The Use Of Technology in Schools: Is It Good Or Bad?

Technology in schools is viewed as a controversial topic because there are many people on either side. The issue whether technology should be allowed in schools or not is based off of the information that can be gathered. The popular view is that technology is beneficial in schools; it is believed that technology in schools is an excellent way to assist students in leaning, it makes learning more fun and effective, and many life skills will be gained out of having technology.

In today’s educational system it is hard to picture one without the use of technology. The time period of our world now is known as the digital age, this is the shift from the traditional industry, to an economy that consists of technology and computerization. “As we sail through the 21st century, technology in the classroom is becoming more and more predominant” (Cox 1). This means that technological advances are being made every day and the use of them is becoming more obligatory.

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Although it seems that a school cannot function without the use of technology, some feel that it is hindering the abilities of some students and acts as a distraction. Nevertheless, the prevalent belief is for the use of technology in schools.

One of the main reasons people believe that technology is suitable for an academic setting is because it can provide a faster more efficient way of gaining research or accomplishing homework and assignments. For example, instead of a student writing out an essay with a pencil and paper they can use a computer to type it out which is a speedier way for many people.

When given an assignment during class the students would be able to start their work right away, given technology is allowed where they are. This increases the amount of efficiency because they are able to use the maximum time available to them to accomplish their tasks. Using technology in academia brings the top resources to you which provide ultimate usage of academic time. “Schools can use digital resources in a variety of ways to support teaching and learning. Electronic grade books, digital portfolios, learning games, and real-time feedback on teacher and student performance, are a few ways that technology can be utilized to power learning” (“Use of Technology in Teaching and Learning” 1). Many schools in California and New York are paving the way in technology use in the classroom, and actually basing a lot of their teachings with the use of technology. With our world becoming more technology savvy every day, it would be advantageous to move along with it.

Using technology in schools can also provide a more fun, effective place of learning. “From apps to organizational platforms to e-textbooks and more, there are many amazing tools that can help you” (Montano 1). Interactive academic games and apps range from “Cool Math” for the younger crowd to “Game Corp” for older students. The more fun and interesting a classroom is for a student, the more likely they are to succeed and want to achieve greatness. For many students, fun for them consists of the use of technology and the internet, by incorporating learning into technology it will engage them to the fullest. “Students prefer technology because they believe that it makes learning more interesting and fun. They especially like laptops and tablets. Subjects that students deem challenging or boring can become more interesting with virtual lessons, through a video, or when using a tablet” (Cox 1). Many will argue that this will just open a window for students to surf the internet while in class however, numerous schools filter the websites that are allowed to be accessed and they can monitor how the technology is used. Which makes it very accommodating for student’s to access while abiding to the terms and conditions prearranged to them by their school.

Another benefit of the use of technology in schools is that we can gain life skills. “Creating presentations, learning to differentiate reliable from unreliable sources on the Internet, maintaining proper online etiquette, and writing emails; these are all vital skills that your students can learn in the classroom and master before graduation” (Montano 1). These benefits are skills that students would be able to grasp at a young age and master as they go on, given they are able to use technology in schools and further their …. For example, many high schools students do not even know how to make a simple presentation or find reliable sources for research. This is due to the fact that technology usage has not been a large interest in the education system and therefore students do not quite know how to work their way around certain technological programs. These students will become adults in the work place eventually and many jobs these days surround themselves with technology based work ethic. This meaning that basic skills in the forms of technology to be able to make it in the occupation are needed. One life skill that can be gained through the usage of technology in schools is how to properly write an email. For many business inquiries, they have done away with the paper, pen, and envelop letters to get important messages across and instead have opted for email communication. Some may argue that this has created a world of less personalized and sentimental means. However, nowadays you can add just about anything to an email or text to personalize it, such as the popular emoji’s, or attaching a photo.

In conclusion, the use of technology in schools should be allowed as well as fortified. This will provide more sources to gain research by using databases and educational websites, it will make learning more fun and effective with the use of fun websites and technology programs, and it will helps students gain life skills such as how to function in a work setting. All of these benefits of technology in an academic setting are essential for a successful student and it should be encouraged.

Works cited

1. Cox, M. J. (n.d.). The role of technology in education. British Educational Communications and Technology Agency. https://dera.ioe.ac.uk/6668/1/becta_2008_role_of_tech_in_ed_report.pdf
2. Montano, J. (2015). How teachers are using technology at home and in their classrooms. EdTech Magazine. https://www.edtechmagazine.com/k12/article/2015/06/how-teachers-are-using-technology-home-and-their-classrooms
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