The Role of Technology in Today’s Classrooms

Technology is everywhere and used in every aspect of life. Practically every job uses some technology. Students should learn how to use technology to fit in this technology-based country. In classrooms, it enhances the teaching process, which in turn motivates students in learning. Research on the effectiveness of technology suggests that specific technology can improve students of all grades learning capabilities. Technology should be used in classrooms because it prepares children for the future and enhances collaboration in students.

Using technology in the classroom would help prepare students for the digital future. Through teaching students skills like coding, it can help them set up for success. In addition, introducing instructional technology in the classrooms at a young age can help prepare students for future digital demands. As more and more employers demand potential employees to be technology literate, it is clear that students need digital literacy to begin their careers. Skills like creativity, problem-solving and critical thinking are also necessary to succeed in the workplace, and being technology literate will allow the students to develop this important life skill (Bronwyn).

An increased frequency of students helping each other when they are using technology in the classroom has been observed. Many technology-based tasks have challenges, leading to situations where students need to seek help from the teachers or their peers. When students are assigned to small groups, the more technologically advanced students can help their inexperienced peers. Another problem uses social media, which does not include censored content while in class. Bronwyn states the issue of censorship. He says, “The lesson for social media policy is that censorship can lead to unintended side effects that undermine the development of more robust outcomes, which exacerbates the original problem in the long term”. Students can also practice collaboration skills by getting involved in different online activities. Thus, technology allows collaboration of students in the same classroom, same school, and even with other classrooms worldwide (Wexler).

However, many people believe that introducing children to technology is harmful. Some believe that technology encourages laxity, can be expensive and interferes with children interacting with their teachers. For technology to be properly used in the classroom, instructors must invest time and be interested in getting the proper training required to integrate technology and not obstruct children from appropriate learning effectively. “When students read text from a screen, it’s been shown; they absorb less information than when they read it on paper” (Wexler). Of course, there will be challenges along the way as we try to implement new technologies in education and improve them to outfit student outcomes. However, the advantages hugely outweigh the shortcomings of technology in classrooms. It is important to remain aware of the current technology coming up and adjust courses for the best possible learning outcome for the students (Bronwyn).

In conclusion, we have seen many examples of technology use in the classroom and its benefits in today’s technology-based society; hence, technology is a useful and valuable tool for teaching, learning, becoming a way of life. The most important thing is for educators to use these technologies effectively. Schools can use technology effectively and for the benefit of students, teachers, and the entire society.

Work Cited 

Bronwyn, Howell. “Social Media, Censorship, And Coddling Internet Users”. Aei.Org, 2020, https://www.aei.org/technology-and-innovation/social-media-censorship-and-coddling-internet-users/. Accessed 11 Oct 2020.

Wexler, Natalie. “How Classroom Technology Is Holding Students Back”. MIT Technology Review, 2019, https://www.technologyreview.com/2019/12/19/131155/classroom-technology-holding-students-back-edtech-kids-education/. Accessed 11 Oct 2020.

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