Technology has a profound effect on education. Research shows that technology-based learning leads to better academic outcomes for students.
Technology can minimize the factors that can lead to poor student performance. Digital textbooks, smart devices in the classroom, and connecting with instructors via online platforms may improve learning efficiency.
Without tech, we wouldn’t have fantastic inventions and opportunities for personal growth. Today, we can access intricate websites to get information about colleges, writing, religion essay topics, and even self-improvement and meditation. But is technology good for students’ health in particular? Let’s explore that topic in detail!
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Positive Impacts of Tech on Students
Not all impact is negative. We’ve already talked about smart gadgets and tools in the classrooms, so there must be enough positive sides to this story. Let’s dive in!
Learning Is Easier and More Fun – Mental Health
When it comes to learning through technology, it seems like a lot of fun. It helps students focus on the knowledge and skills that will help them shine in their chosen field. Without the use of computing today, it is almost impossible for students to learn new things independently. They’ve accustomed to learning directions that always depend on teachers or external sources.
No doubt, distance learning would not be a thing without technology. It has made the learning process much easier for the following reasons:
- the opportunity to find various courses and studying materials online;
- cloud services that enable quick and convenient data sharing;
- engaging presentations on smart boards;
- AI or AR implementation for better comprehension;
- innovative software and tools that do the work for you.
Easy Access to the Latest Information – Digital Health
One of the most well-known benefits of technology in education is that it makes information easier to access and process for everyone. The problem may arise with the traditional education system if teachers don’t update their sources of information timely and provide students with outdated data. But thanks to the development of technology, such issues arise rarely.
Improved Technical and Social Skills – Interpersonal Health
Even in elementary school, students can acquire an impressive level of skill with various computer software. Although the specific software used is likely to change before these students enter the workforce, they will gain a basic understanding of different classroom devices. Furthermore, they will get used to optimizing work processes with helpful digital tools.
It also helps students connect with each other, whether they’re working on a science project or simply chatting about life.
Don’t Forget the Professors
Technology makes the lives of teachers much easier. First of all, they can use visual aids to enhance the understanding of studying materials instead of trying to explain a certain concept for hours. Incorporating games and videos into the learning process reduces the teacher’s burden. Now, they have to put less effort into getting students interested and retaining their attention.
Moreover, it is much simpler to realize personalized learning with the help of technology. Various mediums and devices make it possible to adapt the lesson to any individual, including those with special needs.
Negative Impacts of Tech on Students
Let’s explore the other side of the coin – where modern inventions have not-so-beneficial influence. Many people seem to only look at the negatives, so if you’re one of them, just re-read the positives part and try to weigh the situation for yourself.
Too Much Screen Time – Mental Health
Too much screen time causes mental health problems, including an increased incidence of depression in teens and young adults, as screens are often used as a substitute for real-world interactions. Obsessive-compulsive behavior manifests as repeated checks for new messages, which is another effect of the students’ widespread use of technology.
Hanging out with friends in person and overall being socially active reduces psychological stress. Thus, one should find the right balance and know when to limit their screen time.
Diseases – Physical Health
Sitting in front of a computer for many hours a day, staring at smartphones and other portable devices, sending texts, playing games, and reading emails can cause metabolic problems in young people.
Longer screen time has been linked to increased development of metabolic syndrome, a precursor to chronic health problems, including diabetes. Higher blood pressure, higher glucose levels, and obesity were also linked to prolonged screen time.
To counter this effect, setting a schedule with consistent wake and sleep times will reset the body clock and help prevent fatigue and headaches. You can also use apps that tell you how much time you’ve spent on your phone to see what needs changing.
By the way, you can avoid the harmful effects of technology by improving your diet. The healthier you eat, the healthier you will be! Taking care of your physical state is at the bottom of the pyramid of needs, so it’s essential to work on that first. You can find out more by reading different essay topics on hierarchy of needs; it’s an interesting concept to ponder.
Negative Classroom Experience
Despite the widespread integration of technology into the classroom, not all teachers are enthusiastic about the idea. While most higher-level teachers agree that it is beneficial for young learners, others worry that it is primarily a distraction.
In addition, some recent studies have shown that having free access to laptops and tablets in the classroom has a negative impact on school performance. Without proper supervision, school technology can become a significant nuisance.
Final Thoughts
In the past ten years, the number of technological developments has increased dramatically. As a result, technology has gradually become an inherent educational tool.
However, not all influences can be deemed as positive. Many students reported mental and physical health problems after a prolonged time in front of computer or phone screens. Some say their social life became pretty boring. Even though they have plenty of social media friends, they’ve never felt lonelier.
In other words – technology, like many other things in life, is neither good nor bad. Its impact on society depends solely on how we choose to use it in our everyday lives.
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