So, What's Next for Classroom Technology?

 As a result of Covid-19 lasting for the last 2 years, it is clear that we have experienced rapid changes in the field of education. Right now, the teaching and learning process of many teachers and students are depending heavily on the use of technology. 

Being a teacher in 2022 and looking back at my previous teaching experience, I recognize the involvement of electronic devices has slowly made its way into my routine and it is here to stay. The less paper is used, the more digital devices we include in our classrooms. We have gradually moved from textbooks, pen-and-paper tests, worksheets to slideshows, online assignments, and live tasks. Students are now so familiar with the existence of technology in the classroom to the point that if without, the learning engagement might even decrease. In the near future, I can see more virtual platforms and applications that are of great aid to educators and learners. It is undeniable that AI assistants can be used as learning tools which elevate students’ learning experience and improve their academic performance. Therefore, the future foresees more implementation of AI in classrooms. Artificial intelligence in the future will tailor the tasks to fit the students’ needs and level of learning. For example, Duolingo can provide the vocabulary and grammar structures, then when students practice, the app will track their progress of what they can or cannot do, then plan further practice for items that are more difficult for students. This ensures that the gap in students’ knowledge will be filled effectively, and their learning can improve considerably. This is one pattern that has been seen in many applications such as Elsa Speak, Quizlet, Memrise, etc. and it will continue on in the future.

Nowadays, it is not uncommon to see learners being well-equipped with digital devices of many sorts. As teachers, we have the responsibility of always keeping ourselves updated with the latest trends as well as the technological advancements to become adaptive and flexible educators. Technology will certainly bring many more changes to the field of education, and it is important to harness the advantages offered by them.

Technology Benefits and Challenges for Teachers

Without a doubt, technology is a significant and fundamental element in various aspects of our life, and education is one of them. The use of technology in the classroom has been a controversial topic. While there are many advocates for the integration of technology in the classroom, others are worried about the problematic effects that electronic devices bring about. Let’s delve into the benefits and challenges of using technology in the classroom. 

Using technology in the classroom provides valuable materials and resources for both teachers and students. Teachers can save a lot of time on planning lessons and preparing teaching materials. There are countless websites and applications that offer teachers quality, yet free resources. Not only do teachers save money on purchasing materials for their classes, but they also save money on printing and paper costs since digital resources are available online. Moreover, daily tasks such as checking attendance, scoring, or giving homework to students can be done within a few clicks. Students, when having access to video lessons, live worksheets, and gamified learning platforms, are found to be more engaged and motivated in their learning. They get to work with their peers on projects and assignments using online resources, therefore boosting their creativity and motivation in education. Furthermore, when practicing using technology in small-sized classrooms, students are developing valuable soft skills that they will need in their future careers. It is clear that technology use in the classroom is beneficial.

On the other hand, being in technology-equipped classrooms can have certain drawbacks as follows. For both teachers and students, excessive screen time can easily lead to deteriorating eyesight, and sitting still for long hours can cause backaches and postural deformation. Students, when given a chance to use devices in their learning environment, can go off track and be distracted by pop-up ads, games, or social media. Another concern is that technology used in the classroom results in students cheating or plagiarizing. When focusing too much on technological devices in the classroom, teachers and students interact less with each other, thus leading to poor connection and communication between them. These problems mean that there needs to be proper consideration before the implementation of classroom technology.

Undeniably, there will be some students who are slower in using technology in every classroom. The reason might be that they do not possess many technological devices at first or are not interested in using them. Because of this, even when teachers want to introduce a segment that requires the use of devices, these students will need more time to process and carry out the tasks. Teachers also have to give clear and detailed instructions on how to use a website or application, then monitor the low-tech students’ progress to ensure that they are going in the right direction. Even though this means that there is more work for teachers to handle, it is more rewarding because teachers can spark students’ curiosity and enthusiasm for learning with technology. Teachers can be the guidance for students on how to use technology correctly, effectively, and efficiently, helping them to achieve soft skills while they are learning. As for people who deny the advantages of technology-equipped classrooms, the world is changing for the better, and technology sure is one key factor contributing to it. Technology is the future, and embracing the opportunities from it makes all aspects of people’s lives a whole lot easier and more enjoyable.

 

Although the problems of extra screen time, decrease in quality human interaction, and distraction still prevail, the use of technology is just getting more and more popular in 20th-century classrooms. It is advised that people learn to cooperate with technology to take full advantage of it. If not, they are more likely to fall behind with friends, peers, colleagues, as well as the rest of the world. With the moderate and sufficient use of technology in the classroom, the advantages will be proven to outweigh the challenges someday.