A Review of Technological Tools in Teaching and Learning Computer Science

The technology works as a catalyst through which many changes occur in the learning approaches, teaching methodologies, research arena, in the work environment and in the use of information and knowledge. Helping students to learn using technological tools rather than using conventional techniques has become more popular in the 21st century in colleges and schools in the domain of computer science. Integration of technological tools will help teachers to the international requirement to use technology-based teaching and learning tools instead of traditional teaching methods. Most researchers agree on the significance of the use of technological tools in different education systems. However, current state-of-the-art depicts that there is no comprehensive study that provides an analysis of different technological tools e.g. computer-based, games based, mobile based, and multimedia technologies used in education. This paper provides a comprehensive review of several of the most popular teaching methodologies (collaborative, active learning, problem-based, inductive teaching method) and technological tools i.e. computer-based (ICT, CAI, CBI), games based (serious games, web games, micro-games, videos games), mobile based (laptop, PDAs, tablets, mobile phones), online learning tools (flipped classroom, web MOOCs) and multimedia technologies (Videos, MCMs, MAMCM). The purpose of this research paper is to scrutinize the roles and effectiveness of technological tools in teaching and learning process and it provides the definition of each method, along with the similarities and differences among these teaching methodologies and technological tools. Even though the strength of each individual method is something that is met with varying degrees of evidence, teaching with the help of technological tools has been found to be generally more effective or at least equally effective to traditional methods of teaching. The purpose of the use of technology in teaching and learning process is to improve productivity, the effectiveness of current practices and bring pedagogical changes which are beneficial for the betterment of education. We explore the theoretical literature available about the influence of technology and its effectiveness in the field of education. In teaching and learning process, the use of technological tools increases interaction between teachers and students. To incorporate technology, educators and teachers must implement the right technological tools to make the environment more innovative for the students.