Technology in the Classroom: Helpful or Harmful?

The only counter argument that some groups give for technology in the class rooms is that it might ruin a natural learning atmosphere. The use of technology allows children to interact with other fellow students and educator’s sitting in any corner of the world. It will eventually wipe out the use of paper from our teaching methods and reduce the weights of school bags. All this will be possible only when teachers and students stand committed towards adaptation of technology.

                                        Image Credit: gettyimages

Let’s have a look at this issue in detail.

1. Openings For New Learning

The two groups of thinkers have different set of arguments for and against the introduction of technology in classrooms. Some think that conventional methods of teaching should not be changed. Others believe that technology can open a large number of doors for learning. Some believe that technology causes distractions and break in the momentum of learning. Some children might get distracted by technology but in the long run it opens avenues for constructive and meaningful methods of learning. A common example is a laptop that offers better control and a huge amount of flexibility in comparison to a smart phone or tablet.

2. Technology is more Commonly found

People today are commonly using tablets, laptops and smart phones. So why should children be denied to move in step with the rest of the population? Schools should strive to make their children ready for the world. Asking them to switch to an old fashioned style of learning for eight hours and then back to a modern living scenario when out of school, is not being fair. School should wake up and face the facts and train their teachers in proper use of technology.

3. Opportunity For Interaction

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Children can access any information under the sky with the use of technology. In school they should not just hear about it, instead get a chance to explore endless options. Gone are the days when children heard about things from their teachers. They can now interact with other students and teachers in different parts of the world. Utilities like Skype and other programs have made classrooms into world learning centers. They can talk to teachers and other learners and find out about their nations and their qualities firsthand. Technology also helps teachers to become global teachers by interacting with an educator sitting anywhere on the globe. They can together strive to make teaching more meaningful and productive for all students combined.

4. Ground Realities 

Many schools have switched over to the new technology but their staff is lagging behind. Unless and until the staff is not trained and comfortable in using these devices the whole purpose will be lost halfway. Teachers need to put books and assignments online to reduce the weight in a student’s backpack. Only when the teachers will commit to learning the new technology, will this change towards the betterment be possible.