Extent of SIMS Adoption
The concept of Student Information Management System (SIMS) is one that continues to elicit mixed reactions. Its application appears limited by a number of factors. Whitley, Gal, and Kjaergaard (2014) connotes that SIMS faces challenges in acceptability due to the kind of information being stored, personal identification information being stored in the system and the identity of people accessing this information. Ngoma (2009) explores the level of success student information system, a subset of SIMS. Findings from Ngoma’s expedition indicate that many institutions tend to have a negative attitude towards implementation of such projects. Their evaluation mechanism on application of this technology is tied to the level of improvement of the institution especially student performance (Sun & Benton 2008; Chong 2014).
The Australian and European context of application is appealing. Individual governments have formulated legislations that encourage institutions to implement SIMS while others make it mandatory for these implementations to be effected with monitoring and regulatory bodies established (Whitley, Gal, and Kjaergaard 2014; BCME. 2011). In addition, subsidizing the implementation of these systems makes it possible for such regions to have extensive utilization of SIMS.
The African context and especially East African integration of SIMS is one that is shy of expectation. Recent technological boom in the region created a platform for the adoption of SIMS. However, lack of government incentives to integrate this technology in the learning and management of learning institution makes it hard for school management to make such investments (Magara 2006). The amount incurred in the implementation of this sys...
... middle of paper ...
...IT).
Nguyen, T, Mondragon, F, O'Brien, W, Jackson, K, Issa, R, & Rojas, E 2012, 'Student Background and Implications for Design of Technology-Enhanced Instruction', Journal Of Computing In Civil Engineering, 26, 5, p. 562, Publisher Provided Full Text Searching File, EBSCOhost, viewed 13 April 2014.
Sun, C.Y. & Benton, D. 2008, The Socioeconomic Disparity in Technology Use and Its Impact on Academic Performance. In K. McFerrin et al. (Eds.), Proceedings of Society for Information Technology & Teacher Education International Conference 2008 pp. 1025-1028. Chesapeake, VA: AACE.
Whitley, E, Gal, U, & Kjaergaard, A 2014, 'Who do you think you are? A review of the complex interplay between information systems, identification and identity', European Journal Of Information Systems, 23, 1, p. 17, Publisher Provided Full Text Searching File, EBSCOhost, viewed 13 April 2014.
In his 1971 paper “Personal Identity”, Derek Parfit posits that it is possible and indeed desirable to free important questions from presuppositions about personal identity without losing all that matter. In working out how to do so, Parfit comes to the conclusion that “the question of identity has no importance” (Parfit, 1971, p. 4.2:3). In this essay, I will attempt to show that Parfit’s thesis is a valid one, with positive implications for human behaviour. The first section of the essay will examine the thesis in further detail, and the second will assess how Parfit’s claims fare in the face of criticism. Problems of personal identity generally involve questions about what makes one the person one is and what it takes for the same person to exist at separate times (Olson, 2010).
Almost everyone attends a school at one time in their life whether the classroom includes technology or not. Research shows that technology isn’t used as often as one might think. The article, “High Access and Low use of technology in High School Classrooms” illustrates the use of technology by stating that only one in ten of elementary and middle school teachers are daily users of computers (Cuban, Kirkpatrick, Peck). Most schools now have classrooms that use technology throughout the entire class time and even at home to do homework. Although some people might agree with the use of technology in class, it is more harmful to the students than useful. It can cause many distractions, it can be difficult to use and can take away from learning time.
Technology is such a valuable resource for students in today’s modern world; unfortunately students from low socioeconomic areas have limited access to various types of technology. Smartphones and computers are essential for students especially when conducting research and completing homework assignments. Tina Barseghians, an expert in the empowerment of technology found that low-income student test scores increased by 30 percent after they were given Smartphone’s to access more information and instruction and to collaborate with their peers (Barseghian). This can be a burden for families who do not have the money to buy such technology. Most importantly, the schools should have access to computers for the students to use but due to funding from the government, this has become a huge issue. For the year of 2013-2014, the state of North Carolina appropriated zero funds for school technology
Based on what I have read, technology effectiveness is a highly debated and argued topic among educators. There are many myths and misconceptions that even I myself have argued about technology use. For example, I always assumed that because I was a young, new teacher and used technology that most teachers who used technology were new and young like me. According to the article Research dispels common ed-tech myths, this idea is not the case. Veteran teachers are just as likely to use technology as new, young teachers (eSchool News Staff, 2010). A 2009 survey by Grundwald associates, found that as many as 34% of teachers were infrequent technology users compared to 22% who claimed that they used technology frequently, more than a third of their class time. This number is astounding to me. The research in this article seems to argue that even among those who do use technology in the classroom, many use it for tasks such as email, word processing, or games. Very few classrooms seem to be using the technology for actual learning and teaching.
Multiple identities have been increased by the creation of cyberspace communications according to "Cyberspace and Identity" by Sherry Turkle. Turkle uses four main points to establish this argument. Her first point is that online identity is a textual construction. Secondly she states that online identity is a consequence-free moratorium. Turkle's third point is online identity expands real identity. Finally, her last point states that online identity illustrates a cultural concept of multiplicity. I disagree with many aspects of her argument and I have found flaws in her argument. Technology is an area that does not stand still and consequently outpaced Turkle's argument.
Not many people would argue that computer technology is bad for the K-12 classroom. There is, however, a serious and thought-provoking debate going on regarding computer technology in the classroom. At issue is to what extent and at what age should computers be integrated in American classrooms. There is no question that a certain level of technology will bring improvements in academic achievement. In one study on children of low socioeconomic status a definite improvement was seen. It was noted that, “Increasing the technology available to students encourages, facilitates, and supports student achievement – at the elementary level, the most profound effects were found in the area of mathematics” (Page 391). Page also states that, “numerous studies have demonstrated that young children’s self-esteem or self-concept directly affects their academic performance” (Page 391).
As technology continues to advance in the modern world it provides many luxuries, not only to everyday life, but specifically for students. Technology provides today’s students with many opportunities for success in their academic endeavors, which may enhance their achievement. These opportunities can be seen in several areas such as; proper planning, teachers being able to adapt to individual learning styles, the constant communication it allows, and the originality of student’s work. By providing students with the many luxuries of technology they are able to not only see where they are going, but they are able to make a plan to get them where they strive to be.
There are many formats and venues available for technology inclusion into curriculum. Making learning user-friendly and applicable to life is part of the job of the post-secondary institution.
Technology has rapidly changed over the years and has expanded our infrastructure greatly. In particular, as technology advances the education system adapts to the many changes. The world of technology brings about many new improvements and shows no sign of slowing down. Many people spend their day to day lives utilizing the great aspects of technology doing almost anything imaginable. Through technology teachers and students can connect and expound upon the many fields of education. Technology is an ever growing aid in education that has increased awareness, communication, and accessibility. How is technology shaping education? The uses of mobile devices and applications have shown a great influence in the education system.
Technology affects everyone - and everyone! Whether positive or negative, we are all affected, how it manifests itself into problems for youth will be studied and debated for years. Balancing technology throughout the educational process and keeping with current trends and uses of technology will affect everyone. Technology has transformed our youth’s daily and social lives. How do we measure the effects of technology on our ability to socialize or have a successful social life?
Burdette, K., McGraw T. & Ross, J. (2001). Toward an effective use of technology in education. A summary of research. (p.3) Charleston, WV: AEL
Schacter, J. (1999). The impact of education technology on student achievement: What the most current research has to say. Milken Exchange on Education Technology, Milken Family Foundation. Retrieved from http://www.eric.ed.gov/ERICWebPortal/contentdelivery/servlet/ERICServlet?accno=ED430537
Zhao, Y. and Frank, K. A. 2003, “Factors Affecting Technology Uses in Schools: An Ecological Perspective”, American Educational Research Journal, vol. 40, no. 4, pp. 807-840, viewed 15 Jan 2014, retrieved from Sage Online Article.
However, schools and government should pay great attention to the use of ICT and take some very crucial points into consideration. As Al-Fahad (2009) states, schools and universities should:
Closing the digital divide involves many components, starting with the education program and teachers. While schools are integrating new technologies into their programs, teachers are supposed to keep up with the latest technologies and use them in their curriculum to teach students. According to a U.S. Department of Education Report (1999), only 24 percent of new teachers felt sufficiently prepared to integrate technology into the curriculum they were using (Brogan, 2000). The problem is, many teachers did not grow up with computers and are not receiving the training they need to operate them (Brogan, 2000). Starting work as early as 7 a.m. and leaving school as late as 5 p.m. to go home and do even more work, leaves teachers lacking the time to learn new technological skills. Many schools offer training programs for teachers. For example, the Palm Beach County, Florida school district teaches Web basics for teachers at middle schools and magnet schools (Brogan, 2000). This is a great idea because it is giving teachers the opportunity to learn about technology and it is showing that the school district is interested in helping its employees become better at what they do.