Upon the advent of technology, our lives have become simpler yet more complicated; advanced yet lagging behind.
Technology in Education has been very useful in so many ways.
Teachers have learned to compute grades more easily with computer programs that readily compute the grades upon encoding the pupils’ assessment and evaluation numerical data. There’s no need for the transmutation table or the long additions using the old calculators. Everything is calculated just after encoding the data.
There are now digital dictionaries where teachers do not need to wear his/her glasses just to look up for words in the dictionary that uses very small fonts. All we have to do is just type the words and the electronic dictionary or the dictionary installed in laptops will provide everything about the word, including its pronunciation – if we have the speakers.
It is very easy to search and research for any topic we need to know for as long as we have Google and internet connection.
Everything now seems so easy and instant! That’s courtesy of modern technology.
However, if there are positive effects of technology in education, we cannot deny the fact that there are also negative outcomes.
See our pupils these days!
Many of them are so engrossed with computer games that they would skip classes just to go to computer shops and play their favourite online games.
How many pupils now still manage to exercise good study habits – that after school, before they play, they would make sure that all assignments and projects are done; before watching TV, household chores have been accomplished; and before going to bed, the bag and things for the next day’s school are all ready?
How many of our learners these days still know how to construct their own essays and answer their assignments by going through the pages of their books? How many of them still know the value of burning the night lamp just to review for the tests and exams the next day?
In this generation X era, many of our pupils would watch TV first right after school or go to computer shops and play if they do not have internet access at home. Even the youngest kid can be seen with Facebook accounts entering wrong birth year just to be able to register.
Most of our youngsters are easily bored and tired with long additions and subtractions. They find it hard to focus while having their HEKASI class or Science lectures. They greatly enjoy what can be done instantly – just like how they do it digitally.
So what kind of pupils do we have these days?
The kind of pupils who would easily say “I don’t know.” and “I cannot do.”
Many children these days do not know how to persevere and to endure. They do not anymore feel that success is sweeter when you work hard for it.
Technology has somehow become a major distraction because most young people do not know how to manage their time and use the technology wisely and with full discernment.
Somehow, many parents have also been very lax and – sometimes even negligent in monitoring how their children use technology – computers, internet, TV and cell phones.
It is high time that we adults, teachers and parents should make our children and pupils realize that technology should be used with great control and care or else we will all become victims of technology in the end.
By: Mrs. Gemmaruth G. Castro | Teacher III | Jose Abejar Memorial Elem. School | Abucay, Bataan
