Impact of technology on learning

Technology is having a profound impact on almost all aspects of education and learning. We need only to think of the Internet and all the information that it makes accessible to understand how much things have changed. Add to that a range of different devices, the expanded communication environment, and the learning communities that extend beyond the classroom and we can clearly observe a sea change happening.

The communication evolution

Possibly the greatest impact on education and learning has come from the development of a myriad of new communication methods, made possible by the Internet. This has gone hand in hand with a variety of new communication platforms, similarly enabled. The most impactful of these have been social media platforms like Facebook, Tumblr and Twitter. Along with these have come new ways of interacting and conversing, most notably what can be termed “text-speak”: a virtually new truncated dialect complete with its own spelling conventions and short cut abbreviations for phrases.

Extended classroom communities

Allied to these developments in communication is a plethora of peer-based communities. These include discussion forums and other web-based platforms. Learners now find themselves able to access a variety of other interaction opportunities around the work they have been given in the classroom. They can discuss it with others on social networking sites and forums, they can post assignments for marking and they can get involved in syndicate groups at university.

All of this deeply changes the education model. Whereas previously it was a case of doing class work and assigning homework in a more or less closed system, with the relationship between teacher and learner virtually the sole learning relationship, nowadays learners have access to a much wider network of what can broadly be called “learning resources”.

The deluge of information 

While enabling a richer learning experience, this simultaneously poses challenges that learners need to learn to overcome. With such a deluge of information, which can be accessed via the Internet, comes the task of learning to evaluate the information. It cannot be consumed too quickly – the learner needs to digest, think about and apply it meaningfully. Similarly the learner needs to be able to sort good information from bad, to verify sources and to follow logical threads from one source to another. This places a serious responsibility on the learner – it’s not simply a case of finding information and immediately applying it. It needs to be thoroughly evaluated first.

Interactive textbooks and tools, and the Internet

No longer are learners confined to printed textbooks, possibly supplemented with visual documentaries. Today there are thousands of websites that offer videos, e-books, interactive study tools and assessments. Not only this, but the ways of accessing this information and these tools are numerous. Learners have laptops, tablets and smartphones.

The introduction of tablets into the classroom has had a significant impact on teaching methods. It is now possible for both teachers and learners to access vast resources quickly and easily, in real-time. Lessons can be supplemented by visual, multimedia and interactive elements instantly sourced online. Additional learning and study aids can be introduced into the live environment of the classroom, making it much easier for teachers to reach the learners at whatever stage of information processing they are during the course of a lesson.

A double-edged sword

Of course all of this technology can be both a good and not so good thing. At the same time as it enriches and expands the educational experience, it also poses brand new challenges for both educators and learners, which we need to become very familiar with to find inventive and responsible ways of overcoming. As much as technology can streamline and simplify the educational experience, it can also make it more complex and challenging. The solution lies in gaining complete familiarity and experience, and applying it as judiciously and appropriately as possible.

How a successful career will provide for your future

When embarking on your career you should always be looking to set and achieve goals. Make sure to start every day with purpose, strive to succeed and always do your best.

While different careers, job roles and positions require different goals and plans, there is one goal that should remain constant no matter your career.

That goal is to be successful

Now many people measure their success purely on how much money they earn, what cars they drive and how big their house is, and while this can be a measurement of success, it does not mean that if you are not wealthy, you are not successful.

There are many other ways to measure success, it all depends on what you want to achieve in your career.

The key is to decide what you want to achieve and what you would classify as success, write it down and constantly work towards it. Remember to keep reviewing this as your priorities and career goals will change 

“If you don’t define career success you’ll never know when you achieve it.”

Here are some points to consider when defining the success you want to work towards:

Build and maintain relationships:

Some people base their success purely on the relationships that they build with other people and the impression they have on them in the work place.

Family time:  

Your success could be a successful family life, ensuring that you give your family your dedication and time when you are able too.

Make a change:

Making a change in your organisation could impact the growth of it, and the people who work for it. Making a change can be seen as a great success.

Create something:

As an artist, writer, architect or engineer being the proud creator of something could be the success you want to achieve.

As you strive to achieve your own success in your career, you will find that you will be rewarded with so much more than just the financial element to provide for your future.

You will be rewarded with growth and a drive to continuously succeed at everything you do.

Eduloan can help you invest in your future success

Whether it’s technology, study fees, registration, textbooks or accommodation, Eduloan can assist you with all of your educational finance requirements.

Since 1996 Eduloan has awarded study loans to the value of over R4 billion.

To contact Eduloan today about financing your career aspirations, visit www.eduloan.co.za or call 0860 55 55 44.

New student survey shows Facebook is king of the castle

On 3 March 2015, a Student Tech Survey was conducted by World Wide Worx and Student Brands with the help of Standard Bank. The new survey was conducted across South African tertiary education institutions. Over 2300 students took part in a study to establish the social media platform trends among our tertiary education students.

An overwhelming 97% of the students that participated said that they use the social media platform Facebook. Twitter came in second with 67% followed by YouTube with 44% and WeChat with 22%.

The survey also showed that 40% of students are using Instagram and 36% use LinkedIn.

"The survey is a powerful indication that the student market - which comprises future working professionals - is embracing social networking," says Vuyo Mpako, Head of Innovation and Channel Design at Standard Bank. "It is therefore important to note that social networking will become a central component of any services provided to this market in the future."

It is all down to instant communication

"Communication is at the heart of students' use of technology," says Daryl Bartkunsky, MD of the Student Brands youth portal. "They are also extremely budget-conscious, so anything that cuts the cost of making contact will appeal to them."

When it came to instant messaging 92% of students said that they use the WhatsApp service with 55% using Facebook Messenger and 48% using BBM.

The question of addiction

One of the key questions that was asked in the survey was whether students felt that they were addicted to social media networks. While their answers showed that this has become a problem for our learners, the numbers were less than expected.

11% admitted to being “very addicted” and 43% said that they were “a little addicted”.

The same question about instant messaging did show an increase, with 20% saying that they are “very addicted” and 35% being “a little addicted”.

Smart devices

When it came to students’ smartphones 25% of students admitted that they gave their smartphones priority when it came to studying for tests and exams, the same number also said that they would use their smartphones in lectures instead of paying attention.

"Technology delivers both the positive and negative for students," says Goldstuck. "The overwhelming finding of the survey, though, is that it enhances their academic and social lives and their lifestyles in general."

Whether it’s technology, study fees, registration, textbooks or accommodation, Eduloan can assist you with all of your educational finance requirements.

Since 1996 Eduloan has awarded study loans to the value of over R4 billion.

To contact Eduloan today about financing your career aspirations, visit www.eduloan.co.za or call 0860 55 55 44.

How can corporates help address the skills shortage

It is both the public and private sectors responsibility to address the skills shortage in our country.  Finding a qualified workforce remains a challenge for economically viable entities. By addressing this shortage, a country’s growth, development and sustainability can be drastically improved and future generations are able to further positively contribute to local business success.  

Last year, the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Blade Nzimade released the National Scarce Skills List, the Top 100 Occupations in Demand.

To view the list of the Top 100 occupations in high demand in South Africa click on the link below:

http://www.inseta.org.za/

In South Africa there are currently as many as 829 800 unfilled positions for high-skilled workers, according to the latest Adcorp Employment Index. Link this to an unemployment rate of 24.3% and it is easy to see that a change needs to be made.

In order to address our skills shortage we need to work together. The youth market needs to understand that they are the driving force in terms of closing this skills gap. They need to focus on personal development through education in order to equip themselves for their future careers.  But it doesn’t start and end with our youth.

It is also up to organisations across all industries to ensure that the future for all South African youth is brighter.

What role do corporates play?

1: Experience

Education through experience is a key aspect in training and skill development. Offering internships or apprenticeships to candidates looking to start in an industry can go a long way in preparing them for a career or profession.

2: Opportunity

There are countless South African’s who would love to capitalise on an opportunity to prove themselves in an organisation. Mentorship and training programmes provide youth with an opportunity to learn and grow in the field they would have studied.

Consistent engagement with the youth allows organisations to adequately identify potential new recruits. The selection process for graduate programmes, though vigorous, ensures that the right candidates are placed in positions were they can effectively contribute to the economic growth of a country.

3: Continuous learning

Allowing employees to study further can benefit business, employees and South Africa. Further education increases the skills competency of employees and improves staff morale. By acquiring more knowledge, employees are able to improve their marketability and contribution to the organisations they work for.

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Your company can take the skills of South Africans to the next level!

Whether it’s technology, study fees, registration, textbooks or accommodation, Eduloan can assist with all educational finance requirements.

And with expense management, salary deductions, complete fund and bursary administration and Corporate Social Investment (CSI) projects your business can expand while you change lives.

Since 1996 Eduloan has awarded study loans to the value of over R4 billion.

To contact Eduloan today visit www.eduloan.co.za or call 0860 55 55 44.

How to be an effective corporate citizen

Being effective in any job requires discipline, consistency and strong business acumen. Employers are looking to hire employees who are extraordinary and exceptional...not your average passenger through life.

 A company’s success has a direct correlation with the calibre of employees they have. Your focus over the next couple of years is to moulded into an employable asset, one that companies would fight for in order  to be on their team.

Being ambitious and working hard at being the change in your future career is how you will achieve success. But there are 3 very important things that you need to remember when striving to become an effective corporate citizen in your future job.

Tip 1: Be prepared for change

As you move from student life to the corporate environment, change is inevitable. Be prepared for it. Understanding the people dynamics in the workplace will help you navigate through your career path. 

From the people that you work with to understanding business processes, you need to be prepared to learn and adapt to these new surroundings.

Your attitude guides your progression in the workplace. First impressions last, so be on time and ready to contribute to defined business objectives. Once you understand the organisational culture, you will be able to adapt to the environment and find synergies between your own personal brand and the company.

Tip 2: Seek Guidance/Mentorship

When starting your job, there will be many new processes and systems that you will need to get used to. Each company is run differently and has their own set of rules, regulations and systems. Things are easier to understand and follow if you know the reason behind them.

Tip 3: There is no substitute for a good attitude

Having a good attitude goes beyond being the first one in the office and the last one to leave. It’s about staying positive and optimistic about your work and encouraging the people around you.

Find the positive in every situation and strive to always do your best. Many people forget how lucky they are to have their jobs and become complacent. You can make a difference in your industry simply through your passion for hard work and striving to make the best of every opportunity!

Are you ready to start taking the steps to being the change in your future job?

Being an effective corporate citizen requires continuous learning and development.

Whether it’s technology, study fees, registration, textbooks or accommodation, Eduloan can assist you with all of your educational finance requirements.

Since 1996 Eduloan has awarded study loans to the value of over R4 billion.

To contact Eduloan today about financing your career aspirations, visit www.eduloan.co.za or call 0860 55 55 44.