Role of Technology in Education

The word technology has a wide approach. Basically technology refers to the making, modification, using, and knowledge of tools, machines, techniques, crafts, systems, and methods of organization, in order to save time solving a problem, improving an existing solution to a problem which is either insufficient or wrong, to achieve a goal, handle an applied input/output relation or perform a specific function. It may also refer to the collection of such tools, modern machinery, modifications, arrangements and applied procedures. Technologies have always significantly affected human species ability to control and adapt to their natural environment.

The relation between the technology and human species is very old and began with the conversion of some natural resources like stones, wood and metal etc into some simple tools which began with the early man finding means for controlled light and discovering the concept of the wheel for the travelling. This was the early stage of the technological advancement, though today none of us would really count this as modern technology, this was the beginning step of the technological advancement which had reached the heights of a man exploring the moon. Technological reforms have reached heights with man inventing aeroplanes, mobiles and internets which have virtually brought the world closer and removed barriers for communication.

Technology is daily affecting our society in a number of ways. In many spheres technology has helped to develop more and supporting the advancements and has allowed the rise of time for leisure. Many technological processes have led to the production of some unwanted by-products which are known as pollutants and pollute the natural resources available in one form or the other and deplete natural resources and also hamper the environment. Various implementations of technology have influenced the society and new technology often raises some new questions.

The use of the term technology has changed significantly over the past 2 centuries. Earlier this term was very uncommon in English and usually referred to the description or study of the useful arts. The word Technology rose to prominence in the 20th century after the Second Industrial Revolution. The meanings of technology begin to change in the early 20th century when American scientists, translated ideas from the German concept of Technik into "technology." In German and other European languages, there is a distinction between Technik and Technologies that is absent in English, and both terms are usually translated as "technology."

The word "technology" may also be used to refer to a collection of many techniques, when combined with medicine it leads to another term, medical technology or space technology related to the advancements in the related field it refers to the state of the respective fields. Basically, technology is a combination of math, science and arts all in combination with each other working all together to make human life easy.

Technology in Education

Today we are living in a society where technology is virtually unavoidable. Today technology has touched every domain of human life and is making human life easier and more joyful. The challenging process of education is in need of solutions for how technology will change education. Society is fascinated by the technological advancements in almost field and hence the scope of technology in education is also being looked upon with great expectation level.

Talking about technology in education the first and foremost advancement is the introduction of computer and internet to the education sector. If a student has journals or tutorials related to his/her study on his/her computer, there is rarely any need to go to the library or even on the internet. But for those not having access to tutorials or journals or encyclopedia, the internet information is always there to keep them updated on every topic related to their study. Even in one way or the other technology is helping students in many ways. With the internet boom distance learning is achieving new heights even money transfer for these students is being aided by technology.

With the utilization of technological advancements like audio-visual aids, equipment, machines etc. such a Chalkboard, Over Head Projector (OHP), TV, Computer in education technology has reached new heights in the field of education. More importance is given to the media used for carrying a message.

With the rise in the number of students opting for online training facilities and e-learning the technological advancement is achieving new reforms along with that latest technological gadgets are also making teaching a greater fun.

In short, technology has entered education both online as well as the offline mode and also proving its worth to tutors as well as trainers. The everyday advancement in the field of technology is required in education also to keep pace with the changing technological advancements.

Advantages of Technology in Education

• In today’s world of supersonic technological marvel, it is almost impossible to stay away from all the advantages and benefits which are considered to be the gifts or contributions of technology. Technology has reached every sphere of human life absolutely. In the core domain of the education industry as well as technological advancements related to educational field technology has left its marks and is benefiting both teachers as well as students. Online teaching is a great boom for the students who are studying while they work. Most of the online programs come with an advantage to check in at any time according to the personal schedule of the student who opts to earn while they learn, while the other advantage of online learning may be the ease of learning from any geographical location having internet access. Hence this comes with an advantage of not travelling to the campus to attend the class. Learners do not have to move long distances daily to attend their classes without loss of their studies and this has come out as a huge benefit for the student with various disabilities. Some adults opt to carry on their education with a job are also making full use of the technology.
• Online tutorials, journals and encyclopedia are committed to reducing students time looking for books and wasting time going to libraries and finding books moreover precise and latest editions are being uploaded every day to keep students updated with the curriculum.
• Teaching professionals are also finding it easier to track and assess student progress with the help of technological advancement for e.g. if a student is making a similar type of mistake in spelling a word the teacher would come to know that very easily and may help out the student on the related topic once again to clarify the things. Moreover, it also becomes very easy for senior students to understand the topic that they could not understand for the first time as some may shy away from asking a question to the teacher directly. For those students, they can easily view the tutorial again.

Disadvantages of Technology in Education

• Technology today has revolutionized the classroom but is not without disadvantages. Many classrooms are being upgraded with Smartboards and computers but they cannot replace old and conventional methods of teaching as were being used in earlier times. Many classrooms are upgrading themselves with the latest technologies but the overall result is not having any difference, hence the question of credibility arises. With this increased access to knowledge on internet or encyclopedia, also comes a probable loss of communication skills and interactive abilities between students and teacher, and students to peers. These skills are not as necessary in a classroom of computers, where individuality is a component of learning and is encouraged. Apart from the learning, conflict resolution fun and socialization used to be one of many other reasons children came to school. The emphasis now has shifted away from these areas of overall development of the children. Technology these days is changing the learning experience, but the role of teachers and parents in the learning process is also important, both on academic as well as moral part. Interaction with teachers and other fellow students is very important for the overall personality development of the student and would help to enhance overall personality.
• While some students are making use of the modern technology there is also a shortcoming that poor student not having access to computer and internet may lag behind, hence a fear that poor may get more distorted.
• Along with all other disadvantages, health is also a major concern related to these advancements. Constantly working on the computer screen is also hampering the eyesight and less of physical presence in the classroom is leading to a lack of physical effort and change of environment. Human is a social being and lack of socialization can prove to be a disadvantage in overall growth and may lead to mood depression.
• Though technology can be a great addition to the classroom it can also be a source of great frustration for both the teacher as well as the student. Until and unless the teacher is well trained in technology and can support the hardware in the classroom along with controlling the class, a technology expert will be needed to troubleshoot problems. Technology cannot be best utilized if the trainers are not being adequately trained in handling the technology. Moreover, most of the schools cannot support the purchased technology; it essentially renders it completely useless in the times of crisis or disrepair. Additionally, technology often needs frequent maintenance to keep it in good condition for use and hence the cost involved with this may be a constraint.

Conclusion
Humans do get attracted towards the technology. In the present era where technology has become so common and affordable, it is not easy for one to escape the technological attraction. Technology has created numerous gateways for people with a desire to learn, but nothing comes without the few shortcomings or disadvantages. In the same way, there are disadvantages to the use of technology in education also and that may be in the form of less socialization among students, reduced student-teacher interaction or health factors. But the fact is that disadvantages also do exist. But the fact is that this debate can never end since the pros and cons run parallel to each other. Sometimes a problem can arise due to the connection problems, downloading issues, policing software and other factors can cause roadblocks when implementing a lesson in the technology-based classroom, however teachers sometimes may shy away from using it simply because of lack of time, in this case, the amount of time spent in the classroom by student and teacher is more and output is less. To lose important time of class because of connectivity issues is not feasible, and it's one important reason why modern classroom often fails in schools. However, there may be a case when a student may miss a class because of the reason like a traffic jam or some climatic reason such as heavy downpour or snowfall or may get late by 10 minutes to reach class, and may end up losing the whole lecture. Or it may be the case that a late arriving student may not understand the rest of the lecture, in this case online learning score over with the advantage of flexible timings, where a student may log in at any time according to their comfort.

There may be an argument that student may learn fast with the involvement and attraction towards technology if introduced in classroom, but it is a fact that some students may explore beyond the bounds and parameters of their studies and become distracted by other activities that they find on the internet which would not be related to their studies and would distract them.

This is a never-ending debate it is really difficult to reach a decision.  Hence the point is that effective use of technology with only useful and constructive purpose in mind proves to be beneficial and excess of everything always proves to be harmful. On one hand, it is a great help to the student with limited time and in some cases proving to be a time wasting thing for students also. So the conclusion is to use the technology if needed. Use technology to save your time and not let it waste your time.