Technology can support (or hinder) teaching and learning in Pakistan

When I joined this course, I thought that I will learn how to teach using technology but I came to know that pedagogy is also very important part of teaching and learning. There is a concept of the stratosphere that shows the importance of trio of new pedagogy, technology and change knowledge.  A Few decades ago, in Pakistan, it was considered that teacher is the boss of the school and class and total education system was teacher-centric. The teacher was the only source for students to seek knowledge. This method of teaching where the student only gets lectures in the classroom was not so engaging because student starts getting bored. Then technology was introduced in classrooms and it helped both teachers and students in teaching and learning. I feel that teachers had more burden before technology because they have to make their teaching style more interesting but it is difficult when he/she only has to just speak in front of students for hours. Now teachers have internet access and a wide range of study related content. Teachers can show subject related videos, tutorials and simulation in the class by using projectors or multimedia. Before joining the course “Learning through Pedagogy and Technology” I didn’t know how technology is helping students and teachers in learning. Now I came to know that how social media, videos, multimedia and simulation software. I have played different games but never thought that games can also be used in learning. Games are the most useful way of learning as it improves logical and critical thinking skills of students. I liked the activity in class where the class was divided into two groups where one group was techno-enthusiasts who were in the favour of technology and the other group was techno-dissenters who were in favour of the traditional way of teaching. This activity showed how technology and pedagogy are important in learning and teaching. I have seen people with the misconception that if a student has access to internet and technology then there is no need for teachers in classrooms. But this course tells me how technology and pedagogy are linked together. Only technology or lecture method cannot be used for teaching. This means that a teacher cannot be replaced by technology. There are some disadvantages of technology like addiction, cyberbullying, less creativity etc. These problems can be solved when we will learn how to use technology in education. If students know that we have a fixed time to use technology and someone, can be a teacher, administrator or lab assistant, is supervising them they will use technology for the educational purposes only. But we can’t deny the fact that technology is a part of life now and it is improving Pakistan’s education system. I am sure that this course “Learning through pedagogy and technology” I will come to know how to use the blend of technology and traditional learning in a more productive way.