The latter generations are lucky enough to have technology that makes it easier to access information. Modern tech is already being adopted by several academic curriculums, but the UN warns that relying on it too much may do more harm than good.
Overreliance on Technology Could Be Detrimental
Technology was meant to make our lives easier, but there is such a thing as overreliance on them. The UN acknowledges this very issue, specifically when it comes to the use of it in the education sector. The organization states that it could be "unproductive, or even detrimental."
Specifically, it could affect the way students can acquire basic skills like reading. UNESCO said that students may learn about technology in the world, but educators should refrain from overusing "fancy technological" ways to teach them, as reported in PhysOrg.
The report also added that technology should focus on learning outcomes and not on digital inputs. 20 years after laptops were released in schools, Manos Antoninis from UNESCO said the policies only worked if they were combined with a "solid pedagogical framework."
While a few countries had the patience and energy to have that kind of resource, Antoninis pointed out that it's not enough to just distribute devices, adding that having a phone in a classroom can be very distracting.
Warnings were also expressed regarding technology being used as a substitution for acquiring traditional key skills, which help the youth avoid certain dangers in the digital world. For instance, strong reading skills could help in detecting phishing emails, Antoninis expressed.
There are also other instances where technological advancements have gotten in the way of education, such as the time when students exploited the generative capabilities of ChatGPT, letting the chatbot create their homework for them.
It's also undeniable that the internet is riddled with false information, which can easily be taken as factual if students don't have to proper knowledge to discern which sources are credible and which are not. It goes without saying how that can be dangerous.
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It's Not All Bad
There's a reason why the academic sector is adopting technological devices into the curriculum. They come with a lot of benefits which can make learning easier for students and teaching easier for educators.
For instance, technology has made it possible for students to continue their studies amidst the pandemic through virtual meetings. Instead of spending hours in the library, they can access basic and important information through the web via smartphones or computers.
Certain devices, software, and apps can be used to create visual aids which help students understand more about the subject. It shatters the limits that teachers have in a physical classroom, as pointed out by eLearning Industry.
Through the internet, students can connect with others via social media platforms which could inspire collaborations and help with communication for group projects. Instead of writing on boards, educators can use productivity apps for more immersive and media-assisted lessons.
Should eReaders become a standard thing, no one will have to carry heavy books to school on a daily basis as they will also be conveniently stored in one device. It could even be a cheaper option than purchasing physical textbooks.
Related: What Is the Relevance of Technology in Education?
