What to consider before implementing technology in the classroom
Integrating technology in education goes a long way in improving the quality of education. The use of computer applications by teachers and instructors has transformed the learning sector. Technology has greatly enhanced the delivery of content to facilitate a better understanding of the subject matter. This article will examine the role mobile and computer applications play in education and the overall effect on learning outcomes.
How beneficial are they?
Instructors use video to plan for lessons. The most widely used computer application is Microsoft PowerPoint to prepare nicely arranged slides for presentation. For students, projectors create an interactive class by visually engaging the students. PowerPoint presentations are also beneficial to teachers as it saves time and effort, which would otherwise be spent explaining the content to students. This makes learning enjoyable and increases the learner’s motivation. Access to other platforms that offer a custom writing service enables the student to improve the quality of their papers as well as educational status. Additionally, it enables students to embrace technology in their day to day lives.
Capitalizing on technology ensures that learning happens around the clock. Educational mobile apps run all day. In that regard, the occurrences of students failing to access learning materials are minimal. Nowadays, students do not have to go to the library anymore, since books and research materials are only a click away. Furthermore, by making use of mobile educational apps, learning can happen at any place. Students who missed a lecture can obtain the lecture on a school app or from other students without having to be physically present at school. Similarly, students can seek clarification, request for additional learning materials, or even have real-time communication with a teacher.
Educational apps have made it easy for parents and guardians to track the progress of their children who are enrolled in learning institutions. Gone are days when students forged report cards to deceive their parents about their performance. Through school mobile apps, guardians can view their children’s subject progress. Besides, teachers can send assignments to students, mark and grade them while miles apart. Thus, the benefit of apps is invaluable to both students and educators.
Currently, a majority of school-going children own a smartphone and a home computer. However, it is questionable if mobile apps are directly enhancing classroom performance. Research findings indicate that technology has a long-term impact on students, although it may have some negative effects as students are bound to be guided by wrong information.
Apps in our social lives
Not all learning apps are educational. However, they are vital in building a student’s concentration on simple tasks. Puzzles and games like sudoku, for instance, create an alternative to consuming junk information on the worldwide internet. Also, such applications can greatly enhance the IQ of students by making the mind of young learners sharper. Students can learn to challenge themselves and compete in a healthy capacity.
Apps have played a great role in making students more tech-savvy. Children as young as three years of age can operate a smartphone. Educational apps prevent children from spending time watching the television since the majority of internet learning apps are interactive, fun, and age-restricted to children. Additionally, game applications stimulate kids brains, which in the long term improves their interest and performance in mathematics. Therefore, educators need to embrace technology as a compliment to delivering individual-focused learning.
The downside of mobile apps
The drawbacks of using educational apps cannot be overlooked. First, students that use smartphones from a young age may develop gaps in emotional intelligence. Technology reduces faces to face interactions by a great length. Also, students may lack empathy, self-control, and develop self-esteem issues. Excessive screen time may lead to addictions, which lead to a reduction in sleep and overstimulation of the brain to unhealthy levels. Many occurrences of bullying, aggression, depression, behavioral, and mental health issues can be directly linked to misuse and over dependence on apps.
Other than devaluing the quality of social interactions, educational apps may cause disparities in learning. There is a potential of students having more expertise on the technology rather than the subject matter. Besides, over reliance on the computer has increased occurrences of exam cheating. Students avoid performing simple tasks as apps can complete the tasks with greater accuracy and little time. In recent times, children’s creativity has gone down the drain at the expense of modernity. Therefore, with generations to come, students will have little to no problem-solving skills since every task can be done by an app.
In conclusion, finding the proper balance between apps and education is important. Technology is a double-edged sword; therefore, educators must learn how to incorporate education apps in the classroom in healthy measures. Students need to be sensitized in the negative effects of technology. When used responsibly, educational apps could provide robust improvement in a student’s performance.