The Power of Technology in Education.

 
Last week, I watched a repeat of a story from 2011, on how the iPad is unlocking the minds of people with Autism. We encourage everyone to watch it on Youtube here.

It is incredible to see how the iPad and other smart devices are being integrated into classrooms all over the U.S. to use as new learning tools. Interactive applications such as smart boards, cloud computing and e-learning are now being implemented so that students of all ages can obtain degrees; which is fantastic.

Students are also now equipped with personal laptops, smart phones and tablets. Attaining information and sharing knowledge has never been easier or more fun.

However, the benefit of these devices will bring no guarantee to fixing our seriously broken education system.

Smart apps and devices are being used in tremendous ways that help students interact and build social communication skills (I am not talking about Facebook or Twitter).

At the same time, while a lot of students are reaping the benefits, others are not.

Technological innovations are still not available to everyone unfortunately. While the cost of new technology is decreasing every day, schools in poor neighborhoods get about half as much money per student than schools in affluent neighborhoods; school budgets are tied to property taxes.

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Corporations such as Teach for America are currently involved in a big way with this fact and are looking to improve the future of education for underprivileged students across the world.

Wendy Kopp is CEO and cofounder of Teach For All, and Teach for America, that focus on ensuring educational excellence and equity. Check out the keynote speech by Wendy Kopp and how Teach for All is looking to improve education around the world with new technology and growing leadership.

But are these new innovative tools the key to success?

We have to take into account that every student has individual learning patterns, needs and goals.  With new software and hardware constantly changing and improving at a rapid rate, students should be learning smart devices and applications properly to optimize reading, solving problems and managing daily tasks.