Does technology help or hinder education?

As you will notice, technology has become one of the most important parts of society today. Every home you visit has a selection of devices, from tablets to televisions and laptops. Mobile phones will be found on those of every age, even young children. The good news is it has brought new life to learning, providing students with the access they so desperately need to a wealth of information and tools to further enhance their learning experience. So much to say that tablets and computers are now used in lessons and at home to complete homework and research for future projects. It is also a quick and efficient way for teachers and pupils to communicate with each other. However, some people argue that technology can hinder education, causing bigger distractions and being the means for the limitation of face-to-face interaction. Below is a guide that goes into further detail on if technology is helpful or hinders education. 

Advantages of technology in education:

Access to information

It is evident that one of the biggest advantages of technology in education is the access it has opened to a wide selection of information. The Internet is an enormous space and is the source to endless amounts of knowledge. This is why schools and colleges have decided to integrate technology into their teaching as it allows students to use this unique invention to research topics and find out answers to their queries. This is particularly beneficial to students who work remotely and comes in handy when unexpected circumstances like the recent pandemic hits. Students who are unable to access teachers and textbooks are able to go online and look for resources themselves. Not to mention that technology is a new and exciting way of helping students learn. With the different methods created to retain information such as gamification, it is understandable why technology has become such a big part of education. 

Preparation for the future

There is no doubt that technology is here to stay for good, so with it becoming such an important part of daily life as well as the workforce, it is only right that students are introduced to it early on in their studies. From here, students will gain a better understanding of how to work around common devices and how it can work to their advantage when it comes to learning. Given that there are hundreds of fast-growing jobs that surround technology alone such as digital marketing and coding, it comes as no surprise that students take a liking to this area of expertise from a young age. It really is never too early to help young children build on skills and knowledge that can be carried through their academic journey and straight into the workforce.

Disadvantages of technology in education:

Technology can be distracting to students

Like everything, there are always disadvantages that come with the involvement of technology in education. Whilst the internet provides students with a large selection of information to choose from, it also allows space for young people to have access to inappropriate content and information. Whilst there are website blockers and filters that can be put in place, it can be quite difficult to prevent children from being exposed to inappropriate images and information whilst studying. 

Reduces the chances of children socialising

Studies have shown that over time, individuals have become disconnected to society and spend more time in virtual worlds due to technology having been introduced to them from a young age. Children who spend more time on their devices, such as at mealtimes or after school for leisurely purposes, struggle with both their social and emotional growth.