List of the Advantages of
Technology in Education
1. Promotes independent learning in students
The internet
is a treasure trove of information. Practically anything you need to know can
be found online. Although there is a question of the credibility of the source
and the data provided, it can still serve as an educational resource for
students. Even without assistance from parents and teachers, students can just
look up their lessons online.
2. Prepares
students for the future
From the way technological advancements are going, it is
obvious that the future will be digital and technology-focused. If students are
well-versed on using technology to collaborate and communicate as early as now,
they will not have trouble fitting in, competing and finding jobs in the
future. Being familiar with using at least one form of technology at an early
age will help them become comfortable using it, and eventually develop other
skills necessary to handle other innovative devices and processes.
3. Has the
potential to lower textbook and tuition prices
With resources more accessible and in great abundance, the
cost of textbooks is likely to decrease. It is also possible that students may
no longer need to buy a textbook, if it is converted into digital format. The
actual books can stay in the classroom, while the content is saved on a
student’s computer.
4. Allows
teachers to create an exciting way to educate students
Gone are the days when the only tools for teaching are
limited to books, a blackboard or whiteboard, and a chalk or markers. With
technology integrated to education, teachers can now incorporate images, videos
and other graphics when delivering lessons. Specific websites, apps and
programs will also enable teachers to vary how they provide instructions. This
creates an exciting learning environment and promotes interest in education in
general.
5. Encourages
development of new teaching methods
Rather than spend an hour or so talking while the students
listen, or have them read an entire chapter in silence, teachers and professors
now have the option to use advanced teaching methods, such as podcasts, blogs
and social media. When working with a particular group or one-on-one, teachers
can take advantage of web conferencing technologies other online communication
tools.
List of Disadvantages of
Technology in Education
1. Results in a lack of interest in studying
Because everything is now accessible online or through data
saved in a computer or mobile devices, students are likely to develop poor
studying habits and a lazy attitude towards education. Some of them may even
think they can skip school because they can find answers and lessons online.
Who needs teachers when you have internet and Google, right?
2. Makes students vulnerable to potential
pitfalls
While computers prove to be an invaluable educational tool,
it can also be a source of problems. This is especially true for students who
lack the skills needed to maximize a device’s functionalities. Technical
problems and computer malfunctions can cause loss of assignments and other
materials, resulting in high levels of stress that students would rather not
experience. Difference in internet speeds and a device’s capabilities can also
lead to certain difficulties that will de-motivate students.
3. Negative views on technology
Consumerism has taught us that technologies, from computers
to mobile devices, are widely viewed as tools to entertain rather than educate.
Textbooks, on the other hand, are seen as tools for learning. So, between a
tablet and a textbook, students are likely to gravitate towards learning when
reading a book, while they are likely to use a tablet to play games or spend
time on social media.
4. Raise instructional challenges
For professors and teachers to stay abreast with technology,
they may need to be retrained. Those who have been teaching all their lives
using traditional methods may not be very susceptible to the changes being
applied. They may even see it as a threat to their job security and shun technology
altogether. In fact, a majority of teachers believe that constant use of
digital technology is affecting a student’s attention span and his ability to
persevere when a challenging task is thrown his way.
5. Can diminish overall value of in-person education
Although research on online learning did not establish a
direct link to how personal interaction affects a student’s performance, data
gathered did show that those who enrolled in online courses have higher chances
of failing, dropping out of classes, and are less likely to benefit from them.
This may have something to do with the fact that lessons delivered online or
through digital resources lack the face-to-face interaction between teacher and
student that provides a more personal experience.
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