Effects of Technology in the Classroom
Over the years, there has been increasing use of technology in various institutions. The integration of information and computed technology in schools, for example, have been shifting from using textbooks, lectures, and chalkboard to employing multiple technological elements to improve performance (Walden University, 2020; University of the People, 2019). Technical application to various institutions has numerous benefits, and disadvantages as well. While technology may be a form of distraction, disparity, and reduction of physical connection, it is significant to both the students and teachers, for it advocates engaged environment, diversity, collaboration, and connection.
Combining technology in the classroom creates an engaging environment. Although technology may be a form of distraction, it encourages active participation (Walden University, 2020). By using tablets, computers, and phones, students can turn dull subjects into fun exercises. Teachers improve engagement by involving students in the establishment, presentation of abstract concepts, presentation of external experiences, social media, WebQuests, and podcasts. Therefore, teachers can develop and lecture contents that are relevant to students, thereby engaging them by motivating and critical thinking and meaning learning experiences. Also, various technological aspects, for example, artificial intelligence, have increased the development of specialization among professionals in education.
Technology promotes collaboration among students and teachers. Through the application of technology, students have developed a tendency to assist each other (Walden University, 2020). Besides, the key to collaboration is communication. Technology integrates easy communication techniques that help the students and teachers in scheduling and planning meetings, lessons, and school events. Therefore, through collaboration as a result of a technological application to schools, there is the improvement of agility and control of distribution and utilization of resources in various academic institutions.
Additionally, the learning institution combines individuals from different backgrounds and ethnicity. Employing technology in education has encouraged diversification of strategies of teaching and learning exercises among the multicultural classroom. According to Hollenbeck, J., & Hollenbeck, D. (2009), technology promotes innovation and creativity from the multinational class. The author further explains that technology improves diversity in the classroom by addressing equity, economic and political values. Also, technology encourages corporative education among students, thereby helping several students to gain linguistic and cultural skills.
Despite the technological benefits in the classroom, there are various disadvantages connected to it. Firstly, technology distracts students in a class. An illustration of this is the increasing use of smartphones in the classroom (Walden University, 2020). Various researchers have identified smartphones as a central distraction in classes for students to use them in texting, tweeting, and social media regularly in classrooms. Secondly, employing technology in school is costly. On modernizing a class, there is the use of massive funds. Also, purchasing tablets, computers, and electronics are expensive for students.
Generally, Applying technology in the classroom is beneficial to both students and teachers. Technology creates an engaging environment due to the rising tendency of teachers involving students in the establishment, presentation of abstract concepts and external experiences, social media, WebQuests, and podcasts. Also, it encourages collaboration among students by improving communication. Thus, through conversation, there is assistance in scheduling and planning meetings, lessons, and school events; technology advocates diversification in the classroom by addressing equity, economic, and political values. However, applying technology in the school may be a form of distraction, and purchasing technological devices, including smartphones and tablets, is costly. As much as using technology to educational institutions is beneficial, it has various benefits.
References
University of the People (2019, July 2).The growing importance of technology in education. Retrieved from https://www.uopeople.edu/blog/the-growing-importance-of-technology-in-education/
Walden University (2020, April 1). Top 5 benefits of technology in the classroom. Retrieved from https://www.waldenu.edu/programs/education/resource/top-five-benefits-of-technology-in-the-classroom
Hollenbeck, J., & Hollenbeck, D. (2009). Using Technology to Bridge the Cultures Together in the Multicultural Classroom. Online Submission.