Technology in the Classroom: The Pros and Cons

Technology works its way into almost every aspect of our
everyday lives. The classroom is a part of that integration for many people.
However, with it comes certain benefits and drawbacks. 

From elementary school to graduate school, technology
affects every level of education. And whether you’re in school or curious about
the latest educational tech advancements, it’s crucial to read up on new
integrations. An ongoing debate around tech in the classroom exists, with
differing opinions on each side.

If you’re not sure where you stand with the shift, here
are the pros, cons and examples of implementation.

Pros

The pros of technology in the classroom include fostering
an engaging environment with more ways for students to learn. Here are some
ways that can happen.

Learning
Styles

Every person is different, and everyone learns in unique
ways. Technology provides a multitude of options for students to study with
traditional, visual and audio strategies, plus much more. 

If you’re a visual learner, you may benefit from seeing
examples and interacting with them through devices. Your work may improve, too,
if you stick to your learning style and create graphics instead of standard
reports.

Engagement

Many of those who oppose classroom tech cite its
distracting tendencies. While that can be true, it can also foster more
engagement for students. With interactive activities, technology provides a
modern way to get students of any age involved in the topic.

Future
Preparation

The future will involve even more technology than the
present. Innovations will come out and change the world as you know it. Having
students use technology and master it in school can lead
to gradual adjustment for when more advanced forms become commonplace.

Teaching students about this field can also prepare them
for future jobs where they will need technology to fulfill their roles. An
engineer, for example, may operate within high-level technology fields such as
technical operations and systems development.

Collaboration

Technology can improve cooperation in a couple of different ways. Student-to-student dynamics can thrive as learners help each other with and through technology adjustments and learning more advanced techniques. Student-to-teacher collaboration can improve, too. Educators can find the best content to engage their students with, and students will respond positively.

Communication

Similarly, communication will improve with more
technology. Teachers and administrators can use systems and programs to track
how students are progressing through the material. From there, they can offer
more support to those who need it. 

Technology in the form of social media and learning
platforms can also help teachers communicate in different, more accessible ways
to see how students respond.

Cons

With every set of benefits comes some disadvantages. The
drawbacks of classroom technology range from pricing to social dynamics. Read
on to see how tech can negatively affect education. 

Costs and
Adjustment

Depending on the school’s size, tech costs require a significant budget and lots
of planning. Technological improvements involve stable networks, an on-call IT
team and equipment. Additionally, students, teachers and administrators
will need an adjustment period as they familiarize themselves with the new
systems and devices. 

Security

The school may need an IT team for the new tech, but the
system also requires advanced security and protection across the board. Student
information — as well as their devices — needs secure digital protection to
guard it against any potential breaches or threats.

Distractions

Technology can foster engagement, but it can also create
distractions. Students may wander onto sites that are not optimal for
learning. It may be hard for teachers or administrators to monitor the
sites students use. Website blockers and browser filters can help, but there
are no guarantees. 

Social
Development

There are many benefits of interacting with teachers and other
students. Depending on the extent of the technology used, some schools are
entirely online. Many parents want their children to have a socially rich
school experience, however, and tech implementation may hinder certain social
developments. 

Test Scores

The standardized test score debate has multiple strongly
opinionated sides. Some believe that too much technology will lower students’
standardized test scores. Others who are pro-tech, however, argue that
test scores don’t adequately measure a student’s intelligence or creativity.
Therefore, integrating technology may allow better ways for students to express
themselves and show their skills. 

Examples of Educational Tech in Action

A growing number of cases of educational technology show
how students can use it to their advantage. First, tablets are becoming
increasingly common. Students can personalize these and take them home, or
teachers can hand them out for certain activities. Tablets provide a platform
for students to learn with new tools and abilities.

Augmented reality (AR) allows students to step into a
semi-real simulation that combines reality with virtual elements. This
technology can help visual learners through a challenging learning process. For
instance, those who are practicing procedures in medical school can use
AR.

Lastly, 3D printing is becoming an increasingly popular
tool for schools. 3D printers allow students to print materials they otherwise
wouldn’t have access to, which can give them better tools to complete projects
with. 

Determining the Future of EduTech

After reading this article, you probably have a good idea
of what’s in store for future learners. With these pros, cons and examples,
which way do you believe technology in the classroom should progress from here?

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