Classrooms used to be more teacher-centered, with the teacher serving as the sole source of knowledge for students. Today, however, classrooms are outfitted with cutting-edge technology alongside necessary learning resources for pupils. Additionally, there are several ways in which technology is aiding both students and teachers in the classroom. New and latest technologies have made distance learning easier. It also allows for quicker responses and better collaboration among people of all ages.
Computers have progressed from being restricted to computer labs to infiltrating every educational institution. With the introduction of COVID-19, most educational institutes have chosen online classrooms in which technology has played a significant role. Thanks to technological advancements, today’s learning opportunities are unprecedented in scope.
However, like every coin has two sides, technology has positive and negative aspects. Continue reading to learn more about using technology in the classroom.
Benefits of Technology
Here are some benefits of technology.
1. Greater Accessibility to Learning Resources
With the stroke of a button, students can access a wide range of programs and information sources in the classroom. They don’t have to rush to the library to read and collect information for their assignments. Teachers can quickly discover leveled readers, or students can choose research topics that are interesting to them.
However, as it’s critical for youngsters to have a well-balanced digital diet, teachers should monitor their pupils’ screen time. Nowadays, Screen Time for School-Age Children has become a hot topic due to the increased use of technology in virtual classrooms. To avoid detrimental effects on students’ physical and mental health, teachers should limit screen use.
2. Increased Productivity
Today, students can retrieve the information they need whenever needed using technology. With the help of the Learning Management System (LMS), teachers can send due-date reminders to students alongside other materials.
Technology plays an indispensable role in increasing the productivity and performance of both students and teachers. Teachers can boost their productivity by collaborating with parents and children using specifically designed software. Likewise, students can leverage advanced tools to make learning more captivating.
3. Offers Diverse Learning Styles
Each learner in the classroom is unique, and tailoring your learning plan to meet each students’ academic needs can be difficult. Teachers can make use of visual aids to help students grasp the concept. For example, teachers can create a PowerPoint presentation that summarizes key concepts and includes visuals or diagrams for students who learn by listening and speaking. It enables them to absorb and retain the information for longer.
Then there are kinesthetic learners. These learners need to engage in interactive activities to grasp the concept. Many websites provide students with free interactive programs and activities to assist them in learning knowledge in practically any subject.
4. Inclusion
Students with different learning needs can freely participate in classrooms thanks to technology. Students with special needs can take advantage of technology that allows them to spell, read, write, and solve math problems. Word processors can alert the students about spelling errors. Talking calculators, audio recorders and players, and accessible software can assist students in overcoming issues and improving their learning.
For example, Microsoft 365 makes reading more accessible. This software includes an Immersive Reader and a visual dictionary, perfect for diverse learners.
5. Enhanced Collaboration
Technology has increased collaborative learning in classrooms. Students tend to help each other more when they have technology in hand. They can share their work using different apps. Furthermore, technology enables them to write and draw simultaneously in the same application, resulting in collaborative work.
Students can share their work with students across the borders. Using technology in the classroom can aid in the development of skills that will be critical to future societal advancement, such as cross-border collaboration.
Limitations of Technology
Here are some limitations of technology.
1. Unauthentic Information
Most websites have become more concerned about improving their ranking in search engines. As a result, the number of sources of misleading information on the internet has expanded. Many websites post deceptive material online to increase traffic, even if the information is inaccurate.
As a student, you might come across websites with misleading information. Some websites may replicate stuff from other websites without even verifying its authenticity. In any case, readers are misled, which negatively influences their learning.
2. An Expensive Means of Learning
Purchasing cutting-edge gadgets for classrooms is putting a great dent in the academic budgets. As a result, educational institutes increase the fees to cover the cost of providing students with different types of technological resources.
Aside from that, students have to pay for software updates and additional resources. Since technology has increased costs for both schools and parents, its complete implementation remains in the preliminary stages.
3. Increased Chances of Cheating
Students have additional opportunities to cheat on tests as a result of online learning and assessment. Since students have outsmarted the system by utilizing new methods, a significant proportion of students get away with it and earn good grades.
Cheat aids, custom-written papers, and how-to-cheat tutorials are available on various websites. For this reason, institutes must create fool-proof systems and ensure proper check and balance.
4. Distraction for Kids
Technological advancements have introduced devices that solely operate through internet access. As a result, smartphones have garnered a poor reputation, and there have been convincing arguments for banning them. If a sufficient check isn’t in place, providing pupils with technology and internet access may make inappropriate content readily available to them. However, website limitations, internet filters, and tight monitoring can help in protecting children from inappropriate content.
Conclusion
Although new technologies have always had a significant impact on education, their introduction has resulted in major changes in the way pupils are taught in schools. Different people have different opinions on these changes in the educational system, especially if they are made so abruptly and in such a short period. However, one must remain optimistic, as the benefits overcome the drawbacks. In the end, it’s up to schools to examine the outcomes and determine whether the benefits outweigh the expenses. Nonetheless, technology serves as an efficient means to convey education in today’s time. While there are some disadvantages, educators can control or altogether mitigate them.
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