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IBM Industry Solutions Executive, Dr Simon Eassom, said ‘If we have access to every book available online, why does a school need a library?
IT has the potential to revolutionise what we do with teaching and learning at all levels, from nursery to old age. If the classroom is the World Wide Web (WWW), where is the classroom?IT has the potential to revolutionise the way relearn and change the way we perceive typical conventions of education. The use of online books, such as on tablet devices, have many advantages in the classroom. It would also be largely beneficial to students, of all ages and abilities. Smart devices allow manipulation and changing of contents such as font size, background colour and font. All these variable will help ensure the online books are adapted for different abilities and disabilities such as dyslexia and eyesight problems.Furthermore, accessibility options on smart devices are endless. But the accessibility is limited. Many children cannot afford school uniform, never mind device. So therefore, even if a school was to provide, some ay never had used on and therefore feel at a disadvantage.With the use of tablets, due to the interchangeable options, they're open to change meaning individual curriculum can be tailored for a certain student.In addition, they take up a lot less space meaning they're portable. Some school children however, prefer a physical book to hold and touch.However, health risks must be taken into consideration. Through the constant use of a tablet, many health problems can arise such as RSI, whereby the constant tapping of a screen can cause wrist problems. Furthermore, other eyestrain can arise from the persistent use of the tablet deriving from dependency on technology, causing distortion and achey eyes.Smart boards are being used in classrooms whereby students are interactive and become involved in the lesson. However, this can be taken a step further, take the virtual nature of the smart boards and combine it with the classroom and what do you get: a virtual classroom.Arguably, a teacher is useless in the future due to the new generation heavily relying on the use of IT. Some claim it would be more beneficial for students to learn in a virtual classroom. There are many benefits to a virtual classroom.The use of algorithms mean that the devices will be able to detect constant patterns whether they be positive or negative and help improve students as well as detecting certain patterns in exam papers, for example, in order to help explain what they need to do to improve.So will the use of a school teacher become obsolete? Passing technology in augmented reality means that the technology understands what you're saying in the correct context and if it doesn't at first, it will learn to. Voice recognition also means you're speaking to a virtual person.There is also the possibility that bulling will decrease as the idea of physical bullying is completely out-ruled. However, cyberbullying is possible but could be less due to system checking up on the language people are using.However, the concept of an online classroom means that there are no set times, thus allowing a flexible timetable. Students can get more sleep, have time for work and extra curriculum without stressing out.
Furthermore, the virtual classroom and interactive software will enable students to take courses when they couldn’t have in the past because of job requirements or other responsibilities.Another advantage of virtual classrooms is accessibility. Not only will it be assessable 24/7, it will be assessable to those at a disadvantage, whether that be physically or for other reasons. For example, virtual Field trips: no fees and no travelling.Also with the inclusion of 3D printers, many things will be made easier as work and certain things can be sent through to students.Moreover, virtual classroom will also rely heavily on teamwork. Students will work collaboratively through studies, completing exercises, sharing ideas and practising new skills. Each student will capture their solutions on virtual whiteboards to share with the class.However, does this mean a lack of social and physical interaction which in the past has been linked to the development of many mental health issues?To conclude, on balance I believe that a virtual classroom will have ,any advantages as stated above, however it is also notable that the present problems need to have some form of solution to prevent problems.