The Journey of Education and Technology Thus Far
Although the history of education is as old as the history of man, the idea for formal compulsory education began in Europe in the 16th century and gradually made its way to other parts of the world.
Regardless of what certain individuals are preaching in the media these days, education is one of the best things that has happened to the human race. The evidence is all around you. It’s in the research and innovative ideas to cure incurable diseases and develop better medications to deal with different strains of pathogenic microbes and ailments. It’s evident in the better infrastructural development we enjoy so much and are boastful of. These and countless other benefits attest to the gospel that we can’t do without education.
In a similar fashion, although the history of technology predates many centuries ago, the advent of modern technology started in the 18th century, which marks the genesis of the industrial revolution and the invention of modern machinery.
Over the years, technology was being infused into every aspect of life such as health, infrastructure, and education, to mention a few. And it began showing promising results. But in a world of imperfections, even the best of intentions, one way or another, will have negative repercussions. This article aims to establish both the negative and positive effects of technology and its advancement on education and, if possible, ramifications to rectify the damages we are experiencing in the millennial generation.
The Positive and Negative Effects of Technology on Education
Although the infusing of technology into education hopes to catalyze the development of children into useful and productive citizens in the future, certain factors do not permit it to materialize into a holistic reality.
Positive Effects
- Facilitates learning
- Contributes to teaching
- Develops the minds of students
Negative Effects
- Kills creativity in students
- Distractions
- Misinformation
- Promotes Laziness
Read also: Positive and Negative Impact of Technology on Business
Positive Effects of Technology on Education
Facilitates learning
With the advent of gadgets like phones and tablets, students are able to get instant access to information which makes it easier for them to study. With the help of the internet, students are able to complete project works and assignments from school faster and more efficiently. This is one of the intended positive effects of technology on students. Among other benefits, in this time and age, students can simply turn to a custom service with a “do my homework for me” request and rid themselves of having to deal with the stress of education.
Contributes to teaching
In recent times, the arrival of smart boards has improved the teaching quality in schools. These boards help teachers present limitless information to facilitate students understanding of the topic. They also offer teachers access to Microsoft PowerPoint and other amazing software for teaching.
With smartphone apps technology, students can also improve their grades with learning and quiz app. This so-called “portable learning” technology making students continue learning new things even outside the school environment.
Develops the minds of students
The brain is the most useful asset of any person. It works in such a way that, the more you use it, the more you improve in what you are using it for, especially you can leverage the technology to make a buck for yourself for example through pay for essay writing or by teaching people to develop the skill with the tech. In other words, technology helps to develop the minds of students through access to a limitless ocean of information on the internet.
Negative Effects Of Technology on Education
Kills student creativity
Although the availability of limitless information on the internet serves as a great learning tool, it can also kill creativity. Students sometimes just copy and paste the information in order to get good grades.
This is the reason why we are having lots of students as well as graduates these days who are excellent on paper but have little to no knowledge in their chosen field of study. These graduates can’t solve technical problems even though they are degree holders. This is one of the saddest negative effects of technology on students.
Distractions
Instead of studying, students spend most of the time on social media sites and television shows. These days social media has become an addiction for most students to the point where they prefer staying on Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, or Twitter while in class instead of focusing on what’s being taught.
Misinformation
Although the information is limitless on the Internet, there is no guarantee that what students are consuming is what they need. Anybody can post anything on the Internet, and it presents as extremely difficult to determine what is the truth and what is just a clout-chasing piece of misinformation.
Final note
In conclusion, all parental figures, as well as school authorities, should take necessary precautions to ensure that students are using technology the right way. In time, the negative effects will be minimized if not eradicated totally, giving room for students to benefit fully from technology.