Steven Hong
It’s 2013 and we as humans are living
in the informational age. According to Wikipedia, the informational age is one that follows the digital age. If we are succeeding the digital age, why aren’t we trying to use the most up to date technology in schools?
Every day our lives are shaped by the technology we have. We depend on the web when we don’t know what the word “alacrity” means. Most of use wouldn’t grab a dictionary when we need to define a word, in fact, I don’t even know where my dictionary is. There are many advantages to using new technology in school.
First off, with a computer, it’s almost impossible to lose a file. We all know that one person who jams their notes into a 5 subject notebook never to be seen again. With a computer not only will you keep everything organized, you can also be more efficient. I don’t know about others, but I can type faster than I can write. This will make note taking during lectures much easier.
Secondly, using the internet is a great way to study. A good number of people who take APEC just use quizlet to help them ace their vocab tests. The knowledge can be shared and updated in an instant. In my opinion, I feel that technology saves both time and energy. I doubt most students want to write flashcards on index cards for 60 terms. Additionally, taking information you got during class on your computer lets you manipulate it into different ways. Charts, pie graphs, flashcards, games, it all can be done in the blink of an eye.
Being able to use laptops and iPads in school helps you physically. Why carry around four textbooks and 4 notebooks when you can just carry a laptop. The days of scoliosis are over.
In fact parents are also in support of using modern technology in class. According to http://cdl.aasb.org/news/50-mobile-learning-statistics-for-k-12-education-infographic/ 71% of parents want their children using mobile devices that they didn’t have when they were children. In addition, there is no need for you to worry that poor people can’t learn. In fact 78% of students have a family member at home who has a laptop, and 77% of students have a family member with a smartphone. Forget the latter statistic, 51% of high school students own smartphones themselves.
The benefits are endless. Whether you are sick and want to listen in on the lecture, or you want to learn about the technology that you will have to know in order to survive in our world, there are almost no negative effects that come with technological learning.
Motivation is the key to being successful with learning using technology. Without self-discipline and control, the student will fail. The learning won’t even start. Moreover with technological learning, will kids need to know how to write? Without pen and paper, there will be a decline in penmanship for the future generations.
Regardless, the internet is a great tool for learning. It’s efficient and lets you learn new things quickly. So isn’t it time we bring it into schools? The days of sticky notes in books are over. It’s time to move forward.
