5 Findings that Changed the Educational World Forever

The advent of technologies paved the way for straightforward verification of facts. A lot of concepts that were held truthful during the old days, are now considered obsolete. There is nothing constant nowadays, but change. People are on the move for new discoveries, making significant impact on our lives and the world we live in. Education, for one, is not resistant to these phenomena, but in ways that make conveying of knowledge far more suitable for students, teachers, and parents. Numerous modifications have been carried out in this area; and below are 5 findings that changed the educational world forever.

1. The development of computers.

Before the digital era, teachers manually record and compute for student grades. The task is rather strenuous, more specifically to those that handle multiple classes. When computer-based documentation was introduced, not only were teacher tasks made less demanding, but student home works as well. Modes of instruction were no longer limited to "stick and board" discussions or book oriented recitals. Video presentations are now becoming popular among many learning institutions. Computer is also an addition to major subjects in many primary and secondary schools.

2. Electronic libraries and journals.

School libraries are not always able to accommodate the needs of all students simultaneously requesting the same reference material. As buying is not a practical solution, students find it real difficult to find sources for their academic papers. The launching of electronic libraries and journals is a great lift to both students and professionals. Access to information can be done anytime at the comfort of one's home and searching through a thousand pages is made effortless.

3. Success of interactive TV.

It is easy to learn when one is having fun. Experts in the field of education have discovered the effectiveness of interactive TV in stimulating the young minds. Visual aids should not be constrained at charts and pictographs, but expand to whatever works for the students. Many educational programs have been developed by related agencies, providing entertaining ways to learn subjects like Science, Mathematics, English and Technology. Statistics show an increasing level of learning of students in public schools were interactive TV are mandated.

4. The rise of web-based education.

A lot of students prefer to complete their courses at their own pace. On account of their busy lifestyles or perhaps, to be able to concentrate better, they find it more effective to self-study and do things on their own. In addition, web based education enables students from any part of the world to enroll in their preferred institutions without the need to travel overseas.

5. Fostering the importance of peer relationships within the school.

Isolation can be traumatic to students and impede in their learning capacity. Studies reveal that learning something new is best enjoyed when students interact with one another and develop positive relationship with their teachers. It is a tendency of some students to become unnecessarily timid, or fail to express their thoughts with certainty. Involvement in groups helps build confidence and facilitate assertive sharing of ideas among students. Teachers can also best answer to the specific needs of their students through casual communications with them.

It is not always easy to dispense of things that we have been accustomed to for a long time. However, there is nothing that we can do but to embrace all that is new provided these are to the benefit of the majority and that these replace information that no longer applies today. The main objective of most researches is not to undermine the present reality but to make recommendations for the better. We are all witnesses to how these 5 findings that changed the educational world forever enhanced the lives of concerned individuals and added to the meaning of education.

Pivotal Articles in the History of Education

1. A Nation Still at Risk- ERIC Document
2. Can Performance-Based Assessments Improve Urban Schooling? - ERIC Document
3. Five Common Misuses of Tests- ERIC Document
4. Gender Bias and Fairness- Eric document briefly discussing the implications of gender bias.
5. Measurement Implications of "A Nation at Risk."- ERIC Document
6. New National Survey on Higher Education Distance Learning
7. Norm- and Criterion-Referenced Testing- ERIC Document
8. Retention and Social Promotion: Research and Implications for Policy- ERIC Document
9. School Practices for Equitable Discipline of African American Students- ERIC Document
10. Technology-Delivered Assessment: Guidelines for Educators Traveling the Technology Highway- ERIC Document