Features
Benefits of technology in learning
As the world advances in learning, efforts have been made by man to make use of technological developments to enhance learning to be able to promote learning in all its forms and facilitate learning and acquisition of knowledge.
It is for this reason that the way we learn today is changing from one form to the other. Many ears ago, face-to-face learning was the common practice in many parts of the world. This is what is known as traditional learning system. Today, this mode of learning has changed.
TRADITIONAL LEARNING SYSTEM
In many places, the traditional way of learning is being combined with technology in learning. For example, the traditional method of learning is being enriched by technological advancement through PowerPoint presentations and online learning. Some tertiary institutions refer to online learning as alternative learning. This form of alternative learning helps people all over the world to access learning materials irrespective of where they are located and also the nature of their work schedule.
Learning is the process of acquiring new knowledge, skills or values. It deals also with updating already acquired knowledge. Books and apprenticeship were predominantly used in acquiring new skills, but nowadays, with the help of technology, everything has been made simpler. In the past, the main source of information was the library.
BENEFITS OF TECHNOLOGY
With the help of technological devices such as computers and routers, information can be accessed from almost any location. Also, technology has found a way to solve problems associated with the older systems of learning. What all this means is that life has been made simpler and that man can take advantage of the benefits of technology to improve the social wellbeing in terms of learning.
The use of technology in learning, it is clear, has come to stay because it has brought great improvement in line with advancing knowledge to various categories of learners irrespective of their levels or where they are physically located. If technology has made this possible then it will be unwise for anyone to do away with technology in learning since obviously this will turn back the clock of progress in society.
Technological development overall started in a simple, gradual process. Man started making use of stones and other natural gadgets to develop himself. With time, this advanced into simple metals such as cutlasses and other tools used by man to promote social development at a certain level. This process has continued gradually until today when sophisticated implements, tools and gadget have been manufactured for use by man.
COLLABORATION IN LEARNING
Technology has continued in advancement until today making it possible for computers, phones, and other devices to be used in learning. This development has proved positive in the sense that it has helped to facilitate learning.
Technology has improved collaboration in learning. This is because both teachers and learners can interact outside the classroom or learning centre. When students have questions, a platform can be created to enable students to ask these questions and contribute as well. Before the spread of technology, when students had problems with a course or topic of any sort, the library was the major option.
There could also be friends and family with experience, but this is not guaranteed and is highly unlikely. This merit of technology has gone a long way in learning. The disadvantage about this is the fact that the learner is limited to a particular learning resource when so many can be explored. This is one of the ways technology has rendered services to learners.
EFFECTIVE USE OF TIME
Due to unforeseen circumstances, there can be a situation where either the teacher or learner, or both, will not be able to make it to the class. When this is the case, valuable time is either lost or wasted, and the students or learners start to lag behind. Now, even when these events occur, students are still able to learn because the teacher can forward learning materials to them. For example, if a lecturer or instructor is sick and cannot make it to a class, he or she can show the class the areas to read for that session. This paves the way for effective use of time.
There are some people who study better when with other people. But what happens when they are home and there is no one to study with? Everyone has different ways of learning. There are visual, auditory, read-and-write and kinaesthetic learners. Some are a combination of the four learning styles. Based on this, it can be said that it is not everyone who can use the library because it is not everyone who studies by reading.
In other words, we can say that the library being the only source of information serves as a disadvantage to some. With the help of technology, tutorial videos, audio books, online articles and images can be accessed to suit the various styles that people use to study. Briefly, we can say that technology aids individual learning.
TECHNOLOGICAL SKILLS
Aside all this, it can also be said that it equips individuals with computer and other technological skills because of regular usage. Though what is being studied may not be about technology, it is very likely to acquire knowledge on how to use a technological device.
When a lay person goes to the library and that library is equipped with computers, the person can be taught some basic tasks or operations. These tasks may include turning on a computer, opening the browser and connecting to the internet and turning off a computer and so on.
ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES
Some people may say technology has been a bad influence on the current generation and will be an even greater ‘disease’ to the up-and-coming generations. Some also say that learning and technology do not correlate because it serves as a distraction and increases laziness. This, however, is a very ignorant thing to say because technology has made learning very entertaining and has broadened the scope of learning also.
It was earlier stated that technology in learning boosts collaboration, makes up for time wasted, helps equip learners with technological skills and encourages individual learning. It is agreed that technology could be a menace in learning, but it is up to the user to determine that. Despite all this, technology has been effective with learning and has reaped so many benefits.
In conclusion, technology in learning can have its advantages and disadvantages. However, in the midst of the realities of today – pressure on time, staying in long distance spaces, difficulties in making oneself available for learning etc – it is clear that the benefits from technology in learning far overweigh continuous learning without technology or learning face to face.
By Dr. Kofi Amposah – Bediako
Contact email/whatsApp of author:
Pradmat2013@gmail.com (0553318911)
Features
The Prophet part 2
“I can see in the spirit, that some of you have been trading for years without seeing any meaningful profits, some young women have been disappointed by men who have either abandoned them and left for foreign lands and forgotten about them, or stopped sending money for the upkeep of their wives and children.
I can see young men who are desperate for visas to travel abroad but have either been duped by visa contractors or refused at the embassies. From tomorrow, I assure you, the visas will be given.
Young women, I have news for you. You will receive telephone calls, and you will hear very good news. Handsome young men with money in their pockets will come and marry you, and take care of you. Traders, you will get big business and big profits from today. From today, you will see that I am a true prophet who has come to deliver you.”
Shouts of “Amen,” “thank you Prophet” and “I receive it” greeted his sermon. After a final prayer, he asked the congregation to come early the following day, and bring others, because there would be many testimonies.
There would also be “special anointing” for great miracles. Although he did not ask for an offering, most of the people came and dropped notes, and coins at the “pulpit.” When they left, Antobam counted the money.
“GH¢900!” he almost shouted, ‘and I did not even ask for an offering. This is fantabulous!’ Going to the Nana Kofi Broni shrine, he told himself, was a very wise move.
He started making plans……He had to choose a few assistants who would carry out his orders……. He had to hire some chairs as soon as possible……He had to find a suitable piece of land and, if possible, build his own church……. He had to start looking for a nice car, befitting the status of a popular preacher …… And, most importantly, he had to select two, three or four nice, young women to take care of his needs, apart from the servants who would cook, wash, iron and do other errands for him.
Abruptly, he told himself, this hungry, scruffy Kukurantumi boy was being transformed into a man of power and money, with some of the most beautiful women in town at his beck and call. Wow!
After a shower and supper, he shut the door to the very small room that served as his bedroom and dropped on the bed. Almost immediately, the shrill sounds, like whispers, began.
This time he did not express any fears. He realised to his great surprise that even though the sounds were not in the form of any language, he could understand them.
Tomorrow there will be testimonies……they will give money……. some rich people are being prepared …….they will bring big money ………. we will give them what they want, and they will bring money ……. big money …….big, big money……the women will also come, a number of them. ‘
He went to sleep smiling and whispering to himself, ‘big, big money, and women!’
He woke up at 5 and took a shower. After a breakfast of tea and several slices of bread he set off. On reaching the venue he saw to his great surprise that the place was full.
Very full, and quite a number of people rushed to embrace him and give him the wonderful news. The excited people narrated the testimonies about big sales, telephone calls from relatives directing them to go to Western Union, and impotent husbands who had miraculously rediscovered their magic powers.
He was truly glad that Nana Kofi Broni’s magic had already started working, but most of his attention was focused on the ladies in the congregation. He noticed to his great delight that some of them were really nice. I must start making my selection, he told himself. Today!
“Give a mighty clap offering to the great, mighty one for his wonders among us!” he started, and the response was very big.
“I said yesterday that you were going to see signs and wonders, and I am very happy that my word has been fulfilled. Even though we have taken allowed one hour for testimonies, many more of you would like to testify.
Tomorrow, I promise you that there will be ample time. I will only preach a short sermon. The rest of the time will be taken up by consultations, after which I will give directions on what to do to ensure that you defeat your enemies, secure your marriage and, most importantly, continue increasing your profits in your business.” His sermon was interspersed with ecstatic shouts of “Amen,” “it is true,” “God bless you” and “I receive it.”
His final word was emphatic; “Big miracles are coming your way. Keep attending church, and don’t forget to give thanks to God.”
By Ekow de Heer
Features
Full Gospel Businessmen Fellowship launches project to transform young lives
The Full Gospel Businessmen’s Fellowship International (FGBMFI) Ghana has launched the Senior High Schools and Colleges Project (SCP) aimed at empowering and transforming the lives of young people.
Speaking at the launch, Professor Mike Ocquaye, the former Speaker of Parliament, emphasised the need to catch them young and train them as the current times were challenging.
He lauded the project, calling on all to support it, saying “In fact, it’s very important to catch them young, train them, lead them, guide them, and mentor them because the times are indeed rough,” Prof. Ocquaye said.
Mr Ekow Egyir Dadson, the Director, Schools and Colleges Directorate, stated that since its inception in 2018, the SCP had reached over 70 educational institutions with countless testimonies of transformation.
“We began with the Presbyterian Boys Secondary School (PRESEC) Legon, and now in 2024, we have visited 74 schools and impacted the lives of over 100,000 students, some of whom were personally mentored and now have graduated from the universities.”
He explained that the SCP, a vision by FGBMFI Ghana, was a bold outreach programme designed to call young people to Christ, train and equip them for the future.
He cited testimony-sharing, mentorship, career guidance, entrepreneurship and counseling as some of the unique approaches to be used in reaching out to the targeted students.
Mr Emmanuel Baba Mahama, the National President of the FGBMFI Ghana, launched the SCP Manual, which would help the FGBMFI Zonal Family Chapters across Ghana in order to adopt schools and colleges within their catchment areas.
The Schools and Colleges project is making a great impact; we have had first-hand testimonies from school heads, teachers, and students (mentees) about the SCP. This project has come to stay, Mr Baba Mahama assured.
He, therefore, called for more volunteers and partners to help the SCP shape the next generation of leaders and citizens.
Findings by the FGBMFI revealed that Ghana’s senior high schools, colleges, and university students face growing challenges like addictions, indiscipline, poor academic performance, pornography, homosexuality, broken homes, and a lack of godly guidance.
That had been a concern to many parents and society, “but the FGBMFI believes there is hope to rescue and restore these young students,” Mr Mahama said. –GNA
