Technology in Education: the Deeds and the Detriments
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With the omnipresence of technology in our everyday lives, it is becoming far less uncommon to see a child walking around with a device in hand, operating it with ease. Likewise, in the classroom environment, technology is littered in every corner. Computers, smartboards, projectors, tablets, and the list goes on. With this in mind, we will delve into just how technology is being utilized in education and the positives and negatives of it.
Technology’s Use in Education
According to a study done by the Institute of Educational Sciences in November of 2021, a little over 70 percent of public schools employed technology for day-to-day classroom activities. Seeing these numbers, we can deduce how crucial technology has become for our education.
It plays various roles in modern education, including but not limited to:
Computers and tablets.
Cloud technology, such as OneDrive.
And, most significantly, digital classrooms such as Zoom.
Technology can be utilized in unique ways and can be adapted to accommodate every child, such as the numerous interactive educational games that can allow for unique methods of learning.
Benefits/Detriments
As mentioned previously, flexibility is a primary attribute of technology. With that said, however, what other benefits does technology in education provide?
Improved visual-spatial development. A study done by Temple University suggests that when practicing with technology such as video games, a child’s visual-spatial abilities are put into practice with features such as map reading, puzzles, and so on. This skill proves its use in solving math equations, sports, and various other situations.
Makes learning more enjoyable. Although learning may come as fascinating to some, others may find it tiresome. However, technology is built to be engaging with its immediacy, which can in turn allow children, especially those with learning disabilities, to stay engaged and focused on the task at hand.
Preparation for future tech careers. “Technology is the future,” as many say. According to the Department of Labour, it is observed that Computer and IT jobs are one of the most rapidly growing career fields and it is expected for 667,600 new jobs to emerge through 2030. A strong digital background is essential to not only build skills, but to foster interest.
However, along with the many benefits of technology in classrooms, come drawbacks.
External distractions. These can easily be accessed with a mere misclick on an advertisement and lead children to non-educational websites. Ads, pop-ups, games, and social media are all examples of ways a child can get off track from their learning.
Excessive screen time. A child is likely on their screen for hours a day while they’re at home, so exposing them to more devices at school will result in a child’s eyes practically being glued to a screen 24/7. A study run by the National Institutes of Health in 2018 determined that children who spend more than two hours a day on screen-time activities scored lower in cognitive tests, and those with more than seven hours a day saw thinning of the brain’s cortex.
Thinning attention spans. With technology being run on immediacy and instant gratification, a child may become so accustomed to this that when practicing more traditional learning styles, they may feel less inclined to learn.
Technology integration in education is growing more rapidly than ever due to the pandemic, and it is crucial that children and parents alike adapt to these circumstances. Technology has proven to embody many roles in the learning environment, and as with anything else, has its benefits and drawbacks.
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