High-tech Education?

 

Technology in education, technology in the classroom... it all used to sound like some fun activity we would do in one special class, but these days it has gained a new importance. A pandemic struck the globe and online classes and use of technology are conditioned. Oh, the day has finally come. High-tech education? The good news? It is instant, saves time, it is practical. The bad news? More than half don't know how to use it.   

Let's admit it: no matter how prevalent technology has become over these last few years, and specifically during the pandemic, not everyone is a big fan of it. Young people, despite using social media and the internet most of the day, complain about how difficult it is to use educational and practical programs. Technology has been created to make our lives easier, not harder, so we shouldn't close our eyes to it and assume that it is hard or too demanding, but instead embrace the idea of learning useful technology skills that will help in simple and more complicated tasks when it comes to learning or even teaching.

What are some reasons why students need technology in the classroom?

First, technology makes access to information much easier. Students are not limited only to the teacher's lecture or to the textbook, but they can watch videos and read different literature and articles through a search. Don't understand something? Google it! Multiple pieces of information will be available.

Second, it supports all types of learners. Not everyone learns in the same pace, or rather is able to show what they've learned. Some students take longer understanding or preparing something, some others might be introverted or shy and might not be able to showcase their knowledge like everyone else. Technology helps them express better and adapts to all learning styles. 

Third, technology is fun. We, as humans, get visually attracted to novel, colourful, flashy, easy stuff. Technology is so exciting for students, and it makes learning more fun for them and it is more likely that they will remember what they've learned long-term, instead of using the short-term memory to learn and say by heart.

And the last but the most important is, technology in the classroom prepares students for the workplace. It is a fact that almost all jobs in our century use and require technology. Since everyone who is getting an education is setting out for a good job, it is a 100% likely that their future job will require working knowledge of technology, whether it be an office where they have to do most things on a computer (using multiple software is not only a preference to make things easier nowadays but a demand from every company) or conference presentations, and so on. 

“It is not about the technology; it’s about sharing knowledge and information, communicating efficiently, building learning communities and creating a culture of professionalism in schools. These are the key responsibilities of all educational leaders.” – Marion Ginapolis

Of course, there's a Yin to every Yang. Technology in education may not always be what it is expected to be, especially if it is poorly integrated and directed. 

A disadvantage to using technology in the classroom would be distraction. Just like daydreaming in class, students may wander to different websites or keep on texting while supposed to focus on one task. This is why teachers should create engaging materials, so that the students will actively participate. 

Another disadvantage, as we mentioned above, is that not everyone knows how to use technology. Learning to use things for the first time is time consuming and instead of focusing on what they were supposed to learn, they focus on trying to understand technology, taking a long time to even open an account or to learn how to use a program. And not only students, but also teachers can have such difficulties and it will delay the whole process of teaching. A solution for this would be a prior hand training for teachers, having an available IT staff that will help with all obstacles and familiarise students with technology. 

Technology has become a necessity, unlike a few years ago where it was considered fancy and only some could afford to access it. Technology will become even more prominent and aid in every task in education, but of course, still, the most part has to be done by the teacher and students. “We need to embrace technology to make learning more engaging. Because when students are engaged and they are interested, that's where learning takes place.”