Technology: A boon Or Bane In Education
Technology today is all pervasive - entwined in almost every part of our surrounding. It affects how we live, work, play, and most importantly learn. With technology becoming an increasing requirement across every industry today, it seems only logical for schools also to effectively deploy technology in the classroom.
However, there has been a raging debate about the use of technology at educational institutions especially those dealing with young and impressionable minds. The debate has lately turned even more interesting as those who support the use of technology at schools, or even preschools are post digital natives or the millennial generation. This demographic cohort, known for its near inseparable existence from their smartphones, while realizing the ill-effects of excessive use of technology is unable to clearly veto against its use for they do realise that technology is here to stay.
A plausible explanation to the debate starts with recalling the old but apt adage ‘Excess of anything is bad’. Technology is an enabler that needs to be leveraged to aid the learning process and not something to be avoided. As Bill Gates once famously said, “Technology is just a tool. Regarding getting the kids working together and motivating them, the teacher is most important.”
New technologies like AI, machine learning, and educational software aren't just changing the field for students; they're shaking up the role of educators, creating philosophical shifts in approaches to teaching, and remodelling the classroom. In fact, I believe that the real story for the future of education will center around how educators structure and run their classrooms. Technology's benefit in the classroom is all in the way it's used. When paired with interpersonal relationships, thoughtful educators, and deliberate programs, technology can be an incredible asset.
Combining Motion Based Learning (MBL) with traditional classroom instruction for preschoolers is one example of how the introduction of new technology can enhance the learning experience and create new opportunities. Given the short attention span of children, it is important that educators device ways to instil learning through innovative yet scientific tools. MBL uses technology to help kids learn fundamentals like alphabets and numbers by involving the kids through activities on a screen. This technique is way more successful in increasing grasping power instead of the old rote learning process of repeating numbers or alphabets in vain.
When it comes to pre-schooling, the amount of technology that a child must be exposed to in his formative years must be controlled. In a preschool survey conducted by us to gauge parents’ sentiments on pre-schooling techniques, 61 percent of 1,018 respondents favoured the use of technology citing ‘quick and fun way of learning’ as the reason behind their vote. Those who didn’t favour its use at preschool level feared loss of imagination and increase in demand for gadgets at home.
Beyond pre-schooling technology has ensured a paradigm change in the manner in which education is delivered in this country. Technology has also made it convenient to share the curriculum, revisit the same at convenience and hold easier procedures towards examinations. When under a supervised platform, technology is a great enabler of education.
With an influx of new learning models available, traditional educational methods are bound to evolve in the next decade. I am cautiously optimistic that technology will have a very bold impact.
The fear in the minds of parents is but natural and hence the need to maintain a fine balance while using technology both at home as well as at school. When used in the right manner, technology can change the way kids learn and this in the long term will bring the desired change that policymakers are hoping to achieve – Improve learning outcomes of students.
An outcome-based education is going to equip the future workforce with higher adaptability to new challenges – including the threat of technology taking away jobs. It is, therefore, our collective duty to leverage technology now to shape young minds so that they are able to overcome the challenges that the future may hold for them.
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