Technology in Education

Examine pros and cons of technology use in education:

Pros:

-       Educational resource for students. Any information that students need can be found online, but the problem is that you sometimes do not know how credible the source is. Even though you do not know the credibility of the source it provides students with assistance.

-       Exciting. Technology gives teachers the opportunity to create an exciting learning environment. Teachers can incorporate images, create PowerPoints, show videos, and use other technological tools to make the lessons more exciting.

-       The future. Technology prepares students for the future. We live in a technological world, and the earlier we start to learn how to use technology will help us feel more comfortable using it and we will be better at communicating. We also learn how to create PowerPoints, communicate professionally, search for jobs, and many other important things. 

-       Most current information. E-books and information online are updated in real time, which gives us the opportunity to find the most current information.

Cons:

-       Distraction. For teachers it can be hard to keep the students to focus during a lesson. Students bring computers and phones to class, and it is so easy to do get distracted and stop listening to the teacher.

-       Cheating. The poor studying habits can lead to cheating. Of course there is a possibility that students cheat in the classroom, but the Internet makes it a lot easier. If you want to fins an answer to a question all you need to do is search for the question, and this is preventing students from learning.

-       Disconnected. If assignments are too technology based it will decrease the face-to-face interaction between students. We have mentioned how much social media disconnects us from each other, and if all education takes place online it is going to disconnect us in the same way as social media.

-       Lazy. Since everything is accessible online students can develop poor studying habits. Students rely on their computer and the Internet, and use search engines to find answers. Technology has created a lack of interest in studying.

There are both pros and cons when it comes to using technology in education. I also believe these pros and cons can vary from person to person, depending on how you are using technology and how it affects your everyday life.

Look at issues such as the Digital Divide:

People who cannot afford and have no access to technology or media are left out?

-       Yes people who don’t have access to technology or media are left out, and they are falling behind in the digital age. Even though many students have access to some form of technology there are still people who can’t afford it, and these students miss the opportunities to learn the basic skills of technology. They don’t have the same opportunity to do research outside of class or find the most current information. They are not being prepared for the future to the same degree as students that have access to technology.

Are schools assuming that we all can afford technology and requiring the use without taking into account affordability or accessibility?

-       I wouldn’t say that all schools assume that everyone can afford technology, but they definitely assume that everyone has access to it. I wouldn’t say that they don’t consider the accessibility because there are a lot of schools that offers access to Internet and computers, which means that students have full access to do the assignments online.

Propose for more media literacy or more technology or media training.

-       I propose for more media training. I think it’s important that both teachers and students learn how to use media in a responsible way and learn how to engage with one and other. It’s also important to keep up with technology and the changes that occur. I think that teachers needs to find a balance for media use in school, and help the students find a balance between using technology and social interaction.

How about more education and training for both students and teachers in terms of proper use of technology.

-       Yes, there should definitely be more training for both students and teachers. To find a good balance between technology and social interaction, in the classroom. It’s important that teachers know how technology affects students. Students also need training, so that they can be prepared themselves for the future. Teachers need to be trained in how to use technology, so that they can teach the students (even if it isn’t a computer class). However, I would also suggest having a computer class, and that students attend it at an early age. As I mentioned before, the earlier students start using technology the more comfortable they will be using it, and it will benefit them in the future.