For all the conveniences that technology brings to the table, there are drawbacks that we should address. In particular, when it comes to education, numerous challenges spring up because of our use of technology. As we move into the fantastical future of significant technological advancements, some teachers are not entirely sold on the idea of integrating smart devices into the classroom setting.
If we do not address their warranted concerns adequately, we may soon need to make more drastic changes to how we teach kids in school. As we aim to prepare students for a digital future, it is crucial to delve into why their instructors are still rightfully clinging to the traditional methods of dispensing information. This article will take a look at why some instructors are resisting the inclusion of technology into the teaching process.
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Insecurities Arise from Using Technology
Security is a significant concern when it comes to turning to technology to enhance learning in the classroom. When technology is added, the situation becomes trickier to handle. For instance, by allowing students to come with smart devices to school, we create a need for a secure storage area for the gadgets.
Of course, there are other activities to engage in while at school. Sports and clubs are some of the things that students do during the regular time in the institution. Consequently, it would make sense for them to have a safe place to put their gadgets since they cannot take them to the pitch for soccer practice. This designated storage area must be secure enough to ensure that the devices kept cannot be stolen easily.
Surfing the web comes with other security risks. The sites we visit can contain mature content that is not suitable for young minds to consume. Thus, allowing students to go with smart devices means that we should find a way of ensuring that they are only privy to content that is safe and motivates them to seek knowledge. If a student is essay writing, they may stumble onto information that is not credible. Ultimately, teachers must take up active roles in teaching the students to search for relevant academic material on the internet.
Distractions Are Numerous When Devices Are Allowed in Class
The internet and smart devices, in general, can be a significant source of academic and entertainment content. Organizations often have trouble ensuring that their employees use the work computer and connection to work instead of lounging. Similarly, teachers have warranted fears that using technology in the classroom could distract students from concentrating on the concepts taught in class due to distractions.
- Watching a funny video in class is not the only distraction to using technology in class. If we let students come with laptops, we need to think about how they can cause disruptions in class.
- If they use their gadget to take down notes, teachers may find themselves interrupting the class so that they could get a charger for one of the students if their equipment powers down.
- On the other hand, notifications going off in the devices that students bring to class could further cause disruptions in class.
A Hike in Educational Malpractices
Traditionally, committing plagiarism took more time and effort on the part of students. They needed to go to the library and read through vast amounts of information just to find relevant content. Afterward, they would have to take down detailed notes so that they could copy it later when doing their assignment.
These days, technology has made the process of academic fraud straightforward. All you need to do is search the web for ideas to put in your paper. Using simple keyboard shortcuts, you can quickly copy literature. Consequently, there has been a spike in education malpractices in school.
However, technology has also provided ingenious methods of spotting plagiarized material. Still, crafty students have found numerous loopholes in the software we use to find academic dishonesty. Thus, some teachers are resisting the inception of smart devices in school.
Not All Devices Are Made Equal
The processing and storage capabilities of smart devices differ significantly. Relying on technology for school-related tasks means that students with slower gadgets would have a more challenging time working on their assignments. We need to find a way of standardizing the technological tools we use in class. That way, we can give all students an equal opportunity to excel.
As with most things, there are at least two sides to the story. We need to address the shortcomings of technology. Eventually, we will be able to prepare current and future generations for a world immersed in technological marvels.