Previously, in order to access the wealth of knowledge in books, one had to go to a physical library. Now the whole world is our library. With a mobile phone that is connected to the Internet, we have access to the world’s information at our fingertips. Using Google search, you can research any topic and find relevant, factual data. Dictionaries, encyclopedias and research materials are now all online, updated in real-time, and changing the way we think about our world.
Technology is allowing teachers to expand their influence beyond the classroom. With lessons on sites like YouTube as well as using video conferencing platforms and chat platforms, they can provide lessons to students and offer guidance, regardless of time and place. Learning, at whatever age and for whatever purpose, can now be done using real-life, real-time demonstrations; and mundane lessons can be brought to life through the use of technology.
The next billion users of the technology will come from emerging markets like Africa. This new phase will incorporate age-old principles with new-age learning and will conquer frontiers to create a continent that will stand shoulder to shoulder with the rest of the world. Leveraging the power of technology in education is critical in making this happen.