6 pros and cons about technology in the classrooms

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6 pros and cons about technology in the classrooms

Technology can be both a blessing and a curse! We need to keep in mind that the generation of students are born using technology. It is changing rapidly, but it is here to stay. As teachers, we need to remember that technology needs to be viewed as a tool, not the replacement of teachers. As mentioned in the article, schools have always been about the teacher-student relationship and this is when the education happens. Technology can be frustrating and time-consuming, but it can bring new experiences, new discoveries and new ways to learning and collaborating.

Here is what we can do to incorporate technology into our classrooms:

Pros:

·        Use technology to increase engagement, have a more active learning

·        Ensure full participation

·        Use it to make it more fun and effective by inserting games, role play and healthy competitions.

·        Automate the tedious tasks: attendance, performance, assignments…

·        Have access to fresh information to supplement the older textbooks

·        Practice the skills: creating presentation, learning how to find reliable sources, use proper online etiquettes.

Cons:

1.      Technology can be a distraction

a.      Identify projects, time during class and what the intention of technology use will be during the class

2.      Can disconnect students from social interactions

a.      Create assignment that uses both technology and oral presentation/group collaboration to learn how to interact with each other

3.      Foster cheating! Students have always found ways to cheat

a.      Design assignment where is will be difficult to cheat. Make them open books, focus on problem solving, focus on mastery versus retention.

4.      No equal access to technology

a.      Don’t make it a barrier for those how don’t have access. Use it in a inclusive manner.

5.      Quality of research and sources may not be great

a.      Guide the students on finding reliable sources

6.      Lesson planning might be more labor0intensive!

a.      Check if the software has a training section and give yourself time to learn!