Advantages and Disadvantages of Technology in Classrooms

Advantages and Disadvantages of Technology in Classroom

Last Updated: June 20, 2023

A classroom is like a second home for students, sometimes, they spend more time in classrooms as compared to their homes. Therefore, the classroom environment needs to be very active and filled with enthusiasm to avoid students boring.

Technology brought lots of advancements to classrooms in schools, colleges, and universities. Before, teachers could only read or write on blackboards with chalk.

With the advancements in technology, now those boring and time taking tasks can be really fun and enjoyable as well as easy enough for students to learn and teachers teaching.

There are lots of advantages of technology in classrooms but there are some disadvantages as well that we can’t neglect.

Let’s discuss the positive impacts of technology in the classroom first.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Technology in Classrooms

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Advantages of Technology in Classroom

Following are the advancements in educational institutes by technology.

Technology advantages in classrooms infographic
Infographic: Technology advantages in classrooms
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1. Information that is accurate and up-to-date

Having access to information has never been easier thanks to modern technology. To ensure the best educational experience, it is essential to have access to the most up-to-date data available. To ensure accuracy, teachers can also direct students to trustworthy sources.

With the interactive presentation capabilities of digital technology, students can assimilate information more effectively.

Through hyperlinks, tabs, accordions, etc., a student or teacher can navigate a topic instead of reading sequentially through text. It is also possible to check references immediately.

Accessing relevant information quickly in the classroom can be accomplished much more easily when using classroom technology than paper textbooks. A structure needs to be placed around activities to ensure focus and that the same material is covered throughout the class.

2. Curriculums that are no longer outdated

It’s no longer necessary to inherit your dad’s old geometry textbooks or out-of-date history books. As a result of technological advancements, the learning platforms that are available nowadays are not only current but also up-to-date.

Students and teachers can also learn about current events through websites and software applications.

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3. Creates a More Engaged Environment

Although technology may seem like a distraction in the classroom, it can actually promote active participation. Technology can make traditional boring subjects more engaging and interactive by enabling students to use computers, tablets, and other devices in the classroom.

4. Improved collaboration through technology

The information students receive from textbook lectures is very poorly retained by students. Students can remember about 20% of what is taught on a chalkboard or whiteboard when interactive lessons are present.

Teachers can quadruple that percentage if they encourage small group discussions. Online tools enable us to easily encourage students to collaborate in a safe environment using technology.

Kids will most likely forget little if they can practice what they were taught right away.

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5. Preparation for life in the “real world”

Nearly every aspect of our lives has been shaped by technology. Having a strong knowledge of technology and systems can help students succeed beyond school. Creating presentations, sending emails, and editing videos aren’t the only ways to practice technology skills at school.

Students gain valuable soft skills. Communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and adaptability skills will prepare them for life after college. Students who acquire these skills will benefit greatly as they begin their careers since these skills are highly sought after by employers.

So, these were some common impacts of technology in classrooms.

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Disadvantages of Technology in Classroom

Now, Let’s discuss the negative impacts of technology in classrooms.

Technology disadvantages in classrooms infographic
Infographic: Technology disadvantages in classrooms

1. Costs associated with technology in the classroom

In the classroom, technology is mainly limited by its cost. Tablets that are owned by individuals could carry large benefits, but also heavy costs. A disadvantage gap could be exacerbated if only wealthy schools and areas could afford this luxury.

The availability and variety of educational technology content are increasing as tablets become more widespread. Despite the cost, not all students can afford them.

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2. Technology use in the classroom can be a distraction

It is possible for kids to engage in addiction-like behaviors when playing video games. It is more important to them to receive entertainment than anything else. When learning is rewarded through software or apps, children may become more interested in what they receive than in what they are learning.

It is possible that there is not as much retention of information as hoped even though correct answers indicate knowledge. To ensure healthy results from using technology in the classroom, teachers must establish and enforce healthy boundaries.

3. Technology in the classroom could create medical problems for some kids

A computer screen stared too long at can cause eye strain. There can be back pain, eye pain, neck pain, feelings of tiredness, blurred vision, and difficulty focusing symptoms associated with this issue.

Over 60% of people over the age of 12 have issues with early myopia due to heavy computer usage. People who spend a lot of time on phones, tablets, and television may also suffer from eye health complications as a result of this health problem.

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4. Technology can foster cheating

Have you ever seen movies or TV shows where kids break into teachers’ classrooms, steal test answers, and write everything down on their wrists, shoes, or slips of paper?

That information can now be sent directly to the student’s cell phones. It is possible for them to send that data to anyone with a phone. This information can also be relayed via emails.

For quizzes or tests where student knowledge needs to be measured precisely to determine their overall progress, there must also be strict rules regarding the use of technology.

5. Recalling information can be affected by technology

How would you proceed to find an answer if you could not recall a piece of information instantly? Almost everyone says they would check online or use a virtual assistant, such as Alexa, to find the data they need.

It is wonderful to have access to such a wealth of information and resources, but it can also create an unhealthy dependence due to its presence as well.

Students may not be able to function without the use of technology unless we teach them how to recall information on their own without a smart device or computer.

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Conclusion on Advantages and Disadvantages of Technology in Classrooms

Finally, you read the whole article and I hope it helped. Now to conclude whether technology has a good impact or a bad impact in the classroom, it depends. Technology has both advantages and disadvantages in classrooms, one must know how to take the positive and avoid negative effects.

With this, I will wrap this article, however, you can read more similar topics I already published in detail.


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Ahmad Ali

Ahmad Ali (Author)

Ahmad Ali has been a technology enthusiast and writer for the past 5 years having vast knowledge of technology.

Rehmat Ullah

Rehmat Ullah (Content Reviewer)

Rehmat Ullah is a software engineer and CEO of Softhat IT Solutions. He is an expert technologist, entrepreneur, and educationist.

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