Benefits of Technology in education

The world is currently under the strong influence of technology and one of the main spheres where the impact is rather noticeable is education. Globally, schools and other educational institutions are integrating technological tools to transform learning techniques, effectiveness in teaching and student performance. Technology benefits education with unlimited access to information and research papers, e-books, tutorials, and even educational videos.

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a) Computer Applications Technology

Computer Applications Technology is the study of the integrated components of a computer system (hardware and software) and the practical techniques for their efficient use and application to solve everyday problems. The solutions to problems are designed, managed and processed via end-user applications and communicated using appropriate information and communication technologies (ICTs).

ICTs are the combination of networks, hardware and software as well as the means of communication, collaboration and engagement that enable the processing, management and exchange of data, information and knowledge.

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The table below covers areas of learning in Computer Applications Technology in Grades 10-12

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Knowledge and skills to be acquired by learners in Computer Applications Technology include ability to:

• use end-user software applications proficiently to produce solutions to problems within a defined scenario;

• understand the concepts of ICTs with regard to the technologies that make up a computing system;

• understand the various technologies, standards and protocols involved in the electronic transmission of data via a computer-based network;

• use the Internet and the WWW and understand the role that the Internet plays as part of the global information superhighway;

• find authentic and relevant information, process the information to draw conclusions, make decisions and communicate the findings in appropriate presentation media; and

• recognise the legal, ethical, environmental, social, security and health issues related to the use of ICTs and learn how to use ICTs responsibly.

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b) Information Technology

Information Technology is the study of the various interrelated physical and non-physical technologies used for the capturing of data, the processing of data into useful information and the management, presentation and dissemination of data. Information Technology studies the activities that deal with the solution of problems through logical and computational thinking. It includes the physical and non-physical components for the electronic transmission, access, and manipulation of data and information.

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The table below covers areas of learning in Information Technology in Grades 10-12

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Knowledge and skills to be acquired by learners in Information Technology include ability to:

• use appropriate techniques and procedures to plan solutions and devise algorithms to solve problems using suitable techniques and tools’

• understand and use appropriate communication technologies for information dissemination;

• appreciate and comprehend the various systems technologies used in the developing of a computer-based system;

• understand that all ICT systems are built upon software engineering principles;

• understand and use Internet technologies for various tasks;

• comprehend and apply the concepts of data and information management to understand how a knowledge-driven society functions; and

• understand the social implications of ICTs and how to use ICT technologies responsibly.

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Some of Career opportunities associated with technology subjects

*Software developer

*IT Technician

*Software Engineer

*IT security specialist

*Computer programmer

*Systems analyst

*Network engineer

*Data scientist

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