Education and IT: Kindergarten, E-Learning, Mobile Learning

This report provides a comprehensive overview of the integration of education and information technology (IT). It explores three distinct areas: Kindergarten education, E-learning, and Mobile learning. The report discusses the evolution of kindergarten education, highlighting the integration of technology in various countries like London, Hungary, China, Australia, and Canada. It also delves into the background and current state of E-learning, tracing its historical roots and the impact of the Internet and computer systems. Finally, the report examines mobile learning, discussing its background and applications in education. The report emphasizes the importance of IT in modern education systems, highlighting the benefits and advancements in learning methodologies and techniques. The report concludes by summarizing the key findings and implications of integrating technology into education.

Running head: EDUCATION AND IT
Education and IT
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author’s Note:

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Table of Contents
Introduction................................................................................................................................2
Discussion..................................................................................................................................2
Education and IT....................................................................................................................2
Kindergarten Education.........................................................................................................3
Background of Kindergarten Education.............................................................................3
Integration of Kindergarten Education and Information Technology................................4
E-Learning..............................................................................................................................6
Background of E-Learning.................................................................................................7
E Learning Today...............................................................................................................7
Importance of E Learning in Education.............................................................................8
Mobile Learning for Higher Education..................................................................................9
Background of Mobile Learning......................................................................................10
Mobile Learning in Education.........................................................................................10
Conclusion................................................................................................................................13
References................................................................................................................................14
Appendices...............................................................................................................................17
Appendix A..........................................................................................................................17
Appendix B..........................................................................................................................17
Appendix C..........................................................................................................................18
Appendix D..........................................................................................................................18

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Introduction
Education is the significant procedure of obtaining skills, beliefs, knowledge and
values or is the facilitation of learning. There are various methodologies for education like
training, discussing, sharing experiences, telling stories, teaching or simply research
(Geoffrey & Birmingham, 2013). The unique combination of education and information
technology has brought immense changes in modern education system.
The following report outlines a brief description about the amalgamation of education
and IT. The report describes about three distinct types of education system, namely,
Kindergarten education, E-learning and mobile learning (Best & Kahn, 2016). Each of these
three education systems is described with relevant details.
Discussion
Education and IT
Education is the most important systematic procedure for an individual. It helps in the
mitigation of all the problems or challenges that are generally faced in life. The skills or
knowledge that are obtained from education, open the doors to all the opportunities that are
required for the growth of a person’s career (Cohen, Manion & Morrison, 2013). Education is
started right from birth. A child gains his or her first lessons or primary education from his
parents or close acquaintances. His family or friends teach the moral values, beliefs and
habits. The secondary education is obtained from school or teachers. These teachers help to
obtain relevant knowledge in every subject or stream (Holtshouse, 2013). There are various
reasons, which prove that education is highly needed, as it enhances ethical, spiritual and
moral values, it helps in the transmission of national culture, it helps to build the character of
an individual, it allows an individual to become literate and many more.

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IT or information technology is the specific application of systems for storing,
manipulating, retrieving or transmitting confidential information or data (Lloyd, 2017). The
business enterprises are related to information technology by the involvement of software,
hardware, internet, equipments of telecom and electronics.
Education and IT are interrelated in the current education system. The combination of
the education system and information technology is responsible for all types of
modernisation. The information technology gives and even controls the entire broad range of
educational systems and techniques (Seidman, 2013). It helps in making the system
extremely easy for working, teaching or learning. The most recognized combination of
education and IT is E learning (Refer to Appendix A).
Kindergarten Education
Kindergarten is the specific approach of preschool education that is given to children
in form of practical activities, singing, playing and by involving in several social interactions
(Pyle & DeLuca, 2013). The word Kindergarten came from a German word, which
specifically means a garden for children. A German man, Friedrich Frobel, first coined the
term of Kindergarten in the year 1840. His approach had influenced the child education
globally. Kindergarten is the approach that helps in the description of several educational
institutions or playschools, allowing children of age group two to five for acquiring basic
education in the form of various activities (Zaranis, Kalogiannakis & Papadakis, 2013). There
are special teachers, who are hired for educating these children. The teaching methods are not
same as they are utilized in normal schools or colleges.
Background of Kindergarten Education
In the year 1779, two men, namely, Johann Friedrich Oberlin and Louis Scheppler
founded the first preschool for children. Their purpose was to educate and care those

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children, whose parents are not present with them during the day. Similar establishments of
infant schools were established in the year 1780 in Bavaria (Spodek & Saracho, 2014). Very
soon, the entire concept of Kindergarten education was spread in the several parts of the
world, including London, Hungary, China, Australia, Canada and many more. Each and
every country has its own ways of teaching in a Kindergarten.
Integration of Kindergarten Education and Information Technology
In today’s world, the Kindergarten education is given with the help of technology. It
is believed worldwide that all children should have the basic knowledge of technology from
their early days of education (Bassok, Latham & Rorem, 2016). Although there are numerous
harmful effects of technology for children, still they should know about the basic
characteristics of information technology. For the children of preschool age, the applications
of education and the e-books are extremely beneficial when the teacher will guide their
learning. However, not all the applications of education are correct for the children and often
they get distracted from education (Bloom et al., 2014). The most promising applications of
education help in the integration of various features of multimedia in a specific way so that it
is extremely congruent with the objectives of learning or telling stories for supporting
learning. A better quality application of education always presents relevant content in any
meaningful context, which can pro actively and easily engage a child and enable him or her
in the innovative or creative exploration. This involvement of technology in education allows
the child to think out of the box and be creative (Blair & Raver, 2014). Moreover, this helps
to eradicate the traditional ways of education and rote learning. The traditional ways of
education is responsible for the dullness of children. These children cannot make anything
creative, rather they are only involved in the process of learning and writing. A child has the
sharpest brain and his or her mental growth is completed within the age of five. He or she can
learn anything easily during this age and hence he or she should learn the utilization of

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technology during this age (Laudon & Laudon, 2013). All the above mentioned countries are
utilizing technology for providing education in the Kindergarten. The descriptions of
Kindergarten education in the various countries are as follows:
i) London: The first playschool was opened in the year 1819 in London by Sir Samuel
Wilderspin. According to Wilderspin, playing was the most important part for the system of
education (Refer to Appendix B). In recent days, London has acquired the technique of
involvement of technology in Kindergarten education. All the preschools have projectors in
their schools instead of blackboards and this helps in the development of education system
with the help of technology (Pyle & DeLuca, 2013). Moreover, they use e books for
educating their child. Outdoor activities and practical activities are required in preschool and
at the same time, they should have the knowledge of technology. The age group of
Kindergarten preschool in London is from two to seven years.
ii) Hungary: In Hungary, any Kindergarten or a preschool is known as an ovoda,
which literally means a place for caring. The age group of Kindergarten preschool in
Hungary is from three to six years (Blair & Raver, 2014). The main feature of Hungarian
preschools is that apart from enabling technology, they focus on learning of music and
foreign languages. However, everything is taught is the form of playing. Children are not
forced for learning anything.
iii) China: In China, the entire Kindergarten is sub divided into three distinct groups
and they have different names for these three groups. These are as follows:
a) Nursery: The age group is from three to four years and it is also known as
playgroup or preschool (Blair & Raver, 2014).
b) Lower Kindergarten: The age group is from four to five years.

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c) Upper Kindergarten: The age group is from five to six years.
The difference between China and other country’s playschool is that China does not
allow children younger than three years as they feel that technology can be harmful to
children below three years (Pyle & DeLuca, 2013).
iv) Australia: In Australia, kindergarten has different meanings in different states. In
New South Wales and Tasmania, preschool is considered as the first year of primary school.
In other states, this is known as prep or preparatory (Spodek & Saracho, 2014). They intake
children from six months age. Australia is famous for its technology. They teach their
students by means of technology as they think that children should learn technology in their
early days of education.
v) Canada: The first kindergarten was established in Toronto, Canada in the year
1898. They allow children from four years age and utilize technology for providing
education. They utilize iPads as blackboards in their schools (Refer to Appendix B).
Kindergarten education is a must education for all children as they help in the overall
development of mental growth of a child and enhances the power of creativity.
E-Learning
E learning is the systematic procedure of learning that is eventually conducted with
the help of an electronic media, usually over the Internet. The learning system that is based
on the systematic or formalised teaching, however with the relevant help of any electronic
device or resource is called E learning (Rennie & Morrison, 2013). This type of learning is
done by utilizing computers or systems. The E learning can also be termed as the network
enabled skills transfer from one location to another. E learning has opened the doors for the
involvement of technology in education system easily and promptly (Allen, 2016). Education

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is not restricted in any classroom or school and colleges. Rather it can be conducted from any
part of the world and the teacher can be sitting in the other part of the world.
Background of E-Learning
The word e learning first came into account in the year 1999 at a Computer based
Training program systems seminar. This e learning is often known as virtual learning or
online learning (Bora & Ahmed, 2013). Although the word first came in the year 1999, there
is evidence that the early forms of e learning existed in 19th century. In the year 1840, Sir
Isaac Pitman helped his students to learn shorthand for improving their writing speed. He was
a teacher and utilized mails for sending assignments to his students. In the year 1924, the first
machine for testing was invented. This machine was utilized for all the students for testing
themselves (Al‐Qahtani & Higgins, 2013). Next in the year 1954, a Harvard professor, BF
Skinner invented the first teaching machine for providing programmed instructions to the
students. In the year 1960, the first computer based training program or simply CBT program
was invented. The programmed instructions for the students became much easier with the
utilization of this. This computer based training program was known as the PLATO or the
Programmed Logic for Automated Teaching Operations (Liaw & Huang, 2013). This
PLATO was designed for the University of Illinios, however soon it was spread in the world.
In 170, the online learning was much interactive and the Open University in Britain took the
advantages of e learning. In previous days, the course materials were sent through mails or
posts. However, with the help of Internet, the process was much easier (Cheung & Vogel,
2013). The Open University offered broad range various interactive educational classes and
this enhanced the establishment of technology in education system.
E Learning Today
In the late 20th century, computer and Internet was introduced. This invention of
Internet and computer systems expanded the methodologies of delivery and techniques of e

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learning (Rennie & Morrison, 2013). The rapid enhancement, advancement or progress of
technology and learning systems has brought the entire world in the hands of an individual.
The introduction of systems has lead to the path of e learning in form of various technological
devices like smart phones, tablets and iPads. The traditional books are all getting replaced
with the electronic educational devices like pen drives and optical discs (Dahlstrom &
Bichsel, 2016). Knowledge are shared through the Internet and this knowledge can be
accessed from anywhere at any time. Various schools and colleges have changed their system
of basic or elementary education with e learning technologies. It is being observed that the
students have responded well in e learning than the traditional approach of learning. The
advancement in technologies has helped the educational sectors in reducing the overall
expenses of distance learning and thus bringing education to the broad range of audiences
(Zaranis, Kalogiannakis & Papadakis, 2013). In past few years, the businesses or the
organizations have started utilizing e learning for the training purpose of their employees and
staffs. The entire concept of e learning usually helps in the overall progress of any nation.
Importance of E Learning in Education
E learning is extremely important in the education system. It helps in the advancement
or enhancement of technology in education. E learning is absolutely affordable and easily can
be facilitated from anywhere (Rennie & Morrison, 2013). The geographical gap cannot
restrict the education system and thus this e learning is strongly accepted in all over the
world. The system of E learning allows the significant ability for sharing educational
materials in various formats like word documents, PDFs, videos and slide shows. Live online
classes are extremely popular in the world and these are known as webinars. The
communication with teachers or professors through message forum or chats is also a
recognized method of E learning (Al‐Qahtani & Higgins, 2013). The e learning systems are
also known as the LMS or Learning Management Systems. There are a variety of systems or

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methods in E learning that allow several courses to deliver easily. This system helps in
providing any student or learner to fit into the learning system with their lifestyles. This type
of education system does not disturb the busy schedule of an individual. Rather anybody can
learn or complete their education with the help of E learning irrespective of his time or age
(Allen, 2016). There are several benefits or advantages of E learning. They are as follows:
i) Scalability: E learning helps in creating and communicating innovative ideas or
policies and thus can be termed as scalable in nature.
ii) Consistency: E learning enables the students for achieving a greater coverage
degree for the target audience (Refer to Appendix C). This system even makes sure that
message is sent consistently.
iii) Money and Time Savings: This is the most significant advantage of E learning
system. Time and money is saved through this process, as the students do not have to visit
any educational institutions.
iv) Flexibility: This is again one of the most significant advantages in E learning
(Liaw & Huang, 2013). The students or the learners have the freedom to acquire knowledge
in their own flexible speed and convenience.
Thus, E learning is the best mode of education for any student, as it does not restrict
education in any specific part.
Mobile Learning for Higher Education
Mobile learning or M learning is the systematic procedure of learning that is done
with the help of mobile phones (Cheung & Vogel, 2013). This type of learning can be simply
defined as the process of learning across various contexts, with the help of several content
and social interactions by utilizing own electronic devices. Mobile learning is a specific part

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of E learning, however the only difference is that mobile phones, notebooks, tablets, hand
held computers are utilized in this process. The procedure of mobile learning mainly focuses
on a particular learner’s mobility and interactions with significant technologies (Gikas &
Grant, 2013). Utilization of mobile techniques for the purpose of creation of learning
materials and aids has eventually become a vital section of any type of informal learning.
Background of Mobile Learning
Mobile learning first came into account in the year 2005. This was introduced with
the evolution of tablet computers. Soon, the concept of mobile learning was accepted by in all
over the world (FernáNdez-LóPez et al., 2013). The schools or colleges or any educational
institutions allowed mobile learning for their teaching purpose. At first, a specific strategy
was made that enabled security to those devices that are utilized for mobile learning. The
software of the mobile phones or tablets was checked whether they are beneficial for the
students or not.
Mobile Learning in Education
Mobile learning has played the most significant role in higher education system. It has
enhanced the utilization of technology in education system and has allowed various new
techniques for simplifying the entire system of E learning (Chen & Denoyelles, 2013).
Mobile learning is the convenient technology, which is utilized for accessing information and
obtaining knowledge from any place at any time virtually. Sharing of knowledge is done
instantly and there is no delay. Moreover, all the students of a mobile learning class can
utilize similar content and this leads to instant tips and feedbacks of the class. This mobile
learning helps to provide knowledge to higher education. It replaces the traditional books
system with portable devices (Jones, Scanlon & Clough, 2013). These devices have the
contents that are required for the completion of education for any individual. The capacity of
one such device is extremely high and can store up to huge amount of data. Thus, this is