Тексты A‑G

Educational technology

Educational technology is the use of tools in the classroom to develop an engaging and personalized learning experience. Beyond the use of computers, students and teachers can use interactive platforms, devices, and even analytical software to better gauge students' progress using data in real- time. Learning has never been a one- size- fits- all endeavour, and with educational technology, teachers can better serve students' individualized needs.

The benefits of technology in education are far- reaching and growing with each day. Let's take a look at some of the upsides of how technology impacts education positively.

The first thing that comes to mind is 24/7 availability and accessibility. Technology like the internet and the ability to record lectures, upload learning resources to a platform, and host discussion forums make it possible to expand one's access and availability to learn. For example, at many universities around the world students can earn their degrees entirely online through the use of an online learning system. Students used to have to be physically located inside a classroom to obtain their education. These days, online learning (by choice or by circumstance) has led to a revolution in education that makes it accessible to anyone, anywhere.

Furthermore, technology offers great metrics for tracking progress. With technological platforms, students and teachers can report and review progress based on each individual's performance. Through the use of analytics, teachers can easily visualize how a student is growing or being thwarted. This can help teachers spot inefficiencies or areas that are ripe for improvement or attention.

Follow- up activities in online education are more diverse. Once a student leaves their designated class time, homework is a standard follow- up. However, when handing out paperwork, there may be missed opportunities. With education and technology, teachers can design personalized follow- up activities and grant each student the ability to learn at their own pace, even when they are outside of the classroom. For example, teachers can host a variety of options online for follow- up activities, and students, based on their level of understanding, can choose their course of action.

What the opponents of online education usually say is that you lack communication. But I think using technology actually means increased collaboration. Classroom management tools make it easier than ever for students, parents, and teachers to collaborate. For example, it's not always easy to get students to work together in groups. But, with online portals and discussion forums, students can contribute in their own space and time to work with other students. Additionally, teachers can communicate and collaborate in an organized manner with parents for feedback and the sharing of ideas, thoughts, and/or concerns.

Lastly, just because schools or institutions use educational technology, it doesn't mean that the need for a teacher is removed. Teachers are necessary to implement the technology properly, devise creative lesson plans, and support students' needs, among other things.

To conclude, technology in education has led to more accessibility, lower costs, and personalized learning experiences. From education data platforms to online schools and everything in between, it's easy to see how technology has affected education, and continues to do so with each innovation.

Alexander Pushkin

The History of Moscow

Night birds

Martin

Gilbert was determined that his son Martin was not going to end up working on the shop-floor of a car factory for the rest of his life. He put in hours of overtime to earn enough money to 30 --1) ensure2) confirm3) assure4) convince that the boy could have extra tuition in maths, general science and English. He felt well 31 --1) repaid2) reclaimed3) regained4) rewarded when the boy passed his eleven-plus exam and won a place at Manchester Grammar school. That pride didn't falter when Martin went on to pass five O-levels and, 32 --1) however2) moreover3) nevertheless4) therefore, two years later added two A-levels. Gilbert tried not to show his disappointment when the boy informed him that he didn't want to go to university.

"What kind of career are you hoping to take up then, lad?" Gilbert enquired. "I have filled an application form to join you on the shop-floor just as soon as I leave school. The point is, Dad, I can't be 33 --1) insisted2) expected3) persisted4) promised to spend my life doing a job I don't enjoy just to satisfy one of your fantasies."

Gilbert promised that the application would be turned down in the morning. He 34 --1) rarely2) merely3) hardly4) nearly uttered another word to the boy before leaving for the factory. For over a week father and son didn't speak to each other. It was Martin's mother who was left to come up with the compromise. She 35 --1) submitted2) offered3) advocated4) suggested that Martin should go to work to the hotel. He confided that he thought hotel management seemed the least unattractive proposition he had considered so far. He reluctantly 36 --1) agreed2) accepted3) adopted4) admitted to this solution.

30. 1) ensure 2) confirm 3) assure 4) convince 31. 1) repaid 2) reclaimed 3) regained 4) rewarded 32. 1) however 2) moreover 3) nevertheless 4) therefore 33. 1) insisted 2) expected 3) persisted 4) promised 34. 1) rarely 2) merely 3) hardly 4) nearly 35. 1) submitted 2) offered 3) advocated 4) suggested 36. 1) agreed 2) accepted 3) adopted 4) admitted