The 21st century is an age of people’s dependence on technology. The introduction of new high-tech gadgets in the learning process invariably leads to the change of educational content, revision of both the methods and forms of organizing the training process in educational institutions and even introduction of specialized courses on the use of technology in separate subjects of study. Under these circumstances, knowledge, skills, and abilities are often considered not as a goal, but as a means of developing a student’s personality. As it is stated in many best custom essay writing, the use of technology is justified if it leads to an increase in training effectiveness or if an all-round education is impossible without the use of appropriate computer tools.
The implementation of modern technology should meet the needs of the whole educational system. Today, people understand that information technology can be both hindering and helpful.
The drawbacks of modern technology can include possible failure of computer devices, their harmful impact on human health, and adverse effect on students’ ability to express their thoughts. What other problems are there and what should teachers do to solve them?
1. Distractions
Studies have shown that smartphones and other gadgets distract students from the educational process and lead to a shorter attention span. To reverse this trend, the teacher should strive to make the learning process as interesting and effective as possible. A certain ‘culture’ of using gadgets should be developed, and there should be mutual respect between the participants of the educational process.
Of course, teachers should also limit the use of gadgets during lectures. To stop students from being distracted, instructors should take into account the potential benefits of technology and integrate it into the learning process.
2. Personal Communication is in Danger
Gadgets can adversely affect the development of students’ social interaction skills and communicative abilities. Technology is a tool that can significantly improve the quality of the educational process, but it is not an end in itself.
Modern teachers should be able to keep gadgets under control, as well as explain to their students how to derive benefits from them. While executing specific tasks involving oral presentations and group collaboration, students can actively interact with each other by using gadgets.
3. Misuse of Gadgets
Technologies make it possible for students to cheat during tests — they can either copy someone else’s work or buy a ready-made paper on the Internet. The teacher should, therefore, structure their tasks in such a way as to minimize their chances of gaining an unfair advantage.
For example, if a test allows the use of gadgets for searching factual information, the teacher should not only check the students’ understanding of the learned material but also their ability to work with large amounts of data. Many apps allow instructors to select individual tasks, thus making learners concentrate on their assignment and not search for a solution in someone else’s notebook or on the Internet.
4. Low Income vs. High Income
Students do not have equal access to high-tech innovations. Those of them who come from low-income backgrounds cannot afford the newest smartphones, tablets, laptops or even Internet access. In this case, teachers can come up with tasks enabling them ts to work in a group and share gadgets.
Young people can also use libraries or other public places where they can have access to modern technology. In this case, teachers can make technology neither the focus nor obstacle of the educational process. However, the use of gadgets in a holistic educational system is necessary at present.
5. Internet Information is Not Always Trustworthy
Unfortunately, the quality of information on the Internet leaves much to be desired. It would not be an exaggeration to say that the World Wide Web is both a blessing and a curse. Students should, therefore, be able to distinguish true sources of data from unreliable ones. Educational institutions should come up with lists of trustworthy online resources, and information from which students can use.
Both teachers and students can use online resources with educational and reference material. Computer tests, interactive models, colorful illustrations, ready-made designs, simulators, and other educational and methodical materials available on these resources can help teachers prepare interesting and informative lectures. On the other hand, students can use them in their homework, research projects or other types of independent assignments.
Final Assessment
It’s clear that the advantages of technology in education far outweigh the disadvantages. However, the interaction between teachers and students is still a crucial question. Digital devices can be handy tools, but they are just tools. Modern computer gadgets should not, therefore, replace teachers. The main purpose of training is to create an environment that could transform a one-person show into a two-way street.
