Reflection on the Use of Technology

 

Reflection on the Use of Technology

Author: Santosh Kumar Biswa, Sr. Teacher, Damphu CS, Tsirang, Bhutan

 

Due to the use of technology, the conventional way of instruction has been replaced with a more contemporary one that uses more sophisticated learning techniques. It has always been demonstrated to increase participation and give the teacher's lesson plan more focus and significance. Because technology is becoming more and more common throughout the world, even curriculum designers are emphasizing its use. According to Kalpan (2017), technology has become one of the most important elements in the current stage of human existence. However, there are several ways that technology has an adverse effect on education. Before deciding to make a purchase, educators must think about the implications. This post will examine the consequences of technology, my worries about using it, and how I may strike a balance between my reservations and the advantages of integrating technology into my teaching methods.

Students have access to a variety of media-driven environments in this digital age, and technologies are always being developed to fit new shapes. But there are technology issues as well, issues that create barriers in the course of teaching and learning. While some students may be adept at using technology, others who have less background in the subject may lag, especially when it comes to resource usage. I think that most professors use projectors or other electronic devices in the classroom with the idea that they are using technology to teach, but they never allow students to practice using technology while learning. They ought to be capable of giving pupils the help they need and the right kind of direction so that they can become self-taught and savvy users of technology. According to Gaille (2018), face-to-face engagement and relationships between students are lost as a result of technology. Due to the interactions, they may form, students under the heavy influence of social media may continue to live apart from their families. They may lose contact with their professors or friends. Students can use technology to cheat even in the classroom by doing their work, visiting pointless websites, or playing games. I believe that these occurrences result from inadequate monitoring and support.

Addiction is currently the biggest problem, particularly with the use of social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, TikTok, Instagram, etc. While using social media sites, students risk being distracted from their important education. If this occurs both at home and at school, it is a complete waste of time. According to my own experience, I have seen that the majority of my students consistently miss the deadline for their assignments because they are so easily accessible online. As a result, there is a significant chance that students may misuse technology, and you can run with pupils who have been the targets of cyberbullying.

I have concerns about the use of technology and think that it ought to be prioritized more and integrated into the curriculum. In any educational process, there is a pressing need for access to knowledge through engagement and creative accessibility with the use of technology. The first of Winthrop and Smith's (2012) seven guidelines—putting educational difficulties first—should be prioritized to prevent any problems or negative effects in the future. Prior to implementing technology in education, it is crucial to identify any educational concerns (Winthrop and Smith, 2012). Additionally, as not all parents can readily afford to supply laptops, tablets, or mobile phones, the school should choose more affordable options. However, this does not imply that the other six criteria are invalid. If correctly implemented, all seven of those principles can resolve all problems relating to potential negative effects of technology infusion since they would assist in utilizing the power of technology that even addresses the needs of the underprivileged (Winthrop and Smith, 2012). Additionally, before incorporating students directly into the learning processes in the classroom, teachers must make sure that safety precautions are taken concerning the usage of technology. The way students are guided in the classroom determines the quality of their learning, and for active teaching to take place, active learning should be promoted through the use of technology as well as traditional classroom instruction.

The school administration should take the initiative to address any issues by giving instructors the necessary assistance so they may feel confident in their skills, balancing my concerns about the advantages of technology in my instructional methods. They can give their students the proper instruction by developing their competencies. Additionally, the school has to have adequate infrastructure and better connectivity features so that students may easily access material and take advantage of opportunities for individualized practice. To maintain student engagement throughout their educational journey, all teachers must be constantly on the lookout for ways to improve collaboration and communication. Students are less likely to stray from the intended use of technology when teachers provide explicit instructions on how to use it in the classroom. Involving students in meaningful technological interaction requires a variety of approaches and technologies. The same activities in the classroom frequently bore the students (Browning, 2016). Last but not least, teachers need to make sure that children are properly guided when using computers, regardless of how they behave or utilize them. Because it enables students to approach any digital task in an ethical, professional, and relaxing manner while utilizing social media, teachers' advice plays a crucial role.

 

References

Browning, C. (2016). 5 Classroom Management Tips for Technology Integration. https://www.kqed.org/education/280608/5-classroom-management-tips-for-technology-integration

Gaille, B. (2018). 23 Advantages and Disadvantages of Technology in Education. https://brandongaille.com/23-advantages-disadvantages-technology-education/

Kaplan, D.E. (2017). Creative technology in the curriculum in online teacher training. https://www.scirp.org/journal/papercitationdetails.aspx?paperid=77518&JournalID=136

Winthrop, R., & Smith, M. S. (2012). A new face of education: Bringing technology into the classroom in the developing world. Global Economy and Development. https://www.brookings.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/01_education_technology_shearer.pdf