The use of technology in educational institutions
The use of technology in educational institutions has transformed the learning process (Chen and McPheeters 4). Due to easier access to academic materials, it has sparked research interest among students. The instructors have access to valuable teaching tools via the internet, which has increased their efficiency (Lim, Zhao and Tondeur 59). They also use technology-based equipment for illustrations, which helps students understand and remember more.
Benefits of Technology Use on Students
Learning is a process in which students must actively participate (Selwyn 43). They must enjoy the sessions and contribute to the solution of various problems raised by their tutors in lecture halls. These activities are essential in ensuring that the students retain the content and apply it in solving societal difficulties (Phillips 102). Education experts have invented various applications to eliminate boredom in the learning process and increase the students' interest in enforcing the content learned in school (Lim, Zhao and Tondeur 65). This has had a phenomenal impact on the society since the institutions have shifted from a theoretical to a practical learning approach. For example, five students have recently developed an App that will help curtail the humiliating culture of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Kenya. This shows that the use of technology in schools has significantly enhanced innovations and creativity among the students (Chen and McPheeters 10).
Technology has improved efficiency
Technology has improved efficiency since the students can organize symposiums and group discussions using online platforms (Lim, Zhao and Tondeur 61). Traditionally, group assignments resulted in a noisy lecture hall which forms an unfavorable learning environment. The use of technology, however, has eliminated the inconvenience and the students can discuss through web conferencing platforms including Skype, MeetingBurner, and Yugma (Christensen 412). The online meeting platforms enable an exciting and convenient method for completing assignments in time.
Additionally, environment conservation is a critical element
Additionally, environment conservation is a critical element of every sphere of life due to the dangerous effects of global warming (Lim, Zhao and Tondeur 65). A favorable environment free of air, noise and water pollutants is ideal for a smooth learning process. The concentration levels of students are higher when it is serene and clean (Selwyn 82). The use of technology in learning institutions has significantly reduced the use of papers which has decreased the destruction of forests. The reduction is a noble course in the mitigation of the effects of greenhouse gases hence enabling the learning process (Christensen 418). Additionally, less paper eases the students' burden and improves their productivity. They spend the lesser time to research since there are apps that consolidate the information for easier access by the students (Lim, Zhao and Tondeur 62).
Benefits of Technology to Teachers
The instructors have achieved numerous benefits from technological advancement (Christensen 432). There are different applications and websites which aid the teachers in developing relevant and current content to deliver to the students. These apps are regularly updated to ensure that the teachers get the most current information (Phillips 78). It saves them time which is applied in other aspects necessary in guaranteeing quality education such as extracurricular activities. It also enhances efficiency and accuracy in the preparations of lecture notes, assessment tests and content delivery (Lim, Zhao and Tondeur 60).
Technology helps the teachers to keep relevant records
Technology helps the teachers to keep relevant records necessary for tracking the students' progress (Selwyn 74). There exist applications that are vital in assessing the achievements of the students including theTeacherCloud and MyStudentsProgress. These apps enable personalized record keeping for the guidance of the students which has improved the connection between the students and the instructors (Phillips 112).
Disadvantages of Technology in Learning Process
While there are numerous benefits of the use of technology in learning institutions, there also exist several disadvantages. Establishing technology-based facilities in schools is relatively expensive (Christensen 424). For example, gadgets such as laptops and tablets are costly to acquire. Also, the application of technology primarily requires stable internet connectivity which requires monthly or annual payments (Chen and McPheeters 6).
The students can easily misuse the institutions' gadgets
The students can easily misuse the institutions' gadgets by spending time on social platforms instead of academic development programs (Phillips 52). The addiction to these sites has the potential to affect the overall quality of the students' grades. As such, the institutions should institute measures to ensure that the students use technology only for academic purpose to enhance discipline and accountability among them.
Conclusion
The introduction of technology to the learning process is an essential step to the advancement of quality education. Numerous benefits arise from the use of technology making it helpful to both the students and teachers. Education is a critical aspect of global development since it encourages research to solve the problems facing the world. As such, any investment that adds positive value to the learning process should be supported to achieve the best education quality. Technology has advanced the research process making it easier for the students to identify, research and develop solutions to various problems. The few disadvantages that technology brings to the teachers and the students can be managed without compromising the benefits of technology to education.
Works Cited
Chen, Irene L and Dallas McPheeters. Cases on Educational Technology Integration in Urban Schools. Hearsy PA: IGI Global, 2012.
Christensen, Rhonda. “Effects of Technology Integration Education on the Attitudes of Teachers and Students.” Journal of Research on Technology in Education (2014): 411-433. Document.
Lim, Cher Ping, et al. “Bridging the Gap: Technology Trends and Use of Technology in Schools.” Journal of Educational Technology & Society (2013): 59-68. Document.
Phillips, Michael . Digital Technology, Schools and Teachers’ Workplace Learning. Springer Publishers, 2016. Document.
Selwyn, Neil . Schools and Schooling in the Digital Age: A Critical Analysis. New York: Routledge Publishers, 2011. Document.
