The education system finds itself at a particular crossroads in society. On the one hand, it is charged with the duty of anticipating real-life skills and preparing individuals to take part in an increasingly complex and competitive world. At the same time, education methodologies can only be made formal after the practices have been researched and defined.
The challenge is most pronounced when it comes to technology, where rampant innovation and constant change make it hard to keep up. It has been argued; however, that information technology holds immense potential for today’s classrooms, although some challenges exist. In this article, we provide a balanced analysis of the benefits and drawbacks of introducing technology in classrooms.
Important Features of Education Technology
When thinking about the use of information technology in education, innovation should be implemented as a teaching assistant, rather than a solution to all instruction challenges. The computer or tablet, for instance, should not replace the traditional textbook or take place live communication with the teacher. The teacher should choose tech as an education material by considering the class characteristics. An important feature of educational information technology is that it has to be designed for self-actively perception and should help students understand their skills, abilities, and knowledge.
Another feature of educational tech is digitized classrooms. Rather than being seen as a standalone skill or tool, digitization requires the dispersal of technology throughout every facet of the modern classroom, from electronic screens to tablets, data projectors, and interactive whiteboards. Technology is not limited to the classroom as students can use the internet for private research and procure essay writing service online.
Other trends include:
- Tangible computing;
- Gamification;
- Disintermediation;
- Opening of information;
- Virtual reality.
Benefits of Educational Technology
Since students are already using and interested in technology, there are many possible applications for classrooms. Here are some notable benefits:
Technology Improves Motivation
Indeed, most students don’t like attending school as they feel it is a waste of time. The students are unmotivated and would rather hang out with friends. Evidence shows that when there is appropriate technology allowed in the classroom, teachers have the chance to let students work at a pace suited for their learning abilities without affecting the rest of the class. Students can search for additional material and play games to reinforce lessons. This makes learning more interesting and student-oriented.
Technology Improves Communication
Effective education requires collaboration between teachers, parents, and students. This is where information technology has become particularly useful. Parents can follow up on the progress of their children, playing an important role in the learning process. Teachers are also able to give out assignments remotely and offer feedback on student questions and concerns.
Technology Creates New Learning Methods
Recent research shows that students learn in different ways. Some prefer audio input, while others prefer visual material and texts. In the traditional classroom where lecture-based instruction is preferred, there not every student is catered for. Technology allows teachers to make things right by offering many interesting sources of information. Teachers can use videos, digital books, and recordings to support formal classroom lectures. Students can try new things without feeling embarrassed as technology offers anonymity.
Technology Supports Classroom Management
Over the years, there has been a growing focus on a student-centered approach to learning. To achieve this, teachers need to understand each learner before instruction can be properly tailored to meet individual needs. There are various applications, software choices, and platforms that allow the collection of data on students. Teachers can track performance in specific subject areas, attendance patterns, and how students interact in specific situations. As teachers create learner profiles, instruction, and assessment become more effective.
Possible Problems With Educational Technology
While the integration of technology in classrooms promises immense benefits, there are some possible challenges to consider. First, technological devices can be a source of distraction from the course material. Phones, tablets, and smartphones, for instance, have many distracting applications, including social media networks. Technology, if not properly managed, can negatively affect learning and take up study time.
It has also been argued that technology makes it easy to cheat on assignments. Some students also don’t understand how to differentiate between credible and unreliable sources of information. Most importantly, technology can be expensive to procure and maintain.
Even with the challenges outlined here, there is no denying the growing importance of educational technology. As such, educators and parents have a responsibility to collaborate with innovators and app developers in creating appropriate technology and content for effective instruction.
