Impacts of Technology on Education

"Tech-Transformed Teaching: A Journey of Innovation and Responsibility"

Education is evolving fast. Every day, we hear about some new technology that will change the world and the way we learn in it.

I would like to inspire my readers by mentioning the most beautiful saying of Jenny Arledge;

Technology can become the wings that will allow the educational world to fly further and faster than ever before–if we will allow it.

My journey:

I would like to share my personal journey of how technology has transformed my teaching experience! Over the past decade, I've witnessed a remarkable shift in the education system, thanks to the remarkable technological advancements that have taken place. It's been an awe-inspiring journey that has made teaching and learning more accessible, efficient, and captivating for learners.

From Paper to Pixels: Revolutionizing Teaching with Technology

Can you imagine the days of writing lesson plans, feedback, and preparing assessments on paper? It was tedious and exhausting, with no copy-paste option. Thanks to technology, all of this has become effortless, enjoyable, and fun! Our school is a Google School, and as a Google Level 2 certified teacher, I use a variety of Google apps like slides, docs, forms, sheets, and meet to spice up my lessons. My favorite is Sheets because it allows me to create mystery pictures for assessments, which the students love to solve!

Innovative Tools for Seamless Teaching and Learning

Let me tell you about some incredible tools that have been a lifesaver for me during challenging times. Flipgrid is a fantastic tool that makes speaking assessments and retelling stories a breeze. Book Creator is another tool that helps budding authors to bring their stories to life. Canva, Wakelet, Bitmoji classroom and library are to name a few  which have been a game-changer. Thanks to these tools, learning and teaching did not come to a halt, and teachers also got an opportunity to upgrade their skills. I am sure most of you must have used them and experienced their benefits firsthand. As stated by Marc Prensky, "Technology is the new chalkboard, and we must embrace it with open arms."

The Irreplaceable Role of Teachers in the Tech-Transformed World

As technology was booming, I always had the fear that one day it might replace teachers entirely. However, the pandemic and remote learning proved me wrong. Digital platforms like Peardeck and Nearpod made teaching and learning more engaging and exciting. Students could collaborate in real-time, which was a lifesaver during that difficult time. But despite all the available technology, students faced significant academic, emotional, and social challenges. It was a harsh reality check that showed that no amount of technology could replace the role of teachers in supporting students' academic and emotional growth. The loss of in-person interaction and support was devastating, and it highlighted that no technology could replace the crucial role of teachers. It was a stark reminder that teachers are irreplaceable!

Moreover, there's always the fear of a digital blackout, which would put everything online in jeopardy, including reports, certificates, and our identity. It's something to ponder on. Should we completely rely on technology, or should we strive for balance? 

Balancing the Benefits and Risks of Technology in Education

In my opinion, Technology should only be used to support teaching and learning, and we should use it responsibly and sensibly. But there's always the risk of students crossing the line. Technology can be a friend or foe, and sometimes, even we use it blindly without thinking creatively. We must not forget that our brains are the most potent tool we possess. Sometimes, we become overly reliant on technology and forget to tap into our creativity and originality. Our brains help us to think differently and come up with innovative ideas. As we move forward, we must continue to find ways to use technology in a way that benefits everyone and allows us to build a better future.

Do you relate to any of this? Do you feel the same way, or do you have a different perspective?