What Are The Problems with Technology in Education Today?

student using their smartphone and laptop in class to study

Education is changing every moment. Students are starting to use apps in schools, searching for the help of online writing services or applying for online courses. In many ways, technology has greatly expanded access to education. But not every student who has become an expert in using devices and educational applications shows high productivity and grades. On the contrary, laziness, ignorance, and unwillingness to study often increases when 'helpful' smartphones and laptops are introduced. There's no doubt that computer skills are essential, but it's necessary to figure out how to use technology in a way that doesn’t replace knowledge. How should we use technology in the right way which is the most effective for the learning process? What problems are caused by technology and what impact does it have on education? 

Distraction and Bad Influence 
Smartphones and tablets used by students as learning tools in classrooms can cause distractions in classes. It might be difficult for a tutor to determine whether students are using their tablets in educational applications, or browsing for social purposes. When students have technology and the internet at their disposal it's natural that many of them will try to use them in lessons for non-educational purposes. Another area of concern is that the growth of online courses, as one of the learning trends has also brought up the question of credibility. Online assignments that can be done at home give the students an easy way to cheat, whereas this isn't a concern for school programs where students are required to take exams/tests in person. 

Limited Innovation and Critical Thinking
Innovation and critical thinking can lead to new ideas. However when you find al of the materials for college/university tasks on the the web, you lose that problem-solving ability. People are so quick to turn to the internet to answer questions, that some are saying that critical thinking has gone down the tube. Modern students have lost the old fashioned culture of 'the harder you work the better you become'. Google has become one of the closest friends to students as the content seems more accurate. As a result, students are scoring high grades, but their heads are empty. While online research is of course useful, try not to use it in every instance. 

Technical Challenges
What is the most widespread excuse failure to do homework from a typical student? It's moved on from 'my dog ate my homework' to 'my computer stopped working' or another technical fault. Other times, students can struggle to finish their technology related projects simply because they do not have the necessary programs. Massive amounts of books, audio, images, and videos that are usually available at your fingertips is no use at all if a student doesn’t have internet access or a computer. While most households do have computers and internet these days, in less affluent areas there are still some who don't.

Teachers and Technology
The roles of teachers and students have begun to change. The teacher is no longer the primary source of knowledge anymore, and students don’t want to receive the information passively. Technological devices such as projectors, whiteboards, and software programs all assist in the classroom. Learning how to use technology can be a concern amongst tutors. Those from the previous generation may find it more difficult to embrace day-to-day advancement in technology. They might have been used to teaching a certain way for decades, and have now been forced to change.