Does Technology in the Classroom Ever Get in the Way of Learning?
Technologies these days are showing remarkable advancements as scientists are consistently inventing new tools and innovations. Due to the great improvements, technologies are gradually but effectively influencing our daily lives. Technology in the classroom is one example. Yet, it is controversial whether technology is having a good impact on children for education. Some are thrilled that new tools for education will enhance the quality of learning, while others worry about the unapproached danger that technology can bring. Throughout this essay, further assertions will be discussed.
To begin with, financial barriers exist for struggling families. While there may be some who may buy a new technology without much difficulty, there are some families that need to spend their monthly expenses to buy a technology. Technology may have some outstanding benefits compared to other class materials, but it is much more expensive. According to Educationdata, it only costs $80 to $150 to buy a textbook. On the other hand, it costs $799 to buy an iPad. Moreover, students studied efficiently even without technology in the past. Therefore, putting a family at financial risk just to buy an accessory for education is not efficient.
The problem may seem to be solved when the school provides the equipment for the students. Nonetheless, it is not only economically difficult for a school to provide technology for all enrolling students, but the gap between rich and poor will still exist. Students from rich families will buy other technology-related items such as Bluetooth headphones, portable chargers, and even paid apps inside the given technology. On the contrary, there will be students who can not afford them from poor families. This situation can result in a bigger gap in friendship; students who can not afford those accessories might feel inferior compared to students who can.
Furthermore, the use of technology does not guarantee better learning conditions. Rather, when technology is misused, it can lead a student to a worse situation. According to a study at Duke university, students who used a home computer between the 5th and 8th grades tended to have a persistent decline in reading and math scores. As technology includes other apps that are not only for education, some students misuse technology, such as for playing games and being on social media. Also some students even fall into addiction as well. Falling into addiction is simple, but the consequences it brings are severe. Internet addiction may cause emotional instability, depression, and poor time management.
In conclusion, though technology may have some benefits, it is true that technology in the classroom can get in the way. Technology has provided us with shortcuts and better learning tools. However, technology has also provided side attractions that can adversely affect our learning condition. Unfortunately, it is no longer surprising to spot students playing games with their computers during class.
