Pros and Cons of Technology in Classroom

The integration of technology into everyday classroom experience can have a profound impact on learning. The fact that today’s students are already familiar with and interested in technology makes it even more important for teachers to determine ways in which they can utilise technology in the classroom.

The commonly used technologies in today’s classrooms include computers, mobile devices, smart whiteboards, LCD projectors, and the internet. In the UAE, the education sector is implementing pioneering ways of integrating technology in classroom activities to improve interaction between teachers and students.

However, the effectiveness of incorporating technology into the classroom has been a controversial issue. While many parents, educators and students recognise the potential benefits of technology in the classroom, some argue that using technology in classroom poses too many challenges. Let’s look at both sides of the story.

Pros of Using Technology in the Classroom

Using technology in the classroom has many benefits for teachers and students alike. The following are some of these benefits:

1. Engages Students and Keeps Them Focused

The use of tablets or computers to research information leads to active participation by students in the learning process. Technology keeps students focused on a project for a longer period than they would with books and paper resources in a traditional lecture environment. Furthermore, interactive virtual lessons can help turn conceptual subjects like math and science which are usually perceived “boring” into fun sessions for students.

2. Audio – Visual Media Makes Learning Easier

As an adult, you’ve probably attended more boring office presentations than you’d like to remember. But can you recall some presentations that stood out, and why? Chances are the presenter used audio and visual aids along with the power point presentation, to keep you interested.

So no surprises when we hear that students learn faster and retain information for longer when the content is imparted in a multi-media format. As a teacher, replacing the boring black and white boards with giant interactive touch boards or even complementing them with audio, will encourage more of your students to pay attention in class.

3. Improves Individual Learning and Classroom Collaboration

Students learn in different ways and at a different pace. Sometimes itis difficult for a teacher to attend to the needs of all the students. However, integration of technology can change this. Students can be sent individualised virtual lesson plans on the computer. In so doing, students are able to read the information at their convenience and learn at their own pace. Technology in the classroom is a great leveller for students with permanent physical immobility, or those unable to attend due to prolonged illness.

Apart from aiding individual student progress, technology also encourages students to collaborate. Online teaching platforms like Piazza offer a discussion forum that allows students to share their views as well as enable teachers to respond directly to student’s queries or guide them during a discussion. Such a tool can make shy students feel comfortable in sharing their viewpoints and get the necessary assistance they need.

Incidentally, using digital devices in the classroom also frees up teachers giving them more time to accomplish class objectives and to assist those students who may be struggling with certain lessons.

4. Instant Access to Countless Resources of Learning

Technology in education means that students have instant access to countless educational materials to supplement their learning through school textbooks. From dedicated research platforms to e-textbooks and much more, the internet creates access to fantastic online resources. For instance, YouTube EDU has more than 700,000 educational videos. Access to technology is allowing students from the remotest corners of the world access global resources of learning. Teachers too can access this vast online information pool to make their lessons more informative and current.

5. Prepares Students for the Future

Technology is an integral part of our life and using it in classroom equips students with essential skills they will need in the workplace. Teaching them how to use technology to learn, conduct research, collaborate, and solve problems will better prepare them for their careers. Utilising new techniques in the classroom can also help reduce the anxiety of embracing new technology, which is a fear that often holds back adults from being technology adopters.

Cons of Technology in the Classroom

Incorporating technology in the classroom provides students with tremendous opportunities to connect and learn. But with each benefit comes a potential cost. The following are two critical challenges that technology can pose when incorporated in the classroom:

1. A Distraction for Students

One major problem with technology is that it opens the door for many more distractions, such as games, text messaging, email and social media. Also, giving students easy access to the internet can lead to dangerous situations such as exposure to websites that offer inappropriate materials as well as online predators that target young children.

2. Can Limit Learning

Unfortunately, students may dedicate more time and effort towards creating visual representations like a PowerPoint presentation or a video clip, rather than focusing on the subject. As a result, they may end up completing an assignment without learning about the subject itself. By focusing on online research, students may become adept at finding information but not at remembering it. Easy access to answers may limit imagination and the ability of students to read and think deeply about the subject.

Overall, the pros of technology in classroom outweigh the cons. The bottom line is that technology in education is designed to enhance the learning process by making learning easy and a bit quicker. Its effectiveness spurs the interest of learning in students, allowing them to grasp what they are taught. Deploying technology in education inevitably encourages students to learn much more than when technology is not in use.

Do you agree that technology in the classroom is a boon for students and teachers? Share your opinion in the comments box below.