The Introduction of Computers & Smart Boards:
Could These Instructional Tools Revolutionized Liberia’s Education System?
By
Edmund Zar-Zar Bargblor
(Mr. Bargblor standing in front of a Smartboard, May 10, 2018)
The introduction of computers and smart boards as instructional tools continue to have great impact on classroom instructional strategies, especially in Western countries. Technology has indeed revolutionized the environment in which schools operate. The internet has introduced an environment in which schools are forced to design curricula that will empower individual students to educate themselves beyond the walls of the classrooms.
One of the most important technological inventions in contemporary times is the development of computers. Computers continue to play many roles in our lives, in transportation, record keeping, transportation, personal booking, business transactions, banking, etc., in these areas. The application of computers have been a blessing to mankind. Computers have become effective learning tools. The use of computers in schools have enabled students to locate and download information from the Internet utilized database to research information, and subsequently use a word processor to write a report, (Forcier & Descy, page 170). The availability of computers continues to help school administrators and their clerical staff to be productive and efficient in the performance of their respective functions. Computers are indeed instructional tools that help students in their learning process, and provide a wide spectrum of educational experiences.
Governorsolution.com, (http://www.governorsolutions.com/the-advantages-of-smart-boards-in-the-classroom/) outlined Eight Reasons why SMART Boards are essential in the modern-day classroom. SMART Boards are State-of the-art technology in Education Industry. Governorsolution.com pointed out each of the following attributes:
1. Provides Flexibility: Interactive whiteboards allow many different forms of media – including photos, illustrations, maps, graphs, games, and video, to be displayed. These tools not only enrich the classroom experience but also help to expand the nature of content that can be used in learning. In addition, SMART Boards make learning more dynamic owing to the different forms of presenting information.
2. Enhanced teaching/learning experience: SMART Boards provide new ways for teachers to teach, and students to learn. These tools support a wide variety of learning styles. For instance, visual learners can watch as their tutors use the whiteboards to project visual elements, whereas audio learners can listen and have discussions. On the other hand, the Boards come with touchscreen capabilities that allow tactile learners to touch and interact with the board.
4. Low-Maintenance: SMART Boards are neat and easy to use. There are no hassles cleaning or maintaining whiteboards. The data on the screen can be modified using a specialized highlighting tool or pen. There is no need for using unhygienic chalk or marker pens.
5. Access to online information & tools: SMART Boards allow learners to easily access a rich database of online resources. Teachers can use the wide variety of online information sources such as knowledge databases, online video and news items to reinforce their lessons. Learners can also quickly access the wide range of powerful tools and resources to conduct research and supplement their usual study material.
6. Going Green: Interactive boards are also environmentally friendly. They offer teachers an entirely different way of presenting information to students, which eliminates the need for writing, printing or photocopying. Which continues to eliminate waste and pollution, from over-utilization of paper and ink.
7. Technology Integration: SMART Boards allow for integration of various technologies to improve the learning experience. For instance, it is possible to attach tools such as microscopes, document cameras, cameras or video cameras to a whiteboard to aid in instruction. It is also possible to integrate the interactive learning tools with a wide range of software applications.
8. Communication: Interactive whiteboards allow for connectivity in different locations; making ideal collaboration and distance learning environments. When using SMART Boards, students tend to foster, student-to-student collaboration and increase overall participation in the lesson.
Schools within the United States and other developed nations are gradually introducing the use of Interactive Smart Boards in their classrooms. This technological device helps to enhance and improve learning outcomes. The integration of computer and whiteboard continue to have a powerful influence on how teachers deliver their lessons in the classrooms. With a touch of a finger, students can download information from the Internet instantaneously on the Smart Board. Teachers can draw diagrams and display other graphics, by using Smart Boards to make learning fun for students.
Whitehead, Jensen and Boschee have outlined the positive impact of technology on student achievement. They pointed out, that the use of technology in the classroom, “helps to increase performance, improves learning attitude and confidence, provides essential instructional opportunities, increases student collaboration, increases mastery of vocational skills, emphasizes problem solving, improves writing skills, provides instant feedback, creates immediate adjustment of task difficulty and provides access for students to advanced or enriched programs.” The presence of technology in the classrooms enables teachers to play their true role as facilitators of student learning. This brings about a shift from teacher-driven instructional strategies to student-driven adventures, helping individual students to become life time learners.
Conclusion
Indeed, the creation and introduction of computers, Internet and Smart Boards will continue to have an endless impact on teacher-instructional strategies, truly making schools to be a place of learning and an environment of excitement for children.
Indeed, the introduction of the SMART Boards to the Liberian classroom environment, could undoubtedly revolutionized Liberia’s education. Technological knowledge and skills have the capacity to develop Liberian young minds to foster critical thinking and critical analysis. Political leaders with critical thinking, will help to develop a new political culture and to view governance as an opportunity to be of service, relevant to all Liberians. Technological knowledge could help Liberia to generate good medical doctors to be able to cure AIDS, to eradicate malaria and tuberculosis. The modernization of Liberia’s education system, has enormous benefits to us all. Indeed, with critical mindsets, future members of the Liberian legislature will appreciate and celebrate the Diaspora as a national asset and not adversary as presently perceived.
The Author: Mr. Edmund Zar-Zar Bargblor is an Educator. He worked as an Educator, in Providence Schools Department, RI & Washington, D.C, School System , United States; Bong Education System, as Head of Department of Mathematics in Liberia . He is a graduate of Cuttington University, Liberia, Howard University, Washington, D.C, and Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel. He is a former Deputy Managing Director of the National Port Authority of Liberia, NPA. He can be contacted at: [email protected]
