Education is constantly evolving. The outside world has a direct influence on what students need in their school programs and lives. Right now, their growing needs lie in technology and digitalization. Hence, the classroom should include modern technology in education. However, there is little evidence on how good or bad it is for young people’s education. Here are some of the strongest points from both sides of the argument.
Pros: Engagement
There is no argument about how much fun technology can be. Of course, such a fun side can also be of use in education. No one said that schools have to be strictly serious. Some entertainment can go a long way with studying. Technology already proves that in classrooms. Thus, students can now enjoy interactive, engaging lessons. For that, teachers can use devices, gaming software or other learning apps, media such as songs and videos, and more.
In addition, the newest classroom technologies include Augmentative Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR). The former is much cheaper than the latter, making it more accessible for various schools. These modern tech additions can bring lessons into the real world. Hence, educators can bring abstract concepts into reality. The AR can materialize concepts, thus helping to visualize and comprehend ideas, theories, etc. Just like that, complex subjects are no longer a challenge.
Overall, increased classroom engagement can lead to greater attention during lessons, better retention of information, and commitment to learning. Higher engagement levels spark interest and passion for studying among learners. Thus, students feel more inspired and motivated to learn.
Cons: Cost
Let’s face the elephant in the room. All technology costs money. Most modern devices and various pieces of software are costly. Making such purchases can be out of budget for many schools. Thus, the more modern education relies on technology, the more inequality among schools we will see. Of course, most schools can afford to build a computer class, have a school network to digitize its database, curriculum, etc., and buy a few applications for each classroom. Yet, these advanced steps are not enough to meet the needs of all students in our progressing technological world.
Hence, the cost of technology is the main con in digitizing schools. It will be a long time before all schools can afford modern technology. Even by then, most tech advances now are changing annually, if not sooner. Hence, keeping up with technological progress can get increasingly tough for small-budget schools. Such a situation will result in unequal access to high-quality education and add to global inequality.
Pros: Individualism
Education and knowledge have no more gatekeepers at their doors. Now, anyone can easily access the most common knowledge, recent research findings, and other information they’d like. The Internet makes knowledge free for everyone, promoting freedom and equality. Of course, such a change has also affected the system of education.
For one, students now are more independent in finding the information and hence, in forming their opinions. On the one hand, the Internet is still full of misinformation or unreliable sources. Students can fall victim to such a negative side of the Internet. Yet, on the other hand, young people are good at searching for needed information and analyzing sites by their look, format, and nature. Hence, students learn analytical skills, logic, research, and independent thinking just by seeking information online.
Secondly, the majority of classroom technology also helps schools create a more personalized approach to learning. Hence, teachers use software that can analyze students’ performance to formulate the most appropriate study program. Each student will enjoy the benefits of personalized programs that work on their weaknesses and use their strengths.
Also, technology has opened a whole new area of study, which is remote learning. So, now students can take distant courses without commuting or moving away from home. In fact, people can also find professional help online whenever they struggle with homework. Thus, learning can find study groups, online tutors, use education games, or place an essay order online to get the academic help they need.
Cons: Malfunctions
Modern society has become more and more dependable on technology. It has its downsides, of course. For one, we truly can’t imagine our lives without technology. Thus, finding a new location without GPS or doing math without a calculator can turn into a real test. Machine-driven schools can also suffer from over-dependency on the digital world, especially if something malfunctions.
Nothing in the digital world is 100% secure or safe. Anything can fail or be subject to a cyber-attack. Thus, schools become even more vulnerable to various threats from the outside world. Even minor failures in such institutions’ networks can cost someone a life of academic progress. That’s something to consider before putting all the student’s data into the digital realm without any paper copies. Cyberattacks are also a growing threat to society. Stealing personal data is a common cybercrime that can have truly dire consequences for the victims.
Yet, most schools can properly train their staff in computer science. Hence human error is always a possibility in such institutions. Besides, a few schools have in-house IT teams to handle risks as they occur. Hence, schools’ data is often poorly protected and vulnerable to malfunctions and cyberattacks.