Introduction: Beneficial Role of Technology in Education
The Beneficial Role of Technology in Education is evident through its capacity to enhance interactive learning experiences, facilitate access to a wealth of educational resources, and foster innovative teaching methods. Imagine a professor employing a smartphone to teach composition—an idea that may seem unbelievable, yet parallels can be drawn to the era when multimedia and overhead projectors were first introduced a few decades earlier. As technology advances rapidly, various fields undergo transformations due to the pervasive influence of technological devices. Currently, smartphones, iPads, and tablets are increasingly prevalent in learning and teaching environments, surpassing their perceived utility from just a few years ago. In their article, “Infusing Creativity and Technology in 21st Century Education: A Systematic View for Change,” Danah Henriksen, Punya Mishra, and Petra Fisser argue that while creativity remains a key hallmark of education, the integration of technology into educational planning is now crucial, as it is “deeply connected to the issues of technology integration.” They further contend that technological “change is driven by human creativity” (27). Technology extends beyond the mere use of slides or multimedia projectors in the classroom; it serves to facilitate the communication of ideas and perceptions. According to the authors, the use of technology is intended to enhance communication, addressing obstacles that arise without the aid of such gadgets. They note the recent arrival of “digital and networking technologies,” as well as other tools that teachers employ—some not designed specifically for education, alongside those explicitly created for educational purposes (Henriksen, Mishra & Fisser, 2016). In essence, technology not only facilitates learning but also fosters a conducive educational environment, enabling successful communication of ideas by teachers.
Argument of Beneficial Role of Technology in Education
In terms of facilitating learning, numerous educational institutions have effectively incorporated technology specifically designed for education and other tools into their classroom teaching practices. For instance, the use of Web 2.0 to overcome distance barriers and enhance learning has become indispensable, as noted by Mitzi Lewis and LaRae Donnellan, who elaborate that technology and tools are instrumental in fostering collaboration for learning, stating that “Web 2.0 tools, by nature, facilitate collaboration,” leading to increased productivity (Lewis & Donnellan, 2011). Once teachers embrace the use of technology, it becomes a norm in educational settings. However, the use of technical tools also creates a conducive environment for teaching, as observed in the case of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), which enhances the classroom atmosphere for teachers to utilize technological tools for teaching facilitation, rather than just for learning (Mirzjani et al., 2016). Nevertheless, successfully conveying ideas and concepts differs from facilitation. This implies that when teachers adeptly use specific tools to effectively communicate ideas, they become experts in the use of those tools, such as digital devices or smartphones.
Data Supporting Beneficial Role of Technology in Education
As far as the data about facilitation is concerned, it is quite clear, because several educational institutions have backed upon the use of web 2.0 technology to bridge the gap of distance. Mitzi Leis and Donnellan have further elaborated this stating that Wiki use, blogs other tools have made it possible to facilitate learning through collaboration due to student participatory approach in the use of technology (Lewis & Donnellan, 2011). In the same way, the issue of making environment conducive becomes imperative, for without conductive environment, no teaching or learning takes place. The major solution lies with the use of technological tools in classroom, which is that the environment within the classroom becomes easy for the teacher to use these tools to assist in his tasks of teaching. It is because this environment always resists changes, but when this environment becomes conducive, it is only because of the use of technology such as interactive use of Tablets (Mirzjani, et al., 2016). As far as successful in communication through devices is concerned, it is a fact that technological devices help even if the students and teachers both need assistive technology as Meng Ee Wong and Janet S. P. Law has stated in their paper that teachers use assistive technology because they find it easy to successfully executive their tasks of evaluation, teaching and conveying information (Meng & Law, 2016). It means that technology facilitates conveying of information too besides making the environment conducive for teaching and learning.
Learning and Beneficial Role of Technology in Education
Facilitation in learning extends beyond the superficial and has profound implications. Numerous institutions have embraced technology, such as the integration of iPads and Tablets in British schools. Sean Coughlan reported that over 70% of primary and secondary schools are utilizing iPads and Tablets, illustrating how these devices facilitate learning in educational settings (Coughlan). The introduction of such devices not only automatically creates a conducive and interesting environment but also generates excitement within a group, such as a classroom, when a new facilitating device is introduced.
In this context, Lewis and Donnellan underscore the significance of web 2.0, characterizing it as collaboration in the classroom that induces excitement through active student participation. They argue that the participatory approach adopted by students, rather than isolation, contributes to a supportive learning environment (Lewis & Donnellan, 2011). This interactive learning environment becomes instrumental in supporting teaching and learning, where the successful conveyance of ideas is facilitated through the use of technology. Teachers find it easy to use various tools and technology devices for communication, as emphasized by Meng Ee Wong and Janet S. P. Law in their paper.
Viability and Beneficial Role of Technology in Education
However, the problem is that several people argue that this is not feasible, for students become interesting in tools more and teaching less. Sachin Maharaj of the Toronto Start highlights the issue of the misuse of technological devices such as iPads and Tablets in schools saying that despite having strict monitoring and guidance, it still happens that the gadgets are used for the purposes other than the teaching and learning (Maharaj). The response to this argument is that it is the use of the tool not the tool itself which is proving wrong. In fact, digital devices as stated above have proved more useful than they actually. Sachin Maharaj further argues that ” Perhaps most worrying are the effects that all of this constant technology use can have on students’ cognitive and emotional development” (Maharaj). By this he means adverse effects. It is a fact that whenever new tools are used, they have several effects such as the simple fact of using screen that used to very dangerous for eyes in the past. However, now LEDs are very conducive for eyes too. In the same way, technology itself is not bad, it is just a tool to facilitate and make environment conducive for an activity.
Conclusion: Beneficial Role of Technology in Education
In short, it is reasonable to assert that technology and technological devices contribute to easing the learning process, fostering collaboration in classrooms, and providing teachers with effective tools for conveying information and ideas. The crucial factor lies in how these devices are utilized. The effectiveness of technology depends on the users and the manner in which it is employed. Obstacles can be overcome through continual improvements in the utilization of technical devices, exemplified by the successful use of iPads and Tablets in schools and secondary education settings. While there may be instances of misuse, ongoing advancements contribute to addressing such concerns. Ultimately, the responsible and innovative use of technology by users determines its overall impact. Technology has undeniably proven beneficial in educational activities, benefiting both students and teachers who appreciate its role in learning, teaching, and information sharing.
References: Beneficial Role of Technology in Education
- Coulghan, S. (December 3, 2014). Tablet computers in ‘70% of schools’. BBC. Retrieved on 29 July 2022 from http://www.bbc.com/news/education-30216408
- Henriksen, D., Mishra, P., & Fisser, P. (2016). Infusing Creativity and Technology in 21st Century Education: A Systemic View for Change. Journal of Educational Technology & Society, 19(3), 27-37.
- Lewis, M., & Donnellan, L. (2011). Using Web 2.0 Technologies to Facilitate Student Learning: A Collaboration between Universities. International Journal Of Technology, Knowledge & Society, 7(3), 17-29.
- Maharaj, S. (April 2, 2014.) Beware the risks of smartphones and tablets in schools. The Start. Retrieved on 29 July 2022 from https://www.thestar.com/opinion/commentary/2014/04/02/beware_the_risks_of_smartphones_and_tablets_in_schools.html
- Mirzajani, H., Mahmud, R., Fauzi Mohd Ayub, A., & Wong, S. L. (2016). Teachers’ acceptance of ICT and its integration in the classroom. Quality Assurance In Education: An International Perspective, 24(1), 26-40. doi:10.1108/QAE-06-2014-0025
- Meng Ee, W., & Law, J. P. (2016). Practices of Assistive Technology Implementation and Facilitation: Experiences of Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments in Singapore. Journal Of Visual Impairment & Blindness, 110(3), 195-200.
Relevant Questions: Beneficial Role of Technology in Education
- How can educators leverage the Beneficial Role of Technology in Education to create more engaging and personalized learning environments for students?
- What specific strategies and tools embody the Beneficial Role of Technology in Education, ensuring equitable access to educational resources and fostering student success?
- In what ways does ongoing research contribute to understanding and optimizing the Beneficial Role of Technology in Education, and how can educational institutions adapt to these advancements for improved learning outcomes?