Title: Essay on Technology and Education Educations APA In recent times, almost everything has been penetrated by technology, especially education where numerous benefits are given to students. A hundred years ago, it was rare to find computers in labs. However, at present, almost every student utilises computer for acquiring knowledge and education. The reason is that they are used for many tasks such as making assignments, posting discussions, and even preparing presentations. Both internet and computer

 In recent times, almost everything has been penetrated by technology, especially education where numerous benefits are given to students. A hundred years ago, it was rare to find computers in labs. However, at present, almost every student utilises computer for acquiring knowledge and education. The reason is that they are used for many tasks such as making assignments, posting discussions, and even preparing presentations. Both internet and computer have provided students with numerous technological tools which are utilised in the classroom as well. Rather than watching an informative program, students can just interact and play different games for competing with their fellow students for facilitating the learning process. Although critics claim that technology can have several drawbacks in education, it can be determined that its benefits outweigh its drawbacks. Therefore, the implementation of technology in education must be ensured as it serves to make the learning process and knowledge acquisition more effective (Spitzer).

            It has been pointed out by critics that benefits of technology in education aside, the mere fact that it can be quite distracting to students is enough to reconsider the introduction of technology in the educational sector. It is highly possible that students might find themselves browsing other websites than studying. They have a continuous and strong connection with the internet which means that they have access to all other social media purposes. It means that sticking to educational platform can be quite difficult. A study determined that a normal teenager checks his mobile phone approximately 100 times in a day.

            Regardless of the drawbacks and possibilities, it is important to consider that technology in education enables credibility for the teacher. In recent times, everything has been connected with technology and the modern generation relies heavily on technology. Therefore, teachers who utilise technology for making students gain knowledge actually interact with their students and engage them in a way which has never been allowed by traditional technology before. Therefore, it is important to consider that with the use of technology in education, teachers are able to engage with their students in a more effective way than before. Another important point and benefit of technology is that it has enabled students to ensure that they do not need to carry heavy textbooks to institutes. Instead of it, they just need to bring a notebook in which they can note all the important or key information. Meanwhile, when it comes to textbooks, they are available online they can purchase from the web and stored in the computer. This is how easy it has become to store countless books without having to carry anything tangible.

            There are a number of researches which have indicated that when students are forced to undergo plain subjects and concepts, it tends to tire and bore them. Meanwhile, some other studies have noted that when students are engaged in interactive and innovative activities, they tend to acquire the same material quickly without experiencing boredom. Therefore, an effective method of making sure that students have all the necessary material they need with the use of interactive activities. Technology allows teachers to rely on different interactive activities which help students in acquiring knowledge and get all the concepts they needed without having to undergo the traditional lecture. For instance, in recent times, many institutes and teachers rely on the use of brainstorming games and other games to help students in acquiring the intended knowledge and information. Usually, it is quite difficult to explain how to brainstorm and teachers now rely on the use of interactive applications which help students and prompt them to find the solution of their problem without having to depend significantly on the teacher. Another example can be taken from a Math teacher and he is unable to make students understand how to solve the problem. He can use interactive applications to visualise the problem and help students in understanding the problem (Livingstone).  

            Each and every student is different and they have their own characteristics. While some students require quick learning, others prefer their learning to be slow so that they can easily acquire all the necessary materials without having to rush at anything. Technology in education enables students to have their own pace at gaining knowledge. For instance, they can choose their own courses and take part in different activities and sessions which are suitable for them. In this manner, they are able to enhance and improve their learning experience. Learning with the utilisation of technology is actually more comfortable that gaining formal education. In recent times, universities have become expensive and there are many students who need to take loans to get admissions into these institutes. Technology allows such students to engage in formal education and gain the degree that they want without having to attend institutes. They can choose their own programme and different courses. It is a lot more affordable than attending institutes. In addition to it, they can switch among different courses at the same time. For instance, if they have one course for HR, they can have the other course for Maths if they want.

            Another important benefit of technology in education is that students who are unable to attend institutes because of their own reasons can just connect with various platforms and continue gaining education. Such students can include those who are handicapped and face difficulties in physically reaching schools. Bob, a cousin of mine has been unable to walk properly ever since he was a child and this made it quite difficult for him to travel. He did not have any siblings and his parents were always busy so he did not have anyone to help him and make him travel on his wheelchair. My own institute was far from his and due to it, he had to experience lots of difficulties. For instance, he had to take the assistance of his fellow students and his friends. However, ever since his institute has launched an online platform, all of his difficulties have been eliminated. The online platform allows him to access all the notes and all the lectures without having to go to the institute. In fact, all of his classmates take the advantage of using the online platform as they do not have to worry that they might not attend the lecture due to some problem. Bob has been able to continue his studies and interaction with his classmates without having to waste his time and experience any difficulty in traveling or reaching the classroom (Bergmann and Sams).

            Overall, it can be said that the advantages of incorporating technology in education outweigh the drawbacks that it poses. However, it does not mean that the utilisation of technology cannot be facilitated for students. For instance, it can be ensured that each and every student has the necessary resources to utilise technology if it is necessary for every student in the class. In addition to it, group meetings can be held by a teacher in which he can convey concepts and the required material face to face. All of these possibilities are made possible by the incorporation of technology in education. Therefore, technology in education should be utilised positively.

Works Cited of Technology and Education

Bergmann, Jonathan and Aaron Sams. "Flip your classroom: Reach every student in every class every day." International society for technology in education (2012).

Livingstone, Sonia. "Critical reflections on the benefits of ICT in education." Oxford review of education 38.1 (2012): 9-24.

Spitzer, Manfred. "Information technology in education: Risks and side effects." Trends in Neuroscience and Education 3.3-4 (2014): 81-85.

Links

http://u.camdemy.com/download/21170/84a8393e451f25178e13ed60003cfa4c/Flip+YOUR+Classroom.pdf

http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/42947/1/__libfile_repository_Content_Livingstone,%20S_Critical%20reflections_Livingstone_Critical%20reflections_2014.pdf

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2211949314000350