Technology in the Classroom

 

    Technology is important to society these days but I feel, in schools, it has become too centralised and has been taken too far!

    Since technology has become so advanced and is forever developing, children need to have experiences using them to gain knowledge and skills, it has its benefits. But do they really need them in order to discuss a topic in a classroom? When I was in school I was lucky to have one computer to share between three of us. Gone are the days where in lessons you were physically involved in discussions and participating.

    With schools having access to numerous technology devices, e.g. iPads, laptops and computers, there are some advantages children have when they are able to access them. These are:

Advantages

·        They develop their interactive skills.

·        Different ways for children to learn.

·        Helps when explaining a difficult topic.

·        They have unlimited access to the internet; where they are able to play educational games, and gain access to apps.

·        Useful when revising for exams, practice questions and mock exams are available.

·        It’s a fun and engaging way for children to learn.

    Some disadvantages also come with the recurrent use of technology. These are:

Disadvantages

·        Expensive for the school to buy and repair/ replace when broken.

·        Children and teachers alike can become too reliant on the internet and the use of programmes.

·        From constant use of programmes like Microsoft Work, children’s spelling can take a downfall. Computers auto-correct words for them.

·        The persistent use of technology can also affect children’s health.

·        Lastly, children do not get the opportunities to be social and active when using technology.

    Even though, like I have said, technology offers new, fun and engaging experiences for children’s learning, creative activities that involve children can too be just as fun and engaging.