Today, people are using technology in almost all applications. With the innovations in technology, even the educational system is benefiting from it, from the internet to distance learning. However, this topic remains to be a debatable issue. Here are six views on the advantages and disadvantages of applying technology in learning.
List of Pros of Technology in Education
1. Distance Learning.
Supporters of applying technology in education posit that with internet technology, getting education is easier for people nowadays since the existence of online courses and distance learning. Today, students need not have to be in a physical classroom and attend classes in campuses. For them, technology has made it possible for people to get educated and graduate even if they are at home or anywhere in the world. Lessons are now in modules and professors and students can interact remotely.
2. Extensive Access to Information.
With internet connectivity and the smart devices available for educators and students, research has been made simpler and faster. So long as there is internet connection, students can search about any topic or subject, making it easier to research and finish their reports and assignments. Technology has also made it possible to learn without books because there are ebooks, journals and materials available online.
3. Convenience and Comfort.
Proponents of technology in education claim that since the evolution of the internet, life has been easier for people, learning included. In most educational institutions, professors send assignments to students through emails. The students, in return, can do their research right away, anytime and anywhere and submit school requirements over the internet. Also, since tablets and laptops are now used in schools, there is no need to bring too many books. This is convenient for students especially school children who used to carry heavy school bags and backpacks.
List of Cons of Technology in Education
1. Lesser Classroom Interaction.
People who are skeptical about technology in education say that this practice has made people colder when it comes to socializing and mingling with others. For them, this is not healthy emotionally and socially. Since some students are now taking classes online, they do not even know who their classmates and professors are except by name. If there is lesser interaction in the classroom, social skills of students are not being honed.
2. Neglected Books.
Since the internet has almost all the information about anything as well ebooks, lesser and lesser students turn to books to study. Critics say that this is not a good thing because books are starting to be ignored. Lesser number of students is going to libraries nowadays unlike before when people have to go to a library to research. Moreover, technology has discouraged children to read.
3. Learning Disadvantage.
Opponents of technology in education say that since technology has made internet connectivity available, students now research online with less comprehension of what they are reading. Since there is too much information available, students are tempted to just rephrase content from the internet without extensive research. Consequently, they are missing so much in learning. When it comes to online education, they criticize that it is possible that students do not learn as they should unlike when they are in a classroom setting where there is hands on learning.
Technology is important and has affected the lives of human beings. Whether it is an advantage or a disadvantage in education depends on how it is applied.
Crystal Lombardo is a contributing editor for Vision Launch. Crystal is a seasoned writer and researcher with over 10 years of experience. She has been an editor of three popular blogs that each have had over 500,000 monthly readers.
