Technology in Schools

Technology in Schools

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Technology in Schools

Technology is something which has taken root in our society today. With the modernization of activities surrounding us, technology has been given an upper hand since most of the activities which are done in the society involve technology. One of the fields that has absorbed technology in our society today is the education sector. There has been introduction of technological gadgets in schools to aid in the learning and teaching process. Such gadgets include computers, LCD projectors, tablets, flash notes, lore, flipped classrooms, Camtasia, chrome books and many others among these. Some of these gadgets support E-learning, online classes and provide an opportunity for the students to conduct their research. As much as there are many advantages that the education sectors has accrued from technology there are still some disadvantages which have been noted.

To commence with, technology has been thought to eradicate a lot of tedious work among the teachers and has also helped to save time spent in instructing the learners. Computers has aided in automating the work which was earlier done manually by teachers. The teachers can enter records of students’ performance in the computers instead of having to do it manually where it is difficult and tiresome. With the introduction of technology in education, there is a tool called Top Hat which can easily automate grading for teachers and also keep track of the students’ performance. This helps the teachers identify the areas which their students are weak and hence pay special attention to such areas. This tool also aids in streamlining grading for writing assignments, discuss and participation and also provide answers to students where they do not understand. Computers also reduce overload of files in the officers since most of records are kept in the computers and they can easily retrieve them when needed.

Technology also provides an opportunity for students to have an instant access to information which can supplement their learning experiences. With gadgets like, lore, tablets mobile phones, chrome books and computers, students have an instant access to internet which provides an opportunity for research. This gadgets are very important especially when students are doing an academic research. The students might not have an idea of everything about their research topic and therefore they need internet to get more information about their research topic which has been made easy through the use of the above mentioned technological gadgets. Students can also use the internet to get further clarification of what was taught in class by the teacher. This supplements the students’ learning experiences as they can acquire more knowledge and information which was not taught in class. Students can also buy flash notes which is very important in supplementing their knowledge.

Also, technology enhances learning by making it more fun and effective and also saves on time in terms of instruction. With the use of flipped classes, the method of instructing to learners has changed where the learners are instructed through videos. This helps save time which could be spent on simple straight lecture and one or two classes are spared from time for help, discussion and interaction for the lecture homework. This spares a good time for the difficulty areas which the students experience. Online classes are more fun and captures the attention of the students well and hence makes learning more effective. The students perceive it as boring to have teachers scribble on a blackboard and have their back to the students. However, with the online lessons, the teacher focuses on teaching and hence learning becomes more fun. Also, LCD projectors, aids in making the lesson more enjoyable as the teachers can demonstrate what they are teaching and eliminate more of the theoretical work.

However, there are also cons, which are related to technology in regards to education. Technology can act as a form of destruction in the learning process. Allowing students to use the technological gadgets such as smartphones and laptops could destruct their attention in the classrooms. These gadgets provide access to internet and the students can start browsing on social sites such as Facebook, twitter, Instagram and video chats. This could act as destruction to the students as they cannot divide their attention to concentrate on both the learning process and social sites. The gadgets can also promote cheating in classes, assignments and examination, due to access of internet where they can get the information needed in the tests. This has been said to reduce the credibility and competence of professionals in various fields.

Also, technology has aided in creating unemployment for most teachers and instructors since most of the work is done by the technological gadgets. With most online classes and flipped classrooms being introduced in the education sector, few teachers are needed in the schools. One instructor can conduct an online to a mass of students unlike in classrooms where many teachers are needed to cater for the students. Flipped classes also reduce the number of lectures since the simple and straight lectures are conducted on videos and only a few lectures left for the difficult areas. This reduces the number of teachers needed in the school.

Moreover, technology has been viewed as a way of disconnecting social interactions. Classrooms act as places of interaction since people get to interact with each in the process of learning. Schools have various activities such as sports, distinct clubs, and discussions which provide an opportunity for interaction among the students and the teachers. Introduction of technology has minimized such forums since classes are done online while the students are in their various homes. The students hardly meet and this makes it difficult for social interactions.

In conclusion, it is evident that technology in schools has an array both pros and cons. Therefore different opinions will count depending on different individuals on how they view technology in schools. In my opinion, I concur to the statement that technology is important in the schools in the society today. This is because the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. The disadvantages are just mere problems which can easily be corrected. For instance, having strict rules in the class on the use of smartphones and laptops and organizing forums from time to time to provide opportunities for interaction. We are living in a dynamic world and we have to move with times and therefore it is important to have technology in schools.

References

Halverson, A. C. (2009). Rethinking Education in the Age of Technology: The Digital Revolution and Schooling in America. Teachers College Press.

Jane Prey, R. H. (2007). The Impact of Tablet PCs and Pen-based Technology on Education 2007: Beyond the Tipping Point. Purdue University Press.

Robert B. Kozma, J. V. (2003). Technology, Innovation, and Educational Change: A Global Perspective : a Report of the Second Information Technology in Education Study, Module 2. ISTE (Interntl Soc Tech Educ.

Robert N. Ronau, C. R. (2012). Educational Technology, Teacher Knowledge, and Classroom Impact: A Research Handbook on Frameworks and Approaches. Information Science Reference.

Wright, C. A. (2000). Issues in Education and Technology: Policy Guidelines and Strategies. Commonwealth Secretariat.