It is important to recognize that technology provides many amazing opportunities for teachers to make teaching more effective. Not only teachers, but also students can benefit from the use of technology. Though there are many advantages, there are also some disadvantages. This article discusses both pros and cons of using technology in the classroom.
From a practical perspective, learning through technology provides several advantages to students. Earlier, students carry around a heavy bag full of exercise books and textbooks, but at present they simply carry a tablet or laptop. Because of different learning styles and skills, no one learns the same way. Technology offers great opportunities to increase the quality of learning for all with different needs. Students, for example, can learn at their own speed, review difficult concepts or skip ahead when they need to.
Collaborating outside of the classroom can be challenging without technology, requiring you to use the precious class time to promote it. Students can work with technology on almost anything, with an Internet connection at any time and the right resources. Technology may promote teamwork in the same classroom, same school, and even with other classrooms around the world. Students can practice collaborative skills by involving themselves in various online activities.
Using Skype, students can now engage with other classes, teachers, and people all over the world without leaving the classroom. Through manipulating robots, they can learn basic programming techniques, go back in time using virtual reality, and have access to an endless supply of knowledge at the most basic level.
Without supervision and knowledge of how to safely access the Internet, students are at risk not only of searching for inappropriate and potentially harmful content, but also of allowing potentially harmful malware and even hackers into the network of the school.
Although students have always found ways to cheat, the digital age makes it even easier-from copying and pasting the work of someone else to recruiting an essay writer from an online essay mill. Digital technology could end up hindering the professional development of the students here.
Because of a plethora of social media apps, students’ attention is getting easily sidetracked. They are not attentive in the classroom. They are physically present, but mentally absent.
It is important to remember that technology is inescapable, given its obvious drawbacks. Many of the drawbacks levied against the use of technology in education can be overcome with careful consideration of how technology will be used and how it benefits the learning experience. In fact, technology in the classrooms opens more doors, brings in new perspectives, and provides more opportunities for self-discovery.
