Currently, one of the most useful tools we have available for our everyday lives is technology. In this new digital era, everyone around the globe is embracing technological tools. These instruments include computers, tablets, and smartphones, among many other things. The majority of transactions, including paying expenses, conducting research, and—most importantly—communicating with one another—can be completed using these devices, making life simpler. Technology's constant advancement has fundamentally altered and molded our world in ways that no one could have ever imagined. Technology hints at promoting the century’s requirements which entail achieving communication skills developing creativity and stimulating intellectual curiosity. The teaching process is also undertaking several important changes. Technological learning, popularly known as e-learning is slowly overthrowing the local methods of learning. This is gradually taking place as there has been a process of change and optimisation regarding ways of interaction between students and teachers. Its main aim is a thorough study and a better assimilation of new information. In this situation however social requirements come in handy (Blumenstyk 2015). As it is said, all technological change is a Fustian bargain that is:alongside its advantages its disadvantages are also evident in real life.
Discussed under this context are the pros and cons of technological change based on an educational background.
Advantages
Both students and teachers can easily access information from the internet. By simply clicking and searching one easily gets efficient and up to date information from various websites. Related issues to the topic a student or teacher is researching are also outlined. This information is very useful for the intellectual growth of the affected party (Bulfin, Johnson and Bigum, 2015).
Technology has broadened the learners’ mind. Information from technology is wide enough to help in the development and broadening of students’ outlook. Both students and teachers are exposed to information that is way too different from what they have been brought up to believe. This is by learning different cultures of people and changing their perspective in life. Studying of different cultures and getting to explore more than what one has been taught at home broadens one’s mind (Middaugh, 2013).
Technology has made it possible for parents to communicate with their children via phones, over the internet through Skype and even emails. This gives them an assurance that they are doing fine and are healthy. Parents especially those who are insecure about their children’s welfare in school easily monitor their progress. It also helps in continuous bonding especially those students who study far from homes and are in boarding schools (Blumenstyk, 2015).
Technology use in classrooms livens imparting of knowledge. Use of technology in the process of teaching and learning is a whole new experience. There is a sort of excitement due to integration of computers and other gadgets like joystick that make learning process way too much fun. The monotony of “sit in class as the teacher dictates notes” is broken in this process. Students find it fun in the exposure with the supervision of their teachers and makes learning experience feel so incredible (Middaugh, 2013).
Technology takes part in preparing students for the future. This is a rapidly changing generation with almost everything taking a technological improvement. Most jobs in the market require computer skills. When students are exposed to the use of computers at an early stage they are able to make good employees. This is because technology would be a normal part of their normal child growth. Most jobs are automated and lack of computer skills is a major disadvantage to anyone who might have missed the experience while growing up. Almost all white-collar jobs require computer skills. Making students learn at an early stage is just preparing for a not so far future (Edwards, 2012).
In addition, technology saves precious resources. Students require a lot of stationary in school for studying. These include books, pens and back packs for carrying books home. These are heavy and require a lot of resources to come up with. A change in technology by use of computers makes it easy to walk around without having to carry loaded bags stacked with books. Laptops are easily portable and require little resources and less effort to maintain. Text book weights are relieved from students and their learning experience becomes way too enjoyable (Collins and Halverson, 2009).
Technology allows instant update of information. Carrying out research on the internet is easier and accurate than having to look for books. Information on the internet is easily updated as its simple editing that is done and it would be accurate. This compared to the costs of updating books is too expensive. They require re-printing and distribution which leads to high costs. Technological information cuts on these costs. Purchase of the updated copies are expensive and this makes more students and teachers to embrace information from the internet (Bulfin, Johnson and Bigum, 2015).
Online studying is very efficient as students can study from whichever part of the globe as long as they are connected on the internet. They are not compelled to attend all the classes in order to get what is covered by the teachers. Online classes are easily organised and it cuts on transport costs and other inconveniences. They can also learn without time restrictions at the comfort of their homes (NG, 2015).
Technology promotes independent learning among students. The internet being a treasure trove of information, students can easily look up information they need. This they can do with little or no assistance from their parents or teachers. They gradually learn on their own how to be independent. Looking up information from technological devices on the internet is much easier as compared to having to depend on books for the same. Electronic books feed students with easy to grasp information. They end up becoming more knowledgeable outside the classroom than inside it (Williams, Jones and Butning, 2015).
It has encouraged innovation in teaching methods. Instead of having students seated in class reading endless books in silence, technology makes it a more involving experience. Both professors and their students embrace this method by using social media, blog or podcasts to teach and study. Teachers can also make use of web and video conferencing technologies during classes. All types of students can also be incorporated in this method, especially those with special needs. The blind are taught using braille technology, the blind use voice recognition and deaf text-to-speech converter. Learning becomes a more inclusive experience courtesy of technology (Reed and Berque, 2010).
Disadvantages
Technology advancement allows students and even their teaching team to access to inappropriate content. Students, especially the youth can easily be lured to sites that hold inappropriate content for them. These include violent material that can make them cause chaos in class and pornographic materials. This degrades their morals and they easily sway from the proper training they are accustomed to. Some information that is made available on the internet might not be true. Not everyone one is out here to lead our students the right way. They get corrupt with wrong information and it affects them mentally. Their psychology is distorted and might end up affecting them academically (Tan, 2012).
Most of the youth who are in school get more attached to the internet. This makes them fail to make one on one interactions with fellow youth out here, they simply might end up being misfits as they have not mastered the art of real interactions. They perfect on online relations made possible by Facebook, instagram and WhatsApp forgetting that there is a real world out here. The students become social misfits and rarely interact with others in class. Some fail to even learn how to express themselves and completely feel out of place when they attend school (Smith, 2009).
Edwards (2012) and Middaugh (2013) conclude that though technology has advanced, it has led to hazardous activities and situations in school when a lot more exciting stuff pops up. Students who study online completely shift their focus from the teaching to other activities. Playing games on their electronic gadgets, listening to music and chatting during class sessions is a complete waste of school resources and time which leads to failure of students.
Technology is the core root of cyber bullying. A few youth in school who tend to put more concentration on the internet easily fall into traps. Cyber harassment is real and it plays a big role in demotivating students. Once they are allowed access to anonymous accounts and several contact avenues some become victims. This bullying lowers their self-esteem and sometimes teachers cannot do much to savage the situation. Students thus become vulnerable to potential pitfalls. This has led unwanted or unexpected deaths (Reed and Berque, 2010).
Inevitable cheating is anchored by technological advancement. Teachers set exams for their students but find it a little tricky to monitor all at once. Some students carry phones to examination rooms. They use these phones to cheat during exams as they can easily get all the information they need from the internet. This is because students are most likely developed poor reading habits and a lazy attitude towards work. Generously enough all they want is at their disposal and they just lift and paste on the answer sheets. This is a waste of time and at times teachers end up getting wrong assessments from their students especially those who have cheated during the examinations (Reed and Berque, 2010).
Technology has become a hindrance in development of basic skills. Teachers have a responsibility to develop basic skills in their students. However this is not always the case as technology has taken over the very minor but vital details that developing students ought to be taught. Skills like reading, writing and simple mathematics pose an issue. Most technological devices are viewed as tools to entertain rather than to educate (Bulfin, Johnson and Bigum, 2015).
According to Edward (2012), continuous change and improvement in technology calls for the users in the higher education sector to learn how to use them. This comes along with additional tuition costs to learn how to use these gadgets. Improper mishandling of these may lead to havoc. Loss of data and other technological errors. Need to constantly update the changes in technological equipment also comes along with its own costs.
Conclusion
Technology, just like any other advancement, has its drawbacks and advantages. It enhances technology and has become close to essential to e-learning. Distant learning promotes relevant experiences irrespective of geographic restrictions. Its advantages clearly outweigh its disadvantages. If properly implemented, we would have the least worries about its integration into the advanced education system.
References
BLUMENSTYK, G. (2015). American higher education in crisis: what everyone needs to know.
BULFIN, S., JOHNSON, N. F., & BIGUM, C. (2015). Critical perspectives on technology and education.
COLLINS, A., & HALVERSON, R. (2009). Rethinking education in the age of technology: the digital revolution and schooling in America. New York, Teachers College Press.
EDWARDS, A. D. (2012). New technology and education. London, Continuum
MIDDAUGH, M. F. (2013). Planning and assessment in higher education: demonstrating institutional effectiveness. San Francisco, Calif, Jossey-Bass.
NG, W. (2015). New digital technology in education: conceptualizing professional learning for educators.
REED, R. H., & BERQUE, D. A. (2010). The impact of tablet PCs and pen-based technology on education: going mainstream, 2010. West Lafayette, Ind, Purdue University Press.
SMITH, D. G. (2009). Diversity's promise for higher education: making it work. Baltimore, Johns Hopkins University Press.
TAN, H. (2012). Technology for education and learning. Berlin, Springer. http://public.eblib.com/choice/publicfullrecord.aspx?p=885513.
WILLIAMS, J., JONES, A., & BUNTTING, C. (2015). The future of technology education. http://public.eblib.com/choice/publicfullrecord.aspx?p=1967772.
