The integration of technology in schools is a contentious issue. On the one hand, proponents say that technology improves learning by creating immersive and engaging environments. On the other hand, detractors object to potential distractions, health difficulties, and the digital divide. This blog article examines both sides of the argument, based on scholarly sources.
Argument in Favor
Proponents of educational technology claim that it transforms the learning process, preparing pupils for a world in which digital literacy is essential. Several studies back this up, demonstrating how technology can personalise learning, enhance student engagement, and improve academic success.
Immersive technologies, such as virtual reality (VR), enable interactive and engaging learning environments, which can greatly increase learning results. For example, mobile learning has been found to improve student enthusiasm, involvement, and academic achievement by making learning more enjoyable and accessible.
Technology also provides personalised learning opportunities, allowing students to learn at their own pace and style. One-to-one technology programmes, in which each student is given their own gadget, have been found to improve academic performance and motivation. This method lends weight to the claim that technology prepares students for the future by creating a more personalised and flexible learning environment. Article about personalised learning.
Argument Against
However, various challenges oppose the idea that technology necessarily improves learning. Junco and Cotten (2012) discovered a detrimental relationship between multitasking with digital devices and academic achievement. The researchers emphasised the necessity of managing technology in the classroom to reduce distractions and improve student focus. Furthermore, Purcell, Buchanan, and Friedrich (2013) found that, while digital technologies promote engagement and creativity, they also present challenges such as the use of informal language in formal writing and the need for better education on plagiarism and fair use.
Warschauer and Matuchniak (2010) investigate another key issue: the digital divide. Their study found that discrepancies in access to technology based on socioeconomic level can aggravate rather than decrease the achievement gap. Larry Cuban’s critical critique in “Oversold and Underused” (2001) contends that, despite considerable investments, technology is frequently misapplied or underutilised in educational contexts, emphasising the importance of effective teaching techniques and teacher training alongside technological integration. Health problems are also important. Straker et al. (2018) studied the effects of extensive mobile device use among schools and discovered links to musculoskeletal and visual symptoms such as eye strain and poor posture.
Additionally, Shaikh et al. (2023) noted the heightened cybersecurity risks that educational institutions experienced during the Covid-19 outbreak. The quick transition to online learning exposes weaknesses, resulting in cyber-attacks including ransomware, phishing, and DDoS.
Here’s a summary of the argument against the assumption that technology use invariably enhances learning:
Summarily, the question of whether technology improves learning is complex. While technology provides various advantages, such as personalised learning and enhanced engagement, it also introduces distractions, health concerns, and cybersecurity dangers. Effective technology integration in education necessitates intelligent implementation, bridging the digital gap, and providing strong cybersecurity safeguards. To effectively enhance the learning experience, the goal is to balance technology use with effective pedagogical techniques while also addressing the inherent hazards.
I love that Chat puts the teacher on a VR headset while the students are on laptops. The other adult looks like they are coming in for an evaluation. I appreciate your comments about the Digital Divide. It is something I have been doing a lot of research on lately. Check out my blog for some further readings if you are interested! The Digital Divide will be part of my debate on the 17th. It is a worldwide issue that while programs are in place to bridge the gap, it still has yet to close. The Divide can extend beyond socio-economic status as well. One can examine the numbers regarding gender, region, etc. A lot of research has been done in different countries on this subject. I hadn’t considered that side of the argument when I dug my heels in to say that technology enhances learning. While it enhances, it can only do so if one can access it.
Thanks, Carol! I look forward to reading your blog and listening to the debate. We discussed the importance of right prompts in the last discussion – we sometimes have to tweak prompts repeatedly to get the desired goal with AI. Regarding the digital divide, “access” is both on the positive and negative side of techy classrooms.
Hi Olajide,
Your blog article offers a balanced and insightful examination of the pros and cons of integrating technology into education. It effectively highlights the potential benefits of personalized learning and enhanced engagement while also addressing significant concerns such as distractions, health issues, and the digital divide. Your conclusion underscores the necessity for thoughtful implementation and strong cybersecurity measures to maximize the advantages of technology in schools. Thanks for sharing!
What a summary! Thanks for reading.
Hi Olajide,
Of course there are problems like distractions, sickness, and digital divide but to my mind the benefits are more profound. Education can be localized and made enjoyable with the help of technologies for making the students conform to society that is gradually fixing itself on technology. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I enjoyed reading your blog.
I’m glad you find the post relatable. As mentioned by Ayodele in class, I agree that using technology to promote traditions and heritage is a welcome development. Embracing technology shouldn’t be at the expense of localised knowledge.
Thank you for this balanced post, Olajide! Your analysis of the benefits and challenges of technology in education is insightful. I particularly appreciated your discussion on personalized learning and the potential for increased engagement. Your emphasis on addressing the digital divide and ensuring effective implementation is crucial. How do you think educators can best manage the potential distractions technology brings while still leveraging its benefits to enhance learning?
Hi Allysia. Maintaining a class climate is important. Just like we make rules with our students on acceptable conduct in class, we need to have guidelines on what constitutes distraction. Students must be encouraged to take responsibility to stay on task, peers support to stay on task and possibly a teacher remote monitoring system.