Research Proposal

IMPACT OF TECHNOLOGY ON BUITEMS EDUCATIONAL ENVIRONMENT By Muhammad Talha Akhtar

1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 BACKGROUND STUDY Technology is a gift of God. After the gift of life it is perhaps the greatest of God's gifts. It is the mother of civilizations, of arts and of sciences. (Freeman Dyson) Computers, multimedia and the Internet technology have revolutionized the field of education. The importance of technology in schools cannot be ignored. In fact, with the onset of computers in education, it has become easier for the teachers to render knowledge and for the students to grasp it. (Manali Oak, 2011) The current trend to globalization and the growing influence of technology on our lives mean that todays students need to acquire different and evolving skill sets to cope and thrive in this changing society. As computers are growing in importance in every aspect of society, many consider that it is better to expose children early to this evolving technology. (Debbie, 2005) Technology has certainly changed the way we live. It has impacted the different facets of life and redefined living. Undoubtedly, technology plays an important role in every sphere of life. Several mundane manual tasks can be automated, thanks to technology. Also, many of the complex and critical processes can be carried out with ease and efficiency with the help of modern technology. Thanks to the manifold positive effects of technology, the fields of education and industry have undergone a major change and sure, they have changed for the better. (Manali Oak, 2011) Computers became the most useful tool not only in the corporate world but also in the pedagogical settings. The connection of the computer and Internet became the second library of the students and through the Internet; the students can learn to develop not only their communication skill but gathering additional knowledge and skills. Fostering the interaction of the technology in education the development of the
1|Page

Research Proposal
E-learning or Technology enhanced Learning is introduced. (University of Ulster, 2005). 1.2 Problem Statement The researcher must identify the major factors that cause the technology implementation on learning behaviors especially online studying of students and teaching pattern of teachers. Following are some questions that might identify these factors 1) Is there technology present in BUITEMS or not? 2) What is the percentage of technology involvement in education? 3) Does technology help in learning or teaching? 4) Does BUITEMS need Technological education during lectures, presentation, home assignment etc or not? 5) What are the effects of technology on BUITEMS educational environment? 6) What are the barriers for educational technology? 7) How we overcome these barriers? These are some questions that need to be addressed. However, depending on time and scope of the study, the researcher may add/alter some more questions or reduce them within scope of the research. 1.3 Research Objective The research objectives are given as follow. 1) Find out whether technology is present in BUITEMS or not. 2) What percentage of technology is use in classrooms? 3) How does the technology as well as the idea of E-learning help the students develop their learning capacity? 4) What are the main barriers (management, teachers, or Government) that resist minimum educational technology? 1.4 Benefits of Study Today, computer education is a part of school and college curricula and if not then as a researcher we must know what the barriers are? And who is responsible for not promoting technology in educations. Considering the wide range of
2|Page

Research Proposal
applications of the computer technology, it is necessary for each one of us to befriend computers. Considering the advantages of the Internet technology, it is important for each of us to gain a basic knowledge of Internet access and connectivity. We live in a technology-age and hence, it is extremely important for us to introduce ourselves to the new inventions and discoveries that have made a difference to our daily life. (Eric Rusten, 2003) We research and then reach the main source of problem. There is a lot of importance in education sector both in learning as well as teaching. The computers offer an interactive audio-visual media. PowerPoint presentations and animation software can be used to render information to the students in an interactive manner. The visual effects provided by the animation and presentation software result in inviting greater interest from the students. Moreover, these softwares serve as visual aids to the teachers. Overhead projectors and screens facilitate a simultaneous viewing of information by a large number of students. These audio-visual teaching aids have brought about marked improvements in student attendance and attentiveness. Interactive media have proven to be useful in enhancing the concentration levels of students. This underlines the importance of computer teaching against textbooks. There are many others importance of technology in education that teachers and students might use. (Manali Oak, 2011) In the appearance of the computer in the school, the educators first considered the advantages that it can bring to them. Part of the advantages are the acceleration of learning, improve teaching conditions, and enhancement of the school and classroom management. Furthermore, there is a more positive outlook in the changes in the pedagogy by enriching the individualized learning. Of course, there are various failures in the bandwagon of changes but there is also exceeding number of success in the integration of the computers in schools (Rusten, 2004). The web is a huge information base. The Internet can be used an effective tool for acquiring knowledge. All a web user needs to do is to key in search queries to search engines, which are prompt to present him/her with millions of search results. There are several informative websites and web directories that offer information on a wide variety of subjects. Students can use the Internet to gain all additional information they need to enhance their knowledge base. (Manali Oak, 2011)
3|Page

Research Proposal
Online education and distance learning have given a new dimension to the field of education and higher learning. Today, students do not necessarily need to be physically present in classrooms. Many educational institutes offer online courses to their students. Most of the schools and colleges offer online assignment submission facilities. Students can submit their homework and test assignments through the Internet. Many universities offer online education programs wherein the students can interact with their teachers over the web, access reference material from the University website and earn degrees online! (Manali Oak, 2011) In the introduction of the E-learning as another strategy for learning, many Universities are aware about the benefits it can give to the students as well as on teachers (University of Ulster, 2005). Online learning can facilitate the learning by utilizing the software that is designed to deliver and manage the two important roles in education which is teaching and learning (Coldwell, et al., 2008). Technology is related to increases in student performance when interactivity and other important features of instructional design are applied to its use. Effective application of technology to support education involves careful review and re-planning of the classroom and school-level program. Research generally suggests that effective technology use is a complicated and involved process of planning and ongoing support with serious consideration of the current and emerging research findings on its use. (Buzzle.com, 2011) The importance of science and technology in education cannot be stressed enough. The introduction of technology in the educational field has made the process of learning and knowledge sharing, an interactive and fun-filled activity. Technology is indeed one of God's greatest gifts to mankind. So, we must use it in educational field to enhance our future.

1.5 Scope of Research The scope of this study needs to be defined in following two horizons. 1.5.1 Geographical Scope The geographical scope is limited up to BUITEMS (city campus) only. To know the educational technology better BUITEMS is one of the leading Universities in Baluchistan as well as near future in Pakistan. The study will cover city campus
4|Page

Research Proposal
which is useful for data collecting from sample. Depending upon the time constraints, I will try to cover main campus also for sampling and data collection. 1.5.2 Scope based on Data Collection The study will be focused on the primary data collection methods. As no previous research may be done in BUITEMS regarding to the Educational technology and it also help us to find current responses. However, secondary data will also be included in the study to make this research more valid and accurate. The primary data will be collected from the students as well as teachers both male and female without considering course of study they relate to. Time is the main factor which may affect the primary data collection. 1.5.3 Time The teachers and students will be subject of analysis in the study. The management gives us information (relating to financial status, population of BUITEMS, etc) which then helps in research to acquire knowledge about technology for the sake of use in education. We will look forward for the data and trend records of back dated in order to find out any problem in management. We will try analyzing the lecture room technological impact through questionnaire from the students and teachers. 2.0 Research Methodology The research is quantitative in nature. Depending upon the time constraints, we may use correlation technique to show the correlation between the responses collected from two samples. Correlation will help us to verify our research that the result is right or wrong by compare to samples. 2.1 Sampling Method The sampling method can be both probability (Simple Random Method) and non-probability (Snow Ball Method) sampling method i.e. based on research area (BUITEMS, city campus) population. Teachers and students randomly selected.

2.2 Sample Size and Data Collection Methods The research will tentatively target on research area size which is BUITEMS. The total population of BUITEMS is approx 5000 students and teachers. While the City campus has approx 1200 students (including approx 200 teachers) and Takatu
5|Page

Research Proposal
campus have approx 3800 students(including teachers). The sample size can be taken as Sample: 20% population of teachers and students will be selected randomly or through snow ball sampling (Male and female). The data will be collected through close ended questionnaires from the both samples as researcher has found similar type of questionnaire techniques used in other related work by different authors. Correlation and regression methods are also used by different researchers to draw the conclusion. Depending upon the time constraints, we may also use correlation in our research. 2.3 Data Analysis Techniques The researcher will use Software like SPSS to find out the conclusion. The researcher will also use MS Excel program for data analysis and conclusion through graphics and other pictorial representations. 3.0 Research Limitations Within the valid scope of the research, following are limitations of the research. 1) Sample size is limited up to BUITEMS city campus. 2) Teachers and students ask questionnaire randomly both male and female without regarding to their field/course. 3) Research may be conducted on online or E-learning.

6|Page

Research Proposal
4.0 Tentative Schedule Following is tentative schedule for the completion of research.

4.0 References Article By Manali Oak Last Updated: 9/21/2011 Available at: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/impact-of-technology-on-education.html Coldwell, J., Craig, A., Peterson, T., & Mustard, J., 2008. Online Students: Relationships between Participation, Demographics and Academic Performance. The Electronic Journal of e-Learning, Vol. 6 No. 1. Available at: http://www.ejel.org/Volume-6/v6-i1/Coldwell_et_al.pdf. Rusten, E., 2004. Using Computers in Schools. Availableat:http://learnlink.aed.org/Publications/Sourcebook/chapter4/Computers_in_ Schools_modelofuse.pdf University of Ulster, 2005. E-learning Strategy, Teaching and Learning Committee. Availableat:http://www.ulster.ac.uk/academicoffice/download/TLC/4May2005/22%20%20e-learning%20strategy.pdf Available at: http://www.ehow.com/info_8246878_educational-technology-researchproposal-topics.html
7|Page