4. Introduction of technology into school- beneficial or harmful?

Technology to most people is about fun, accessibility and being connected… But what happens when it’s introduced into the schooling system? As do most things, technology has both beneficial and detrimental effects on whoever has access to it. What happen to the good old days where books where carried in your bag and opened in class, now students have become lazy and reliant on iPad’s and pc’s to get them through what they would call “never ending” school days. Instead of competing for first place in class, it is about who has the newest phone or mac. But whom do we have to blame? The government? School?

Although the introduction of technology such as iPad’s into the schooling system is valuable and at time useful, it can still deter students from doing their work. However, there is a need for students to be computer literate in many aspects of the technology available, as it is regarded of high importance when entering the workforce. According to the ABCS Leni Mayo (2013), “To participate in a knowledge-based economy and to be empowered within a technologically sophisticated society now and into the future, students need the knowledge, skills and confidence to make ICT work for them at school, at home, at work and in their communities”.

The importance of technology not only in schooling but also in life after school can be seen clearly when Mayo (2013) states “Australian students need a head start in carving out a career in the technology sector to pave the way for future digital entrepreneurs”. Thus the reasons as to why introduction of technology into schooling is on the increase will continue, regardless of any negative aspects.  These days wherever you look you see a 2 year old navigating a form of technology as if they were born programmed knowing how to work the product.

Through the Internet students are able to express their culture and identity in ways that they deem tolerable to them. This can be done through ways such as email, chat and even Facebook.

For this understanding of technology to grow and be embraced by the students however, it requires teachers to be as aware or if not more in order to be able to keep up with the demands that need to be met. With many teachers not integrating technology into their teaching programs it becomes difficult to get across information in appropriate and effective manners. Hicks (2011) states, “Education has been directly affected by the increase of technology, despite the advantages that technology offers, many teachers are still resistant to technology use in the classroom (p.188).” It seems that whether or not technology is wanted in the education system it is inevitability becoming one of the most important aspects of life one needs to be equipped with.

References:

·      Hicks, S. (2011) Technology in Today's Classroom: Are You a Tech-Savvy Teacher?, The Clearing House: A Journal of Educational Strategies, Issues and Ideas, 84:5, 188-191.

·      Mayo, L. (2013). Coding crisis: getting tech skills taught in schools. Retrieved October 8, 2013 from http://www.abc.net.au/technology/articles/2013/10/08/3864305.htm.