The term “globalization” is defined as the integration of economies and societies that create international influences (Misra, 2010). With globalization on the rise, it is inevitable that different cultures will merge (or collide) together. This paper will analyze the effect of globalization on educational technology and communication systems while arguing that countries should adopt an educational system that relates to a global context.
Nowadays, labor markets require more experienced workers who are knowledgeable in languages, cultures and business methods (Sharma, 2012). That being said, education is becoming more important to individuals because education often leads to better occupations, which later leads to a higher quality of life, authority and rank (Sharma, 2012). Through globalization, education is aimed at enhancing the skills of people receiving knowledge from developed countries. The effects of globalization on education have brought swift expansion in technology and communications. In addition, globalization has brought a shift from an industrialization-based society to an informational-based society (Sharma, 2012).
Technology has changed the way individuals deliver material through the use of electronic sources (Sharma, 2012). For example, through video conferencing, barriers of distances have been broken down and a new way of learning has become more flexible. Today, computers are very beneficial to students. For instance, computers often help focus students’ attention and interest towards a subject while the internet is a great way for students to research new materials. In addition, typing up work through word processors to edit assignments can be more legible and easier to share.
Communication technology has offered students new challenges pertaining to world issues (Sharma, 2012). This has allowed students to develop their communication skills as well as their interpersonal skills while improving their cross-cultural understandings (Sharma, 2012). For example, computers have allowed students to communicate with foreign students in order to learn a new language and culture. The effect of globalization on education has shifted knowledge discovery from memorization to experimentation (Sharma, 2012). That being said, individuals are now required to be more accountable for their own learning.
Personally, my Master’s program focused on communication and cultures. There was an emphasizes on theories like Edward Hall’s high/low context cultures where high context cultures (such as China) are more collectivist and have implicit use of communication while low context cultures (such as USA) are more individualistic and have explicit use of communication. That being said, with prior knowledge in mind, I would recommend the usage of intercultural communication as a method of TESOL teaching. I believe that I would be able to effectively communicate with my students better than another teacher who has no experience of communicating with students from different cultural backgrounds. All in all, teaching students at a global level will help students understand languages and cultures better.
In conclusion, globalization has effected education in terms of technology and communication. Globalization and the technological shift has changed the world economy from being industrial- based to informational-based, thus increasing the demand for higher education. Computers have allowed students to easily share and learn new materials. Technology has broken down barriers while communication has improved students understanding regarding cultures. That being said, the educational system should embrace the global context towards learning.
TESOL Viewpoint brings alumni essays on teaching English as a second language. This viewpoint focuses on the effect of globalization on education.
References:
Misra, Srikant. (2010). Implications of Globalization on Education. Integral University, India.
Retrieved from http://www.academia.edu/1211031/Implications_of_Globalization_on_Education
Sharma, Naveena. (2012). Globalization Effect of Education and Culture: An Analysis. Government Engineering College. Retrieved from http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2069155