Technology use in schools is not an advantage

Computer-based curriculum is not equal opportunity

As schools continue to increase technology use in curricula, students may not be benefiting as intended.

The use of technology in classrooms makes it much easier for students to cheat and share work with each other versus in a traditional classroom setting. According to an Ohio University study, 85 percent of students said they had cheated at least once by the end of high school partly because of ease of access to information. With the Internet, students can look up answers to questions they would benefit from answering on their own.

A Pew Research Center study found 90 percent of teachers saw technology use leading to easily distracted students.

Students also can fall behind in class if they are not technologically literate and must spend time learning the basic functions of devices. This also requires teachers to be trained in instructing students in technology use, which is expensive as well as time-consuming.

Many class curricula now include computer or Internet based homework assignments. This is a problem for students without access to expensive devices and Internet access at home. The required use of technology puts students from low-income families at a disadvantage to other students through no fault of their own.

Students who face issues with growing technology curriculum should talk to teachers about difficulties of web and tech-based homework. They can work together to find a more accessible way of learning.

We need to reduce technology use in schools. Sticking to traditional teaching methods accessible to all students helps promote equal, productive learning environments, which will benefit the education of all students.

Schools need to utilize modern learning methods

Using technology in schools allows for new techniques

With many schools around the nation moving toward a more device friendly classroom, students are being given access to much more information than can be found in any textbook.

The integration of devices such as tablets and laptops in the everyday classroom gives students the option of extending the lesson learned in the classroom with the infinite information on the web. This allows students to quickly find out more about a topic discussed in class that interests them, which in turn makes learning more enjoyable for students.

Technology also creates more efficient classrooms. Quizzes or tests can be taken through devices, allowing instant grading and feedback. Presentations and projects that require use of technology can be worked on right in the classroom, which saves lab space and time.

Technology offers a seamless transition between the classroom and the home. Students’ work they did in class is available to them online as soon as they boot up their device.

The use of these educational devices also prepares students for the modern world, where technological prowess is becoming more and more valuable. Being able to quickly and effectively find information through the web is an important skill to have. Using technology in the classroom gives students the ability to gain this advantage.

The use of technology in classrooms is beneficial to students, and should be incorporated even more into curriculum in order to prepare students better for their lives after high school. It allows students who don’t have a particular passion for learning to explore topics in a more relevant manner.

Technology grows more and more prevalent everyday, and our learning methods should reflect this growth.