The Advantages and Disadvantages Of Using Technology for Learning

Modern technology has indeed taken over our lives, and while it is true that it has made living so much better and more comfortable, as tasks are done twice faster compared to past generations. In terms of education, whereas past generations of students used solely physical books and research were done tediously inside a library with the help of a card catalog, today, everything is done virtually with a click of a mousepad or a touch on a screen or by merely entering keywords in search engines.

There are also schools that have totally embraced this concept where students freely use gadgets for classroom activities, which is what is called “blended learning.”

Unfortunately, this paradigm shift has resulted in a world where instant gratification is mostly expected. This is best illustrated by our frustration when smartphones take several seconds to comply with our commands. Millennials and post-millennials are the ones most exposed to this technology-driven society.

Below are some of the advantages and disadvantages of using technology in learning.

Advantages

• Teaches kids to be prepared

There is no doubt that kids will continue to use technology well into their adult lives, and teaching them how to use electronic gadgets early on gives them an edge and prepares them for the real world after they graduate from school, not to mention the many courses and jobs they can choose from if they know are technology-savvy.

• Offers Flexibility

On schools that apply blended learning, teachers are given the choice and flexibility on different approaches and materials they can use and how they can present them.

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Using technology in the classroom offers a variety in terms of teaching style and they are not just confined to the standard way of teaching.

• More Effective

As teaching based on technology incorporates various methods of instruction from different perspectives, students don’t get easily bored. It has also proven to have a positive outcome for most students, as tasks get easily done, especially when it comes to research. It is also more interactive compared to the traditional method of students merely listening to the teacher’s lecture.

• More Efficient

Colleges and institutions use technology creatively together with data visualization. It allows students to easily grab any information they want any time about lectures, and they can also see their grades in real time as well as their parents. It also works in the same way with the teachers as they can easily keep track of the students’ performance.

• Students are more engaged when technology is involved

Because technology is something they are so familiar with, students handle learning materials effortlessly and it’s incorporated with an instructional and self-direct setting. Students also become more confident as they hone their technological skills, making them feel empowered as they know they’re competent as far as the subject matter is concerned.

• Allows the teachers to address problem areas

By using technology in the classroom, the teacher is able to reach out to each and every student when it comes to school activities. They can also see the performance and progress of the students because of the data provided by educational technology. It makes it easier for them to address the weakness of the student. The teacher can also tailor their teaching style, activities, and instructions to the different capabilities of their students.

Disadvantages

• Technology Dependence

Student s may not be able to do things manually should technology fails. Schools, therefore, should be equipped to cope when blackouts and technology glitches happen.

• Students have little to no personal interaction

Using technology for learning means that the child or the student will be facing the screen for the duration of the class. This means less human interaction among classmates. This can lead to them not knowing how to properly interact with other people, the human connection won’t be present, and there will no longer be any face-to-face conversation.

• Data Security

When computers are used, all the information are stored on a server that hackers can get into and hijack the data for mostly illegal gain. There is also the matter of the system getting a virus, which could wipe off all the information stored there so that both educators and learners may have to start all over again.

• More Work for Teachers

Technology may be making life easier, but it doesn’t mean that there will be lesser work. In fact, to deliver learning materials effectively, a teacher should be trained and prepared to apply and regulate all technology-driven tools throughout the period. They will have to spend additional time checking and evaluating individual data to address the students’ learning gaps.

Using technology for learning is clearly a new and modern approach and is replete with both pros and cons. While the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, there is still this fear that kids will entirely lose their human connection. There is still some remedy that parents can do to prevent this from happening: striking the perfect balance of technology and traditional learning at home and in school.