ETT 1230

ISSUES AND TRENDS IN EDUCATIONAL

TECHNOLOGY
AUGUST 2021

NAMA PELAJAR:
HAFIFAH BINTI KUSIN

NO MATRIK:
2020.8.EDU02.0002

COURSE:
MASTER OF EDUCATION 

LECTURER:
DR NORYATI BINTI ALIAS
 Role of Technology in Education for the 21st Century of Teaching and Learning
Hafifah binti Kusin, 2021

Introduction

The latest development of information technology is a major topic in the current discussion
especially in the era of globalization. The role of information technology has become so
important especially in the field of education as the basis of knowledge transmission. The
distribution of knowledge can be delivered effectively through the learning process between
teacher and student. Starting from teaching and learning methods using boards and chalk;
switching to the use of computers, electronic materials, Liquid Crystal Displays, video
cameras and other technologies available in the classroom. Now, the teaching and learning
methods have turned the use of computers and mobile phones or tablet Android simply
because pandemic Covid-19 has been limiting the students learn in the classroom.

At the beginning of the development of information technology, computers are only used in
the classroom to facilitate teaching and learning. After that, the computer acts as a tool to
achieve the objectives of teaching and learning and it is known as CBL (Computer Based
Learning), CBT (Computer Based Training), CAL (Computer Assisted Learning). Various
advantages and a better approach in multimedia technology promises major changes in
education in the 21st century.

In 21st century education, students are trained to possess skills that can be used in the future,
such as good communication skills, being able to collaborate and solve problems based on
the realities of life. Education quality and excellence in all aspects of the main goals in order
to produce the new millennium generation that is able to handle the challenges of the 21st
century.

Technology in Education

The 21st century is often seen as a period of innovation. Technology and innovation,
nowadays, provide incredible jobs in the present era. Specifically seen as a permit for
economic development. Although the influence of technology on education is important but
due to the lack of economy, the development of technology is difficult to grow. According to
Schwab (2016), the rapidly evolving Industrial Revolution 4.0 (RI 4.0) is not only changing
“what” and “how” something can be done but also against “who” we are. According to Aida
& Norhayati (2018), this unmatched technology has been controlled by artificial intelligence
and digital physical design that makes human machine interfaces more universal. New
technologies that will dominate the economy today.

The role of technology has emerged in determining the path towards a better future in terms
of innovation and quality (Hussein & Norizan, 2020). The education system has traditionally
required changes towards being better student -centred and allowing students to integrate
their education into the evolving world. The rapid change of knowledge has formed a new
model in education (Group Media TFO, 2017) In the Malaysian Education Action
Framework 2015-2025, the Ministry of Education Malaysia (MOE) plans to overhaul the
learning and teaching process for all students. According to Dunwill (2016), technological
developments will continue to lead to change. The learning and teaching methods and action
planning will also change. Dunwill (2016) focuses on the changes that will take place in the
learning and teaching method and the determination of the learning process for education in
the next 5 to 7 years similar to the changes that have taken place in the higher education
environment in Malaysia. The existence of user -friendly virtual reality and augmented reality
applications has helped educators in integrating virtual reality and enhancement in their
learning and teaching (Anealka, 2018).

Nowadays teaching requires peculiar styles, techniques and approximation that should have.
There have been so many changes in educational system and societies all over the world and
it influences on teaching children perceptibly. From the past thousand years teaching
someone is challenging and this profession never loses its value. However, working with
children is absolutely different in the 21st century from 20th one. There have been so many
changes in educational system and societies all over the world and it influences on teaching
children perceptibly.

The integration of multimedia technology in education has made learning media interesting
and complete. The integration of multimedia technology that evolved in line with information
and communication technology was first introduced in the early 1980s, combining various
types of media that were previously in a separate state. Multimedia includes several media in
one presentation that facilitates educators to deliver teaching materials. Students feel involved
in the learning process because this technology allows for interactivity (Ahmad Esa, 2007).

Learning and teaching that applies hypermedia elements such as animation, sound, graphics,
hypertext and color make the presentation more interesting and able to attract students
(Maimun, 2011). used to describe a learning to be conveyed (Azizi, 2009). The use of
technology can also be a positive and effective communication medium because text, audio,
video and animation of various colors and patterns can be displayed on a screen at the same
time (Vaughan, 2014). Technological developments in education have had an impact on the
curriculum leading to the marketability of students. It is a necessity for an educational
institution to ensure that students can achieve the appropriate level of information literacy
that is the ability to identify, find and evaluate the information learned in preparation for the
world of work. Technological developments in the education system help improve generic
skills among students. Generic skills can provide skilled, efficient and skilled teaching staff
in the workplace. Skilled workers become an asset to the employer in turn can develop
themselves and contribute to the economic development of the country. Mastery of generic
skills provides opportunities for a variety of job types in different fields.

Role of Technology in Education

Technology plays an important role in education. Part of the educational strategy, it includes
as a structure for the transportation of education, as a technique for managing to support rules
and also as a tool to improve the overall learning process. Training has shifted from entirely
intuitive and powerful instructional technology. In organizational and scholastic contexts,
education is key. Education expands the minds of the people so that it makes them curious
around them. Therefore, the use of technology can help students understand and store ideas
better. There are many different ways to create technology among which is the internet.

The importance of the internet has reached a higher level nowadays, especially during the
dynamics that are sweeping the whole world. Today the web is essential for almost
everything we use to run any job, big or small. The web is literally everywhere, from TVs to
the comfort of games and even phones. Social media can help individuals achieve better
economic strength in all situations by increasing access to records, details and guides,
developing the skills they and groups of people need. Therefore, teachers need to acquire new
skills in order for Web assets to be usable.

The Internet has provided many opportunities to every individual around the world in a
variety of ways. These innovations improve lives and provide incredible opportunities. The
web has several capabilities especially in the world of education: (i) unrestricted
conversation, (ii) adaptive online learning (iii) increasing learning optimism. Basically, the
internet provides two main benefits: correspondence and information. Since the internet has
various capacities, then teachers can apply it in delivering education and can be used by
students easily. However, it is undeniable that it all depends on their internet access.
However, in this modern era, the internet is one of the most important technologies in this
increasingly challenging world of education, especially since it was hit by Covid-19. The era
of computerized technology has invaded many parts of the home and industry, yet there is
little understanding of how it can be used to advance student commitment.

This is not a new issue for incorporating technology in education. Since the 1900s, education
officials have experimented with ways to use digital advances efficiently including
audio/video recordings, emails and telephone conversations to improve or replace
conventional forms of learning processes. A very drastic change is happening in the world of
education today that technology plays a very important role in education. Now students all
over the world in general and throughout Malaysia in particular are learning to use the
internet. Various applications have been developed to help facilitate educators to deliver
lessons more effectively. Some are user friendly and some are less user friendly. Some
surveys have been done by researchers stating that two-thirds of students use smartphones to
learn and agree that technology will help them achieve learning objectives and complete them
to the best of their ability after the increase in technology-based workforce.

Teachers and students have a close relationship and this relationship plays a role in
smoothing the teaching and learning process (Kamaruddin Hussin, 1995). Teachers play an
important role in helping students, especially those related to learning. Es '(1998) study also
found that stimuli such as changing tone of voice, use of interesting aids and types of games
in teaching can increase students' focus and interest. In addition, technology can also be used
for hearing impaired children can improve accessibility to instructional design, improve
communication relationships, promote skill development, promote distance learning as well
as promote exploration-based learning (Zatul, 2011). Technology can also help attract
attention, retain memory and attention as well as increase teacher motivation (Nurul, 2010).
Reinforcement activities can be carried out when using technology and parents and other
family members at home can use it together.

According to Pan Worl Education (2017), learning tools and technologies have enabled
students to develop self -directed learning more effectively. The use of this technology will
further develop the critical thinking skills that are fundamental to the development of
evaluative analysis. The learning process has become flexible. Teachers can teach anywhere
that has internet access and so can students. Teachers can use various applications or software
or existing web to deliver lessons such as using user -friendly telegram applications, save
data plans and various activities can be done there such as quiz games, can do discussions
such as in google meet or zoom meet. Teachers can share the screen while teaching and can
make discussions like face -to -face learning. Students can also submit assignments directly
and teachers can mark them easily. No need to open many applications. Only one application
can implement teaching and learning as usual in the classroom. This telegram application is
also suitable for use by kindergarten, primary and secondary school children.

In addition, teachers can also use loom, canva and power point applications for compact and
lecture -like instructional videos. Nevertheless, to deliver simple and concise lessons such as
mathematics or science formulas or the like, tiktok application can be used. This is because, it
has become a trend for children of generation Z and Alpha to use this application. They will
be easier to understand and more interesting. In just a few minutes of the video, they can
learn something.

Impact

The rapid development of world technology, brought about by the 4th Industrial Revolution
changed aspects of life in all fields including the field of education. Therefore, teaching and
learning methods need to be adapted to the development of technology and the student
environment to keep pace with the passage of time. This includes the integration of 21st
century skills and high -level thinking skills (HLTS) in curriculum implementation. These
skills include creativity, innovation, communication, collaboration, critical thinking,
teamwork, decision -making ability, ability to do research and research and problem solving.
According to Abdull Sukor, Mohd Izam, Nurahimam & Mohd Isha (2016), the development
of technology provides wider learning opportunities to students. Teaching methods will be
more student -cantered as students will seek information and teachers will act as facilitators.

Constructivist learning theory can also be implemented well when technology is applied in
teaching. Constructivist learning theory places an emphasis on student activity. The main
focus of this theory is on students ’mental activity not behaviour. Learning from the
perspective of constructivism is seen as a process in which the experience gained by students
is related to existing knowledge and experience. In addition, the learning process will be
more flexible. Flexible education is education designed to give the community the
opportunity to learn at any time, without restraint. According to Nabila, Helmi, Mohd Jasmy
& Nur Atikah (2017), education is now changing in line with the development of increasingly
sophisticated technology in the current era of globalization.

Online learning can create effective interaction between students and instructors. Chat rooms,
discussion forums and instant messaging available in the LMS for example provide effective
interaction for students to replace discussions in class. This argument is supported by Abu
Bakar & Zaidah (2017), explaining that building such an online community further enhances
the effectiveness of online software used in e-learning. In Malaysia, MOOCs have been
conducted through the Open Learning platform which provides recognition and credit
through policies issued by the Malaysia Qualification Agency. MOOCs are one of the
platforms in the new learning environment used at the tertiary level and it is not impossible to
happen at the secondary and primary school levels. The impact of the use and ability of
students in optimizing the advantages of technology in educational institutions is very
encouraging. If this style of learning continues, e-learning will be among the main catalysts
of the education system in the coming years.

Conclusion

The use of technology is not to replace existing teaching methods nor is it a measure of the
success of the learning and teaching process. In fact, technology can be one of the teaching
aids that can help facilitate the affairs of educators as well as attract students with a
combination of various multimedia elements such as text, graphics, audio, animation and
mind tests interactively. The curriculum should emphasize a lot of creative activities
including thinking logically, building imagination and being able to provide insights.
Creativity can be nurtured when the individual is given encouragement. The development of
technology helps to develop a holistic and integrated curriculum that can produce useful
human beings in line with what is targeted by PPPM (PT) 2015-2025. The approach in the
process of learning and teaching has always gone through an evolutionary process and it will
continue non -stop. Along with the development of technology in the 21st century, causing
teaching and learning activities to become dynamic and indirectly increase the effectiveness
of the knowledge acquisition process.

However, educators play an important role in supporting all of this writing. An educator is a
manager, teaching leader and agent of change. The prowess of an educator lies in his or her
determination and success in transforming the individual attitudes, beliefs and behaviours of
children into adults. Van Legen in Morton (1996) states that most educators are ready to
implement technology in teaching and learning. This age of technology is happening so fast
that unprepared teachers will be left behind. This should not be the case among educators.
Therefore, educators should be given the opportunity to deepen the use of technology in
teaching and learning. Educators also need to be exposed to how to build and develop
software in order to have their own experience of building their own teaching materials
according to creativity and learning objectives will be achieved.
By the next 30 years, the knowledge that a human being has today will only account for one
percent, and the job market at that time will be filled with a highly skilled, creative,
innovative and critical -thinking workforce. Technological resources are needed to bring
change to the education system in order to meet the growing needs. Without technology, the
challenges will not be met, and this will affect the whole society especially the next
generation. Therefore, technology should be adopted and applied to the extent that it
contributes to the needs as well as the mission and educational institutions. An integrated
combination of industry, a robust curriculum, a good delivery system and supported by
technological developments in the education system will certainly be able to create an
ecosystem that can produce excellent students.
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