interaction between the school and the child. Investigation of the mathematical process, scientific concepts, language patterns, geographical differences or historic events, within a meaningful context, is becoming not only easy but also interesting with the spate of knowledge now available on the Web and in turn this has helped to enhance communication and encourage quick feedbacks.

In schools the Internet has helped to consolidate peer interaction. Students, teachers, working professionals and home learners can interact with experts at schools, colleges, universities and industries. In Dar es Salaam, the advantage of communicating through e-mails can be seen in the operational set-up of the International School where a Principal can sometimes liaise with a parent by e-mail. In the new IT age the nature of work will continue to change in terms of demand for professional, technical and service skills and those to benefit more will be the ones who are quick to adapt to prevalent changes. The IT revolution will keep everyone on their feet, as constant refinement, modification and updating are the watchwords. As a natural corollary, it has also amply exhibited transformation in the way people view career options.

The economic destiny and prosperity of nations rest on the use of silicon-based computer technology that has truly taken the world by storm. Education must reflect the influence of technology. Education institutions have to be imaginative and flexible to renew their vision of teaching and learning methods considering the potential of educational technology to meet modern demands of our society at large.