Monday, March 4, 2024

The Pros And Cons Of Technology In The Classroom

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The introduction of technology in education has changed how students learn, and teachers deliver their lessons. Many benefits come with this change. Students can have more interactive lessons with their teachers. They can also learn at their own pace however there are disadvantages as well. Students can be easily distracted and become too dependent on technology.

See also: Do We Need All These Gadgets? 

Pros

You can learn anywhere

Technology has made it possible for people to learn anywhere in the world. Online education is growing tremendously across the globe. There is no need to be physically present at a school you wish to study at. Online education gives students more flexibility and it is cheaper to study online. Technology brings the classroom to your home.

It makes the lesson fun

Watching educational movies is more interesting than listening to the teacher’s monotonous voice. The lesson can be more interactive and this motivates your students to learn. Teachers can change the lesson style using technology such as computers, projectors, and tablets.

Easy to manage students’ progress

Technology can help teachers to manage the students’ progress. For example, in online schools, teachers can see when students complete their courses and quizzes. They can see how well their students are doing. Technology has made storage easier. You can monitor the student’s progress by looking at how well they have done throughout a specific period and you can determine if they have improved or not.

Students can learn at their own pace

Some students are introverts, and they will not participate in class. If teachers develop an online platform for students to utilize, they can get the students to participate in discussions. They will not be shy to ask questions. They can send a private message if the platform allows it. Many Facebook groups are created to enhance learning outside of the classrooms. Teachers can go through concepts that were not covered in the classrooms.

Accommodate students with special needs

Technology has made it possible for students with disabilities to learn just like normal children. Many schools cannot accommodate special needs students because they lack the resources. A visually impaired student can access information and submit an assignment using braille. Before technology that could assist disabled students existed, these students had to stay at home and were prevented from having a formal education. Technology has made it possible to educate disabled students.

 

Cons

Students can become too dependant

Technology has brought many benefits. However, students can become too dependent on technology instead of going to the library to research. They can access information on the internet that is not always accurate. Students need to be careful and use the resources that they have correctly.

Distractions

Teachers have complained about students using computers for social purposes instead of learning and studying. Students can be easily distracted by visiting non-educational websites. Teachers have to monitor the computer to ensure that students are not losing their focus.

Loss of connection

Some people will argue that people are moving away from traditional education and that online learning will not build specific skills such as social and team building. Yes, virtual learning is not the same as conventional learning and school is essential to form unique relationships but we have to admit that virtual learning has its benefits.

Wrapping up

Technology has been incorporated into education because of the wonderful benefits. It can help teachers to change their teaching style and keep the students interested. On the other hand, technology can be distracting, and students can become too dependent on it.

 

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