advantages and disadvantages of integrating technology in the classroom
We cannot deny the fact that technology is continuously developing nowadays and it rapidly change people’s way of life. Technology is now part of our daily lives especially in the lives of young children. Even young children are exposed and familiar to modern technology that is why a lot of educational institutions nowadays try to take advantage of it through integrating technology to education and because of that, we should be aware of its advantages and disadvantages that it may bring in facilitating effective learning. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages technology integration in the classroom:
Advantages:
Technology can enhance traditional methods of learning but cannot replace the human touch. Actually, technology is not the only answer in the success and development of the learning experience. The teacher, the lesson itself, the learning environment and the learner himself are crucial in providing good quality of learning experience. As teachers we should always remember that technology brings a lot of both advantages and disadvantages. It only depends on us on how we could maximize those advantages and avoid those disadvantages. Its significance and relevance to the learning and development of young children still depends on us on how we use technology in order to make a positive change in the society that will lead to the betterment of others.
References:
Hollowell, K. (n.d.). Advantages and Disadvantages of Technology in Education |
eHow.com. eHow | How to Videos, Articles & More - Discover the expert in you. | eHow.com. Retrieved March 17, 2013, from http://www.ehow.com/about_4815039_advantages-disadvantages-technology-education.html
Advantages:
- Education is no longer the elitist privilege it once was. The information on the Internet is there for all who have access, without discrimination.
- Train students to learn new technology skills they can use later in the work place
- Provides variation of materials which could help in enriching and extending teaching and learning experience.
- While general access is not denied, some children may not be exposed to computers and other technology because of socio-economic status. A child may live in a home without a computer, and chances are he will attend a poor school district with limited numbers of computers available. A student may get to use a computer for a short time, or only as a once-a-week activity instead of a regular class period. This puts these children at a disadvantage in learning technological functions.
- It can have a negative impact on the socialization and development of critical thinking skills of young children. Because of the modern technology, creativity and imagination of the learner is not fostered.
- It causes some students to be distracted and unmotivated to learn at school because they believe that learning by themselves using the computer is a much better and faster way. When using technology, self-discipline and self-motivation is required.
Technology can enhance traditional methods of learning but cannot replace the human touch. Actually, technology is not the only answer in the success and development of the learning experience. The teacher, the lesson itself, the learning environment and the learner himself are crucial in providing good quality of learning experience. As teachers we should always remember that technology brings a lot of both advantages and disadvantages. It only depends on us on how we could maximize those advantages and avoid those disadvantages. Its significance and relevance to the learning and development of young children still depends on us on how we use technology in order to make a positive change in the society that will lead to the betterment of others.
References:
Hollowell, K. (n.d.). Advantages and Disadvantages of Technology in Education |
eHow.com. eHow | How to Videos, Articles & More - Discover the expert in you. | eHow.com. Retrieved March 17, 2013, from http://www.ehow.com/about_4815039_advantages-disadvantages-technology-education.html