According to the dictionary, technology is the branch of knowledge that deals with the creation and use of technical means and their intervention with life, society and the environment, drawing upon such subjects as industrial arts, engineering, applied science and pure science.
Nowadays, many people use technology in everyday living. Days will not end without using such technology. As a matter of fact, people are very reliant with technology especially in educational learnings. Students tend to enhance their skills and knowledge on technological aspects in order to prepare themselves and become globally competitive. These may help learners in many ways but some aspects of it may bring conflicts too.
The following are some advantages and disadvantages of using technology on education.
Advantages of using technology
A. Researching method- Back then, students had a hard time going in the library to borrow different kinds of books to make some researches regarding homework and projects. Reading these entire take much of their time and effort to find some answers. Through the use of technology, teachers can give questions where students can answer their queries in just a few seconds by scanning on computers with internet connections. Several search engines can be browse and lend information about different topics needed by the students.
B. Information Dissemination- Communication by means of technology is now part of our lives. We can communicate through emails, faxes, texts and chats. It is very easy to transfer information to their students anytime and anywhere. Internet allows us to spread information immediately.
C. Online Education- The use of technology created more educational opportunities to every student. Now that some schools offer online education, those who cannot undergo formal schooling may enroll through mobile learning and long distance education. This may help students study their free time.
Moreover, they can interact with their teachers and classmates virtually with the help of the internet.
Disadvantages of using technology
A. Distraction- Sometimes being involves in technological machineries such as computers, iPads and cellphones can lead to distraction. Students give much of their time browsing the internet and since they are more curious about what is going on around them, they are hooked in theses social medias and forget to pay attention to their lessons.
B. Lack of Privacy- Privacy can be defined as an individual condition of life characterized by exclusion from publicity (Neeting et al., 1996, p. 36). Every person has the right to have his own privacy. Due to the existence of technology, one’s personal identity can access easily. Students’ personal data can be hacked and used by others illegally. The security and safety of students should be given primary concern when edtech programs was used.
C. Unequal Opportunity in Technological Machineries- not all our students can have computers and internet connectivity on their own. Sometimes the educational technology programs can lead to disparity towards students’ access. If the school will apply such course, it should give equal chances to all of the students to have access on devices for their learning.
In view with this, students should be aware of the use of technology which plays an important role in education. They should utilize the modernization of the educational system but they should be guided accordingly by the teachers and learn how to cope up and manage with the present condition- the computer age.
By: Melody C. Mañalac
