Pros & Cons Of Education And Modern Technology
Education is no more based on the rote method of learning. The education space has slowly but surely seen a change. Especially the use of technology in this space, from having old time desktops in computer labs that were used only to learn bits of coding or Microsoft tools like (word, ppt, excel sheet and more) to children using tabs to research and make their presentations. The use of technology in the education sector has come a long way. As per research, we know that the future of education is all about personalizing learning, allowing children to learn at their own pace and according to their learning style.
Well, some of you may have a question that when we say personalized learning are we implying that it can only be done with the help of technology? Well, no that’s not what we are saying... Personalized learning can be done without the use of technology too; however, the use of technology amplifies and makes the learning process faster. Even though technology has been perceived to be a hindrance to a child’s learning we need to understand there is no escaping it. Hence we should just accept this and strike a balance on how we use it.
Using Technology has its benefits and drawbacks:
1. We believe technology is addictive: We all know that technology is addictive, all of us have experienced how dependent we are on it today, we cannot survive without our phones as we do not remember numbers anymore, we cannot live without the internet connection as we run to Google for every little thing. However we know there is no escaping the use of technology, so instead of resisting it, when this very fact is used to our advantage and we make sure the child is using technology to learn new things to enhance his knowledge it can become a boon.
2. Treat technology like a tool: Technology is just one of the tools that is used to amplify the process of learning and when it is viewed in that light the perception around the use of technology changes. Schools and colleges need to make sure that technology is naturally incorporated into the classroom ecosystem. One thing to keep in mind is that the teacher is the actual key to personalized learning; technology is just an added tool.
3. Extensive use of technology will make a child dependent: Here is a quick fact check when we were growing up we learnt how to use technology and it was new to us, but Millennials have been born with some device in and around them. To them, technology is the most natural thing. They just understand how to use their tools. It is we who think that technology is addictive and is consuming them. Millennials do not know life without their devices, so the best approach is to let them use it to their benefit rather than resist it.
So are we trying to say that the complete education system will go digital and children will not be able to function without it? Are we saying that technology is the only learning tool and learning by sense and experience will fade away? Well, the answer to that is ‘NO’, technology is only one of the tools that will be extensively used and assist us in personalizing learning for each child so that they learn the subject to the best of their ability, it will make learning and understanding the concept faster. The child will eventually have to do things on their own. Also, to make sure that we strike the right balance for children we will have no tech hours, physical activities and performing arts as part of their curriculum.
