The Postive and Negative Influences of Technology in the Classroom

Undoubtedly, technology has done wonders throughout and left an ineradicable mark on education, but technology has its

We, as humans, fear the unknown, and change is after often at the root of our fears. One of the greatest catalysts for change is today’s rapid technological development, but the concept of traditional education has always been the same. Even that is changing, and as to be expected, there is a substantial amount of fear and apprehension towards distance education. With this, students are presented the chance to overcome of a

“Can You Be Educated from a Distance,” an insightful essay by James Barszcz, brings to focus some of the benefits and disadvantages of Distance Learning education (DL). In it, Barszcz discusses the mechanics of DL courses available to students, the quality of education DL can offer, and some reasoning behind its rapidly growing popularity. “Can You Be Educated from a Distance” is an engaging article that students of all ages can benefit from.

Modern technology has penetrated every aspect of our lives and made great impacts on our daily activities, especially in the area of education. The continuous infusion of technology in education has become an unchangeable tendency. Given the increased use of technology in education, much research has been done on the value of technology in education. However, none of the studies have answered all of the questions that are essential to determining whether continuous infusion of new technologies in education can improve the quality of education. Since a clear answer to this question is vital to help educational organizations to make decisions on how much

Technology in the classroom is important for teachers, parents, and students alike, because technology use has become a necessary skill for survival in today’s vastly expanding technology driven global economy. Research has shown an increase in student’s success rates when exposed to technology in the classroom. Also technology has opened lines of communication between educators and parents to keep students on track, and help teachers educate better.

Nevertheless, technology education provides students an opportunity to develop important skills for workforce education leadership. Advanced technology in the workforce is developing at an astonishing pace, with new technologies being made and existing technologies being improved and comprehensive. It is both logical and imperative that the preparation of students for an advanced technological world should be of paramount importance in our society (Eurich). Technology has rapidly advanced over the years especially in distance education in the

Open Distance Learning has been gaining momentum among adult learners. This is because it is hassle free and everything can be done on the internet. As easy as it may seem, there is always two sides to a story. There are problems that open distance learners need to tackle along the way; the road to success is not always a straight one. This unconventional method of learning usually appeals to working adults because they require flexibility and this gives them control over the hassles of attending classes at an inconvenient time and place. It may sounds easy but it is not without problems that they are able to fully commit and finish their studies. The predicaments that they experience along the way are usually the difficulty to commit, the feeling of isolation, lack of interaction and the impact of technology on their studies.

For the years, many individuals have decided to pursue their education via distance learning. Distance learning has given individuals the opportunity to learn and study course material at their own pace. Distance learning offers many advantages. First, many enjoy the convenience of distance learning that works around their schedule. Second, distance learning offers flexibility to learners with no set time to complete assignments and readings. A leaner is the master of their own schedule and can choose a time that works best for them (Study magazine). Lastly, the cost of distance learning is often cheaper than traditional education, with no added expenses.

“No Short Cuts in Long-Distance Learning” by Bill Maxwell is an essay published in the Tampa Bay Times, in 2011. In this essay the author writes about the negative effects of post-secondary education online, and gives advice on what community colleges can do to improve the graduation rate of online students. The essay has some weaknesses, but is very informative.

With this article “Technology and the Commodification of Higher Education” published by Monthly Review Press, David Noble argues that higher education in the United States is performing like business-style education instead of nonprofit education. Higher education now makes use of technology to provide distance education, but students do not really learn from it. Therefore, students need to know that taking online classes may not the best idea to gain knowledge. Moreover, students should be aware of how their tuition fee brings distance education extra money to universities, making distance education a business.

Distance learning (education) has become an integral part of the education process over the past few decades and is growing in popularity as technology advances.(Willis 1992) describes distance education (as) "the organizational framework andprocess of providing instruction at a distance. Distance education takes place when ateacher and student(s) are physically separated, and technology…(is) used to bridge theinstruction gap." (Coutts 1996). Furthermore, "distance learning activities are designedto fit the specific context for learning, the nature of the subject matter; intended learningoutcomes, needs and goals of the learner, the learner's environment and the instructional echnologies and methods." (American

Distance education is a concept that is commonly confused with online learning. Defined as “taking a course where students and instructor are separated from each other by distance,” distance education involves individuals completing coursework in the comfort of their very own home (Fender 1). To interact and deliver instruction to students, many of these programs relied on mail, telephone, and television in the past but now typically use e-mail and the Internet. Students must then complete the set tasks or assignments according to the course schedule. It is apparent that in taking a correspondence course,

The present era has progressed not only in terms of education but also in the department of information technology. People usually resort into using technology for a faster way of communication, to progress in work and in education. Some colleges and universities have implemented the different kinds of technology for purposes of developing a student’s skills and abilities. “Technology is seen in several forms from the simple functions of a calculator used in mathematics to the most complicated computers and technological gadgets” (Flannagan L.J., pg. 07). However, alongside the positive advantages of technology and advanced computer system, there is also a negative side or disadvantages causing problems that need to be solved. While the “ideal goal for educators is to implement technology in the classroom and see definite positive affects on student achievement” (Flannagan L.J., pg. 09). We are living in a world filled with high tech gadgets in the current time like ipads, social media such as twitter, facebook, tumbr and google.

Across the U.S., technology used in education has been increasing exponentially. Every learning institution ranging from elementary school to college have incorporated technology into their teachings. Online textbooks, quizzes, notes, and classes are all examples of how education has been utilizing technology. While technology has a place in education, not everything in education needs to involve technology.

Education is an important part of people’s lives; it will either make them or break them in the future depending on the careers they choose. Education is greatly diverse today in comparison to the 1950s because of advancements in teaching and other great inventions that provide easier techniques of teaching. One major issue that has been raised is distant learning courses and online education.