Technology is becoming more and more prevalent in classrooms, with teachers and students using online tools and devices to help learning. But is technology always helpful, or can it sometimes be a drawback?
According to Brayden Hutchcroft, the use of technology in the classroom has made things easier for students. He explains that with “everything on our Chromebooks, it is easier to find things and there is less chance of losing work.” Furthermore, “there are now more online resources, making it easier to study and take tests.”
From the teacher's perspective, “Technology makes grading easier as most tests are graded by the computer.” Said Mrs. Brunton.
However, there are potential drawbacks of technology in the classroom, such as distraction and cyberbullying. Despite this, Mrs. Brunton believes that technology can have a positive impact on student engagement and motivation. She explains that “students are happier when they get to use technology, but it is also important to offer a paper version for those who prefer it.” Additionally, technology can be used to personalize the learning experience for individual students, such as by offering “voice-to-text or audio versions of materials for students with learning disabilities.” There are also many websites that help students to find everything in one place like Classlink, which helps the students become more organized.
When it comes to using technology for their studies, Dayton Udelhofen relies on searching the internet to check facts and explore topics he finds interesting. “I like fact-checking what the teacher says to make sure it's true.” Students show that they have a curious mindset and want to find more information. This demonstrates how the students see technology as a tool to expand their knowledge and make sure the information they come across is accurate.
Interestingly, Dayton mentioned, “I haven't faced any difficulties or limitations when using technology for educational purposes.” He believes this is because technology has improved a lot, and mistakes are now rare. This shows that the students have confidence in the reliability and effectiveness of modern educational technologies.
As with any new development, there are challenges when combining technology with traditional teaching methods. Ms. Brunton says she “likes the technology aspect of things, such as Schoology, where everything is organized in one place.” But, she also acknowledges the “importance of balancing technology with traditional teaching methods.” Furthermore, some resources that students use to help with their homework or tests may not be familiar to the teacher. Such as things like photo math and using ai to help students with homework.
The benefits of technology in education outweigh the challenges; it promotes innovation, equips students with digital skills, and prepares them for the future workforce. By embracing technology we can create a brighter and better future for education and students.