Essay on advantages and disadvantages of technology in education
Answers
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.
Unlike regular textbooks, electronic books and web-based content are updated in real time, feeding students with the most current information they can get their hands on, helping them become more knowledgeable even outside the classroom setting.
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.
Tuition will also decrease when learning is done online, rather than inside the classroom. By taking out the factors that contribute to a higher tuition fee, such as utility bills and transportation allowance of teachers, the overall cost of education will be lower.
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.
Other tools available for teachers include Smart Boards (interactive whiteboards), email Skype, and PowerPoint.
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.
Technology also presents universal tools that enable teachers to educate all types of students, including those who are struggling or have special needs. These include voice recognition, text-to-speech converter, translator, volume control, word prediction software and other assistive technologies.
Explanation:
10 Advantages and Disadvantages of Technology in Education
Technology is one of the most valuable tools that we have available at our finger tips every day. You can do virtually anything with your smart phone, tablet, or computer. From seeing what time a movie starts, ordering a pizza, and paying your bills the possibilities for technology are endless. And not only are they endless, they are constantly improving to make the things we have to do everyday easier. It sounds pretty awesome right? That thought might change when you put our youth and their education into the mix. Many people believe that the abundance of technology in our schools is hindering students ability to think for themselves and learn old style methods of research. People who support the use of technology in the class room argue that they no longer have to. It’s a touchy subject, that cannot be solved just by an analysis, but learning all of the advantages and disadvantages of having technology in the classroom can certainly give you a well rounded and informed opinion.
Advantages of Technology In Education
1. Parent’s Peace of Mind
Cell phones now allow us to stay in contact with our friends and family anywhere that we are. It is how students communicate problems and emergencies with their parents when they are at school as well.
2. The Information Highway
Any answer to any question can be found with a few clicks of the keys on the computer or smart phone. Powerful search engines allow an organized and simply way to find the answers that students may need for assignments or projects.
3. Broaden The Mind
Before the internet, children knew what their family taught them. This caused their political and religious views to be the only ones that the children knew. Having access to the technology will expose them to things outside of their parents interests and help them to form their own opinions.
4. Brings Some Fun Into The Classroom
Learning the same exact way from the same person every day can really get…boring. This boredom turns into a lack of motivation in the students. When they are able to integrate computer learning into their normal schedule, they become much more excited to learn.
5. Applicable Education
In the working world, in nearly every job you may take, you have to know how to operate a computer. Teaching this skill in children early will give them an advantages and a learning curve for when they are adults.
Disadvantages of Technology In Education
1. Access To Inappropriate Content
The biggest concern when it comes to the use of technology in schools is how easy pornographic, violent, and other inappropriate materials can be accessed and viewed. This could cause big problems if the material is shared with other students while in the classroom.
2. A Disconnected Youth
This harmful effect of technology has already come to light in today’s world. People are attached to their screens almost 24/7, which is causing an entirely new set of social issues to pop up. This translates into the school system in a bit of a different way, however. More and more students are experiencing social anxieties when it comes to face to face interactions, but are perfectly fine socializing online.
3. The Cyberbullying Trap
Giving students access to anonymous accounts and endless contact avenues can only lead to trouble. Cyber bullying has become a real and in our face problem among young people today. This harassment has no end, which includes the class room. There is also no way to monitor or discipline students who are involved.
4. Inevitable Cheating
While have an easy access to information may seem like a great thing, it can become a real problem in a test taking environment. Cell phones have made cheating easier than ever. You no longer have to figure out how to write all of the answers down, you can just look them up!
5. A Major Distraction
Attentiveness drops drastically in the classroom when students have their cell phones or other technologies out. The focus shifts from their teacher and education, to whatever they are looking at, playing, or doing on their phones.