Schools should no longer teach skills that can be easily carried out by technology!! Debate:3

With its various applications, technology has rapidly revolutionized all aspects of our everyday lives. It has slowly but surely also impacted education and how we shape young minds. And as is always the case with technology, some schools have embraced it, while some continue to resist it for various reasons. The traditional classroom learning method that has a teacher standing on a podium in front of rows of students is still very prevalent. However, it cannot be denied that the use of automated technological platforms is on the rise, be it in the form of virtual or online learning software or other digital resources used to enhance teaching and learning in the classroom. With the rapid advance in technology, teachers are being encouraged to use educational apps and devices to supplement their instruction. There is no doubt that both the teams did a great job in the debate and the topic surely brings the heat in the discussion. In my opinion, I agree that technology is bringing a fun element to education, improves creative skills among students, and also brings confidence in doing any subject. However, while discussing in the breakout room, I discussed the fact how educators bring change in making students learn about any topic; For instance, learning grammar basics is very important in our studies, and it’s better for students to learn those skills rather than using some apps like Grammarly to correct the mistakes.

Technology in schools

Parents and educators often view technology as an optional tool that keeps children from getting any physical activity and also something that distracts them from concentrating on their studies. However, with time, moderating ‘screen time’ has become an accepted reality for most parents. Parents and even educators have begun to see the value of introducing technology to education.

• Technology in schools develops deductive skills in students so that they can understand the application of concepts in the workplace.
• Technology in the classroom makes learning fun. Boring subjects can be made more exciting with videos and even games. 
• Technology helps students retain information better. For example, students may be more likely to remember facts and information when they put together a PowerPoint presentation on the topic than reading from a book or listening to a lecture. 
• All students learn differently. While listening to a lecture may help some, many students may also be inclined to learn better with visual aids, case studies, and simulations. Technology gives students more choice, agency, and ownership of how they want to learn.
• As students take more responsibility for their learning by using technology to collect and retain information, the teacher’s role transforms into that of a guide- a motivational figure helping students along the way. This may do wonders for the student-teacher relationship.
• Technology can make education more accessible, especially for students from rural backgrounds with limited resources, who are less likely to make it to the classroom than students from privileged backgrounds. If these students have access to say an online repository of classroom materials and school resources, they may be able to keep up despite the high rate of absenteeism.

The use of technology is creating diverse educational opportunities that address a variety of learning needs and desires. At the same time, these advances nicely complement the fundamentals of good education: building an environment that encourages curiosity and challenges students in innovative ways, while providing them with problem-solving tools for the future.

No two students learn the same way, but with the right insight tools, educators can address diversity in learning styles and experiences. Outside the classroom, students use technology in all aspects of their lives. Within the classroom, technology can make learning more fun and exciting. Teaching methods such as game-based learning (GBL) allows instructors to deliver lesson via interactive games and leaderboards. As said by Sushmeet, using video games can also improve fine motor skills. Integrating technology in education helps students stay engaged. Most students today have been using mobile devices like tablets and smartphones to play and learn since they could crawl. So it only seems logical to align today’s classrooms with the way that your students want and are used to learning.