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Benefits of Technology in the Classroom

By: Janelle Cox

As we sail through the 21st century, technology in the classroom is becoming more and more predominant. Tablets are
replacing our textbooks, and we can research just about anything that we want to on our smartphones. Social media has
become commonplace, and the way we use technology has completely transformed the way we live or lives.

Educators, too, have seen firsthand the benefits of technology in the classroom. According to a study by IT Trade
Association CompTIA just released this month, around 75 percent of educators think that technology has a positive impact in
the education process. Educators also recognize the importance of developing these technological skills in students so they will
be prepared to enter the workforce once they complete their schooling.

The impact that technology has had on today’s schools has been quite significant. This widespread adoption of technology has
completely changed how teachers teach and students learn. Teachers are learning how to teach with emerging technologies
(tablets, iPads, Smart Boards, digital cameras, computers), while students are using advanced technology to shape how they
learn. By embracing and integrating technology in the classroom, we are setting our students up for a successful life outside of
school. Here are a few benefits of using it.

Technology in the Classroom Makes Learning More Fun

According to the study mentioned above, students prefer technology because they believe that it makes learning more
interesting and fun. They especially like laptops and tablets. Subjects that students deem challenging or boring can become
more interesting with virtual lessons, through a video, or when using a tablet.

Technology Prepares Students for the Future

CompTIA’s study showed that 9 out of 10 students indicated that using technology in the classroom would help prepare them for
the digital future. These 21st-century skills are essential in order to be successful in this day and age. Jobs that may not have
had a digital component in the past, may have one now. Education isn’t just about memorizing facts and vocabulary words, it’s
about solving complex problems and being to collaborate with others in the workforce. Ed-tech in the classroom prepares
students for their future and sets them up for this increasing digital economy.

Improved Retention Rate

Student perceptions in the study believe that technology helps them retain information better. According to different a study,
these students may be on to something. Eighteen 2nd grade students were challenged to complete a Power Point project about
an animal. Sixteen out of the 18 students remembered more facts about the animal after completing the presentation. These
results show that technology indeed helps students remember what they learn.

Technology Helps Students Learn at Their Own Pace

Today’s technology enables students to learn at their own pace. For example, almost all apps allow for individualized instruction.
Students can learn according to their abilities and needs. This form of teaching is also great for the teacher because it gives
him/her the time to work individually with students who may be struggling.
Technology Connects with Students

Technology occupies an important place within students’ lives. When they are not in school, just about everything that they do is
connected in some way to technology. By integrating technology into the classroom, teachers are changing the way they used to
teach (lectures six hours a day) and providing students with the tools that will take them into the 21 st century.

Technology changes by the minute, and as educators we need to keep up with the times in order to best prepare our students
for this ever-changing world that we live in. While we just saw how integrating technology into the classroom has its benefits, it’s
important to note that traditional learning processes are just as essential. Take time to learn about each element of ed-tech that
you will incorporate into your classroom. When you do, you will find that technology can have a profound impact on your
students learning.
http://smallbusiness.chron.com/advantages-using-computers-business-4014.html

Advantages of Using Computers in Business

by Ruth Mayhew

Technology changes the definition of the phrase "conduct business." With computers, you can produce more documents than a
typewriter and mimeograph machine could ever do. Computers simplify business transactions and enable products and services
to be sold across the globe. With them, you can file and store more information than thousands of file folders and cabinets.

Computers for General Business

In an office fully equipped with a computer network you have the capability to communicate via the company's intranet as well as
the Internet. An intranet is extremely valuable; you can handle sensitive or confidential information within the confines of your
company's network without concern that unauthorized users will access your organization's private network. Computers are also
necessary for organizations with employees who are telecommuters or stationed remotely. In these circumstances, the
computers issued to remote employees remain company property and are returned when the employee leaves the company.
Companies sometimes implement policies that prohibit the use of company-issued computers for personal use, to safeguard
company information. Business computers are used for producing correspondence, processing accounting tasks and performing
research functions. A vast number of software applications are available for an organization or business process of virtually any
size. The advantages of computers for conducting general business transactions are numerous, one of which is ensuring higher
levels of accuracy for functions previously performed by staff.

Computers for Human Resources

Human resources information systems, called HRIS, are extremely popular. An HRIS enables quick, efficient processing of
applications and many other functions. In its white paper series "E-HR: The Technology Revolution in HR - Definition and
Benefits," the Right Team Inc. notes, "A state-of-the-art Human Resource System provides the underlying data, tools and
technology to manage and execute human resource activities in an integrated environment." HRIS systems collect data for
federal, state and local reports, such as equal employment opportunity forms some companies are required to send to
government agencies. HRIS systems also sort employment data, process payroll, calculate employee benefits, perform human
resources audits, analyze turnover rates and collect employee responses to opinion surveys and exit interviews. For a human
resources department, computers are essential and have great value. Employment actions generate a great deal of paper;
utilizing an HRIS is the ideal solution for collecting and storing personnel data.

Computers for Expanding Business Reach

Globalization is a trendy way of describing how far a company can reach its customers or how an organization can produce
materials or items for end users from anywhere in the world. Computers enable you to market your company's products and
services to a local geographic area or to worldwide customers. As Ghana Web puts it, "The introduction of computers and the
Internet has reduced the world to a global village where individuals, companies and countries can exchange goods and
services." Without the benefit of computers in the workplace, selecting demographics for identifying and approaching your
market would consume an enormous amount of staff time and energy. Computers provide cost-effective functions for
production, sales and shipping. Manufacturing companies utilize computers for producing anything from ready-to-wear clothing
to automobiles.
http://www.gizbot.com/news/technology-helps-in-crime-investigation-and-crime-fighting.html

Technology helps in crime investigation and

crime fighting
Technology is not restricted to everyday use, it can also be used to fight crime and prevent crimes from occurring in
future as well. This can be justified when we examine the usage of technology in fighting crimes and their detection.

By making use of latest technology, technical gadgets anybody can fight crime and thereby reduce crime rates. This in
turn leads to enrichment of safety and bettering lives.

We can take the example of the 2005 London Blasts where the terrorists were easily apprehended by using a
cellphone. Likewise all major crimes across the world are detected with the help of technology.

The best crime-fighting weapon that technology has given us is the Cellphone. The cellphone images that we capture
can lead the Police, Sleuths, Detectives directly to the criminals in many cases. Similarly, the video recording facility also acts
like a secondary surveillance unit and thereby aids in crime detection & prevention.

The wireless devices can easily be carried to the place of investigation and leads to the crime and criminals can be
established. The advantage that technology provides is the price factor i.e the wireless units, hand-held devices that work using
digital principles cost much lesser than the conventional analog devices thereby making people dependent on them for
investigation as well.

We can consider the case of New York city in which the Police department reported an approximate crime reduction
rate of 40% after using wireless, remote monitoring devices. Likewise the Police in many countries across the world have
reported to reduction in crime rates after upgrading themselves to latest technical surveillance units.

Similarly one more technological boon to mankind has been the GPS(Global Positioning System) which allows 24X7
monitoring, surveillance of vehicles. The GPS gives the exact location of a particular vehicle and thus allows the sleuths to arrive
at the crime-scene( or crime- initiating spot) quickly. Through this, many lives are saved as well. The GPS, thus is gaining
popularity and also is the most preferred, user friendly surveillance method.

There are many portable, compact investigative devices as well such as Spy Pens that allow continuous surveillance
and help in fighting crime. These are definitely an added advantage to our Police Department as they help in collecting exact
details of the crime thereby enabling the Police to take relevant steps to handle/ prevent crimes.

One more example for technological investigations is the use of computers. This concept is used by the Sleuths even in
remote countries to investigate crime and stop them.

Police in many countries have appealed to citizens to use their cellphones, computers, handycams etc to record and
report crimes( pre-planned crimes as well) and save lives. This when implemented effectively even by ordinary citizens will lead
to a drastic reduction in crime rate across the world.
http://alevelphysicaleducation.co.uk/technology-in-sport/

Technology in Sport
This aspect of the AQA A2 specification is difficult to teach because of the lack of resources available in an ever-
changing area of interest. The specification requires ‘Candidates to understand the advantages and disadvantages to the
performer, coach, official, spectator, sport and World Games of technology’.
One definition of what’s involved comes from the University of Ulster:
‘Sporting technologies are man-made means (methods), developed to reach human interests or goals in or
relating to a particular sport. Technology in sports is a technical means by which athletes attempt to improve their training
and competitive surroundings in order to enhance their overall athletic performance.’
In other words technology is used by performers, coaches and officials to try to improve performance; it is used to
enhance the experience of spectators; it can be used to improve a sport.

What are the benefits of advanced sporting technologies?

Recent developments in sporting technologies have created a variety of products aimed at improving and
increasing athletic performance. The health and well-being of performers can be maintained and observed, and injuries
treated, through the production of technologies such as heart rate monitors, pedometers and body-fat monitors. The use
of these has given individuals greater knowledge of the body and its ability to absorb exercise, which in turn has allowed
athletes to train and compete in sports to a much older age. The safety of those involved has also be helped through the
development of certain sporting equipment, such as helmets and body protection which are used for example in cricket
and hockey to help prevent injuries. Modern sporting technologies have also made officiating easier and more accurate,
and spectator interest and excitement is enhanced by broadcasting and in-stadium displays or scoreboards.

How can technology be used to enhance athletic performance?

Sports equipment such as clothing and footwear needs to be user-friendly and include valuable properties such
as strength, flexibility, toughness, resistance to moisture and more importantly cost. Footwear is generally chosen more
for comfort (fashion?) and injury avoidance rather than performance enhancement, whereas clothing such as the full body
suits used in cycling may be justified in activities where winning or losing is measured in hundredths of a second. Sporting
equipment such as the composite tennis racket has been created in order to provide increased ball speed, and reduce the
potential for injuries at the elbow joint. In golf, the overall mass of the club has decreased which is believed to result in a
greater achievable distance and possibly a more accurate shot.
Prosthetics have also been made for those athletes with a specific disability. Examples include the prosthetics
worn by those athletes without a lower limb, which acts with a ‘springboard’ effect where with each step the device returns
energy and permits running gait. The reduced mass of the device makes it firm yet supple for sprinters, and provides
some shock absorbing properties for marathon runners. Wheelchair devices used in sporting activities have also become
more sophisticated, for example, with sharply slanted back wheels in tennis to allow the player to move swiftly across the
court from side to side.
Nutrition and Fitness are probably the most important features which can affect an athlete’s performance in sport.
Technology such as software programs are being used to monitor and analyse an athlete’s nutrition and fitness levels in
much more accurate ways than previously.

How can technology be used to analyse athletic performance?

Technologies such as ‘smart’ equipment can be used to measure performance. These include devices used for
exercise stress testing and cardiovascular assessment, human reaction time and frequency of movement meters, and
devices such as force platforms that measure the characteristics of jumping and running. More modern technologies such
as motion capture analysis are also used to analyse performance. This involves digitally recording on cameras, the
movements of athletes during sporting activities which can then be used for evaluation by the performer and/or their
coach, or for enhanced spectator entertainment.
What are the ethical considerations surrounding the use of technology in sports?
The use of modern technologies in sport may mean that competition at the highest level is only available to those
athletes/countries who can afford/supply it. In those sports involving individuals with a particular disability, there are
different ways in which assistance can be given. For example, modifications to buildings can be made to make them
wheelchair accessible, specialised equipment can also be produced and training given to provide specific assistance to
those with a disability. Technology can also be detrimental with such things as the development of ergogenic aids,
especially where cost is an important factor. This could mean that only the wealthier performers/countries have access to
the highest quality equipment.

‘Hawkeye’ and Goal-line technology

‘Hawk-Eye’ was first introduced into cricket in 2001. Originally it was only for the benefit of the TV audience as it
could track the trajectory of balls in flight. But since 2008 it has been used for referring decisions to the third umpire if a
team disagreed with a decision. Similar technologies are now in use to help officials make the correct calls in Tennis. In
rugby (Union and League) the officials are able to refer try-scoring incidents to a ‘4th official’, who can watch replays
before advising the referee whether a try should be allowed or not.
In football, goal-line technology has recently been introduced to give a clear indication to the referee as to whether the ball
has crossed the line or not.

Areas of technology that can be used to improve performance

1. Equipment, e.g. tennis rackets/cricket helmets
2. Clothing, e.g. lycra shorts/lightweight protection
3. Footwear, e.g. running shoes/football blades
4. Surfaces, e.g. all-weather/artificial pitches
5. Facilities, e.g. sport-specific venues/climate control,
6. Cameras, e.g. photo-finish/action replay
7. Computers, e.g. storage of information/match analysis
8. Software, e.g. technique analysis/dartfish

Advantages of technology for spectators

1. Increased experience at home through use of more cameras/player cam
2. Wider range of sports accessible/visible through technology eg glass walls in squash
3. All-weather surfaces – improved skill, truer bounce, multiple fixtures
4. Improved camera technology eg Hawkeye
5. On-screen information/interaction eg shots on target

Advantages of technology on performers

1. Increased knowledge of diet, eg carbo-loading
2. Supplementation eg creatine
3. Faster rehabilitation eg O2 tents, hypobaric chambers, ice baths
4. Improved testing to provide feedback on effectiveness of training programmes
5. Improved analysis of performance, eg match analysis, GPS data
6. Advances in stress management techniques
7. Equipment designed for individual needs
8. Facilities to recreate environments, eg. Humidity chambers
9. Instant feedback on performance, eg heart rate monitors
10. Advanced clothing/equipment design, eg lycra suits/prosthetics
Benefit of technology for coaches
1. Video analysis of matches to highlight strengths/weaknesses and or tactics/strategies
2. Video analysis of technique – dartfish
3. Detail analysis of success of nutrition/training programmes
4. New training techniques/equipment to improve performance
5. Specific/detailed recording of performances/split times

Disadvantages of technology
1. Could lead to increased injury or violence/shorter careers
2. e.g. from bladed boots / use of rugby shoulder pads / players bigger / fitter / more powerful
3. May lead to cheating / violence
4. e.g. drugs
5. Can disrupt or slow down ‘game’
6. e.g. time taken for playback
7. Could be an unfair advantage / be expensive / be dependent on sponsor
8. e.g. technology not equally available to all such as high tech bikes
9. Reduces traditional ethic or nature of sport / can lead to ‘win at all costs’ ethic
10. e.g. use of high tech equipment at junior or local level / TV or internet or modern media that has made sport a global
‘product’

Increased technology to help officials make the correct decision has improved the
sporting event.

Advantages
1. Ensure correct decisions are made/fair competition/less controversy/players more confident in decisions;
2. Helps officials communicate with each other;
3. Less pressure on official to make the final judgement/less post-match criticism;
4. Timing/measurement accurate;
5. Creates excitement in crowd waiting for decision/allows players to officially challenge decisions;

Disadvantages
6. Officials using technology can still be wrong/technology can’t be used for everything/officials are an integral part of the
sporting contest/over reliance on technology/lose respect of official’s decision being final;
7. Specific technology used must be accurate/high level of reliability ;
8. Changes the nature of the sport;
9. Cost limits use of technology at events/not consistent for all players or spectators;
10. Breaks in play can be disruptive for spectators if too long;
http://www.unc.edu/~kmonsalv/comp101/project1/

Benefits of Computer Use in Health Care

Systems

Improved Quality of Care

Automated hospital information systems can help improve quality of care because of their far-reaching capabilities. An
example is the HELP system, which is a complete knowledge based hospital information system. It supports not only the
routine applications of an HIS including ADT, Order Entry/Charge Capture, Pharmacy, Radiology, Nursing documentation,
ICU Monitoring, but also supports a robust decision support function. Use of the HELP integrated system showed that the
risk of wound infection decreased significantly when antibiotics were given in the 2 hours before surgery at LDS Hospital
in Salt Lake City. Also, the HELP system detected 60 times as many adverse drug reactions in patients as the traditional
method at LDS Hospital. The computer-detected reactions - 95 percent of which were moderate to severe - occurred in
648 patients over 18 months. Given this information, one can argue that decision support withing the HELP system
improved:

 Data interpretation
 Patient Diagnosis
 Clinical Protocols

In addition to alerting physicians to abnormal and changing clinical values, computers can generate reminders for
physicians. For complex issues, computer workstations can integrate and use patient records, knowledge databases, and
research plans. Investigators have shown that Physicians reminded electronically were twice as likely to give vital shots
and vaccinations like the flu vaccine to patients at a high risk during the winter in a 3-year trial by Indiana University
investigators. Due to vaccination of high-risk patients, winter hospitalization, ER visits, and tests for repiratory aliments
were reduced by 15 to 30 percent. Also, at Beth Isreal hospital in Boston, computer alert notifications assisted physicians
in the prevention of serious kidney diseases. When creatinine levels rose in patients, the computers sent an alert
message to physicians, which allowed them to act quickly in the treatment of patients. Nonetheless, computers provide
physicans and healthcare providers worldwide an easier method in which they can treat and care for patients.

Decrease in Costs

When a healthcare provider orders a test by computer, it can automatically display information that promotes cost-
effective treatment and testing. At Wishard Memorial Hospital in Indianapolis, total costs decreased $594 per admission
when physicians used computers to write all inpatient orders. The workstations were linked to a comprehensive electronic
medical record system. Total charges per admission were several hundred dollars less when workstations were used to
write all inpatient orders at the hospital. This could result in millions of dollars being saved nationwide. Additionally,
physicians ordered 14 percent fewer tests per outpatient visit when using computer workstations at the large primary care
facility in Indianapolis.

Computers also allow the use of a paperless, electronic system. Not having to print out test results, test information,
appointment information, etc. could significantly decrease paper waste and, in turn, save trees and money. Also, with
computers comes electronic mail. E-mail is a great tool when sending out information. In a healthcare setting, it could
benefit patients and healthcare providers alike by keeping appointment dates organized and easy to access. If a patient
communicates with a physician through the Internet, it could reduce the percentage of in-office visits. People will reduce
instances of having to go for an actual visit to the clinic, saving time and money.
Uniformity with Future Use

Through utilizing computers in healthcare systems, a standard of uniform medical references can take place in hospitals
and offices throughout the world. By this concrete system, healthcare services, hospital expenses, & the effectiveness of
treatment can all be evaluated on the same basis. Because of this, accuracy and productiveness is ensured. Currently,
there are two large databases being used in the United States. One system is employed in 12 states that have community
hospitals while the other system is used across the country in over 900 hospitals. However, there are a variety of
databases available including the following:

 Meditech
 Cerner
 McKesson
 Epic Systems
 Siemens Healthcare
 CPSI
 Healthcare Management Systems
 Self-developed
 Healthland
 Eclipsys

In a world constantly growing and expanding, adding healthcare to the growing list of fields that utilize computers is a
sensible approach. Technology is constantly improving, and the healthcare areas can use this to their advantage. Also, as
an environmental concern, paperless medical record systems are more practical and earth-friendly. As uniform systems
develop around the globe, doctors, nurses, researchers, and countless other individuals can come together for a common
goal of improving healthcare. The future can involve records that all utilize medical terminology and evaluation in an
effective way. Through this collaboration, the healthcare system has a positive outlook for future workings.

Patient Knowledge

Computers allow patients to grasp a visual perspective on their health. Radiographs, x-rays, and several other
visual representations could aid in patient knowledge of their own health. These systems create a more advanced way of
recording, analyzing, and understanding a patient's situation. Without the advanced technologies that a computer creates,
both patients and health care providers are not as informed as they could be with a computer's help. Along with visual
representations, patients can use the Internet to help inform themselves of certain things going on in health care. Not only
can users look up general information about their personal situation, but they can find answers to frequently asked
questions for specific things that they are interested in finding information about.

Computers provide an easier way to look up a patient's information if they ask for it. The alternative to that would
be having to rummage through papers that could have gotten lost or misplaced. Clearly, that is not the ideal scenario.
Patient portals make it easier for individuals and caregivers to address individual health and healthcare because they can
enhance the quality and the frequency of health-related communications. Computers can help patients become more
informed about certain prescribed drugs and treatments, as well. Patient knowledge is a very important thing and, without
computers, patients would be much more ill-informed.

The Internet

The availability of the Internet has brought significant changes to health services. The fact that the number of
elderly people in the U.S. and other industrialized nations is rising is beginning to put pressure on health services. There
are not enough resources to take care of the elderly without the Internet. This increase in the elderly is one reason for the
increase in home care. With "Internet access available to everyone and the advent of wireless technologies, advanced
telehomecare is a possibility for a large proportion of the population" (Herzoga, 2003). New developments, such as
"network technologies that connect sensors and input devices in the patient home to a home health care provider" made
home care for even gravely ill patients a possibility.

In one study, it was found that it's possible to hook monitors in the patient's home to the health care provider via
the Internet. Because this is possible, health care for the elderly has improved.
The system has four "networks":

1. sensors, input devices, and the processing unit for evaluation and display of measurement data in the patient's
home
2. the network between the patient home and the health care provider for transmitting data from the home to a
central server
3. the Intranet, or interior systems, of the health care organization
4. a mobile network that gives authorized home caregivers in the field access to services on the health care Intranet

The data that the monitors gather reflects the patient's condition. Then, that must be transmitted quickly and accurately to
the health care provider. The only way it can be done is via the Internet.

Patient Accessibility

Through the use of computers in healthcare, patients are able to be more pro-active in their lifestyle choices.
Using applications to track their daily activities and improve healthy decisions, computers help patients navigate their lives
in a beneficial manner. For example, the current app "Fitbit" allows users to track their sleep and physical activity
throughout the day with suggestions on how to improve themselves. Additionally, social networking is involved in which
users can be motivated to interact with other users as inspiration or encouragement. Other apps allow consumers to count
the calories consumed throughout the day or look up nutrition content for nearby restaurants. By taking advantage of
these computer applications, patients are taking the steps to a safer and healthier lifestyle.

Without computers utilization for doctor and patient communication, all interaction must take place in the office or
over the telephone. Computer usage allows doctors to be able to stay in contact with their patients more often and
thoroughly by communicating through technology. Not only can doctors check up on patients, but they can also provide
them with suggested material to access. This material can be used during surgery recoveries or treatment processes.
Furthermore, taking advantage of computers provides another option to patients for contacting hospitals and doctors'
offices with important questions instead of having to go to the ER. Communication is expedited as well as expanded upon
between doctors and patients when computers come into play.

Works Cited

"Impact Of Computers." 123HelpMe.com, Sep 2014. Web. 8 Sep 2014.

Lee, Ellen, "5 Ways Technology Is Transforming Health Care." Forbes, Jan. 2013. Web. 8 Sept. 2014.

McBride, Michael. "Ranking Top 10 Hospital EMR Vendors by Number of Installed Systems." Dark Daily, March 2011.
Web. 08 Sept. 2014.

"Using Computers To Advance Health Care." Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Jan. 1996. Web. 07 Sept.
2014.

Created by Billie Patterson 6 September 2014