Benefits
While many see technology as a distraction, there are many benefits that have been visible in the classroom. Technology can allow students to have easy access to a plethora of information and engaging ways to practice what they are learning. For many students, technology has helped improve grades, as there are more ways to study. According to the School of Education at American University, technology can help students learn important 21st century skills which will be beneficial for their future.
In addition, technology can allow for an increase in engagement from students. By providing fun opportunities for students to participate, they are more likely to have a desire to learn. Students are not the only ones who see and feel the benefits of technology. Teachers have the ability to improve their lesson plans, and create a stronger source of communication with their students. Platforms such as Google Classroom and StudentSquare allow for students to receive important announcements from teachers and administrators at any time of day. This allows both students and teachers to stay on top of their workload and value organization in their education.
Personalized Learning
The idea of personalized learning has been around for a long time. Personalized learning is the concept of customized education for each individual student. This allows for each student’s abilities, background, and interests to be at the center of their education. Technology has further allowed students to learn at their own pace, providing both flexibility and stronger engagement. For students who need more practice, having their own device can grant additional resources outside of class. One specific example, according to Teachflow, is text-to-speech for students who are visually impaired. This software allows students who may not be able to learn the same way an opportunity to succeed.
Covid-19
Due to the global pandemic that began in 2020, technology became a prominent part of many students’ education. Since physically going to school was not an option for safety reasons, schools began using Zoom, Google Meet, and other online platforms to video call with their students. Google Classroom was used to post announcements and assignments for students to continue their education while being quarantined.
The adaptation of remote learning required schools to integrate technology more quickly into the education system. According to Brookings.edu, “When students returned to in-person classrooms, the reliance on these digital tools persisted. Over 70% of teachers in our survey report that students are now assigned their own personal device (over 80% for secondary schools)”. Covid-19 has caused technology to carry on and become a focal point of education.
Negative Aspects
As important as technology may be in our world today, it is accompanied by many disadvantages. According to the School of Education at American University, “The World Economic Forum reports that while technology can help young students learn and acquire knowledge through play, for example, evidence suggests that learning is more effective through guidance from an adult, such as a teacher”.
Many platforms online are known for fake information or disinformation. While some may be easy to spot, for younger generations it can be hard to know what sources to trust. Social media can have many negative effects as both young students and adults are being provided disinformation. This fake news can have harmful effects on students and affect their performance in school.
Another negative aspect of technology is that students have been found to write fast and carelessly, negatively impacting their academic skills. Communicating electronically has also led students to use more abbreviations in their writing, instead of focusing on correct spelling and grammar.
Lastly, one the most known negative impacts of technology in education is the issue of cheating. Allowing students to practice, learn, and test online opens the opportunity for copying and assistance from artificial intelligence.
Plagiarism and Artificial Intelligence
While there may be benefits to artificial intelligence, the education system has seen many negative effects. When students have access to artificial intelligence, they may develop a tendency to rely on it. This reliance can result in students not being able to problem solve independently. In addition to this, artificial intelligence is not always a reliable source of information for students. Receiving wrong information can further affect students’ academic performance.
Increasing technology in schools has also led to plagiarism. According to Campus Technology, “Plagiarism among students in high school and college jumped by 10 percentage points after the pandemic, when classes went online — an increase in the average rate of copying in student work from 35 percent to 45 percent”. This increase in plagiarism has led teachers to use online AI detectors to check the originality of students’ work.
Overall, there are both positive and negative aspects to the integration of technology into today’s education system. While I do believe that technology can be beneficial for students, there is an important aspect about continuing the use of pen and paper. As the use of technology continues to grow in our world, the need for responsible and careful actions becomes even more essential.
