Thursday, December 29, 2011

Effects of Technology on Education

Education has changed significantly in the last twenty years. One of the main reasons education has undergone so many changes is because of technological development. In 1990, computers and other forms of technology served a minimal role in the classroom. Today, many if not most college students attend class with a laptop. I am writing about some of the biggest advantages technology gave to education.

Technology has made research much easier. Before online Encyclopedias, Google Scholar, JSTOR, and other online research tools were available, students were forced to spend numerous hours in the library. With the new tools, students can conduct research faster in the comfort of their homes. With Google and other search engines, students can find relevant information faster and more efficiently. Also, there is no more need for intensive memorization as information is more readily available.

New also technology allows for a faster, more efficient, and more interactive classroom experience. With Powerpoint presentations and projectors, there is no need for blackboards and whiteboards. With clickers, students can take quizzes during the classroom.

These developments also help improve tutoring services. Online tutoring programs are becoming available. One-on-one in-home tutoring programs are also being aided these developments. Tutors can bring laptops to sessions allowing them to look up information, and show examples to the student more easily.

Wi-fi technology allows students to study in more comfort and a more ergonomic setting.

New mathematical software such as Maple and Mathematica allows students to make a computer algebra computations more easily. Software like Matlab and Scilab allows students to make numerical computations more easily. There is no more need for a line rule. Advanced Texas Instrument and Casio calculators allow students to solve equations and produce graphs. Online software such as Webassign allows students to submit mathematics assignments online with instant feedback.

The internet allows students to read books and educational supplements at home. There is no need to go to a bookstore or library. Since many of these sources are open source or funded by advertising, students can access these materials for free. Wikipedia, Wikibooks are good examples. Students can learn more without leaving their house.

College applications and job applications can now be complete online. Students can deliver important paperwork to universities and employers at a much faster rate.

Online education allows more students to get an education. Handicapped students, students that have to travel a lot, and students with jobs can now complete their degrees wherever they go with a flexible schedule and often at their own pace. Due to its lower costs, online education also benefits lower-income students.

Technological development allowed the creation of new IT jobs and improved economic development in general.

Not all effects of technology on education are positive. Technology also allows students to cheat more easily. However, new technology allows instructors to detect plagiarism. Technological developments can also discourage critical thinking since answers are more readily available. Technology also encourages students to spend their time doing other activities such as playing video games and participating in social networking.

Monday, December 19, 2011

Sound Technology Online - A Higher Education

Schools and colleges are growing and providing a better means for all students to gain an education by offering online programs. Students who are interested in pursuing a career in the exciting field of recording may look to an online sound technology program. With an online education students will train for employment in the entertainment or music industry working with equipment to produce DVD's, CD's, and sound for television and more. As a sound technician student you can learn the use of technology and the various types of equipment needed to create recordings. Technicians and other degree holders in this field utilize computer software and other equipment to mix and record music and sound effects. Degrees in sound technology are available at several levels including associates, bachelors, and masters.

There are a number of online schools that offer training for associate degree programs. Online instruction in sound technology can provide students with the training and experience they need for a career in engineering technology and audio recording. An accredited associate's degree program for sound technology usually includes somewhere around 72 semester credit hours that can be completed in one to two years. Coursework for a student pursuing an associate's degree may include the study of:

analog and digital recording devices
audio mixing techniques
digital recording, audio mastering
analog tape recording
post-recording engineering

and more. Students can train to become sound engineers, CD mastering engineers, audio recording engineers, or continue their education and receive a bachelor's degree.

A bachelor's degree in sound technology usually takes four years for completion and requires students to complete 120 to 130 credit hours. Students can train for a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) which is the most desired degree in the field of sound technology. Those looking to earn a bachelors degree in this field should have strong skills and academic records in areas such as math and science. Some online educational programs may require students to study:

physics of acoustics
audio production methods
amplification
sound mixing
recording technology

and other areas of study. With an accredited degree at this level students can expect to start a career as a sound engineering technician, or pursue a master's degree.

Students who wish to earn a masters degree in sound technology must hold a bachelors degree in the field in order to be accepted into a program at this level. There are a variety of online schools that offer a Master of Fine Art in sound technology. With online training students will be required to complete around 60 credit hours, which may take six semesters to finish. Study at this level allows students to focus on specific areas of sound technology including creative sound strategies and psychoacoustics. Coursework will also include:

Multitrack audio recording
advanced sound synthesis
digital audio recording technology

and much more. With a masters degree from an online school students can train to become a record company executive, senior sound engineer, or record producer.

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Information Technology Career Preparation Training Options

When looking to obtain a higher education in information technology there are many options available. You can pursue a career that meets you individual goals by choosing from a variety of specialized areas of study. Training can be completed at different levels to allow you to receive the educational career preparation that is right for you. Enrollment in an accredited school or college will help you to obtain the higher education that is necessary for you to pursue a career in information technology. With numerous opportunities available, you can start by learning more information technology career preparation training options.

Professionals in this field are trained to carry out a number of tasks based on the career that they have chosen. You can learn to work with various computer systems for a number of reasons. Training will allow you to pursue the degree and career that meets your individual needs and goals. You can look into:

Associate
Bachelor
Master
Doctoral

...degree training programs in information technology. Studies can last anywhere from two to eight years depending on the level of education needed to enter into the career you desire. Accredited career preparation can give you the skills and knowledge to enter into a variety of careers.

There are numerous professions available in information technology. You can select the level of education that allows you to enter the career of your dreams. You can specialize in areas such as:

Computer Information Science
Information Security
Computer Information Systems
Information Systems

...and more. Accredited higher education training in these areas will cover a variety of topics to help you gain the skills you need to enter into a successful career. The area of specialty will decide the courses that must be studied.

Coursework will be different for each level of degree and the area of study that is selected. You can obtain the accredited education that will help you succeed by completing training in web development, databases, systems analysis, hardware components, and computer software. You can also complete computer security training, as well as telecommunications, user interface design, application testing, and many other subjects related to the career and specialized area you wish to enter. There are a variety of professions that can be pursued once an accredited higher education is obtained in information technology. Possible career opportunities can include working as a:

Software Developer
Support Specialist
Systems Analyst
LAN Administrator
Computer Programmer
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

...and other related professions. Obtain the accredited educational training you need to pursue the career of your dreams by enrolling in an information technology school or college today.