Benefits of integrating Technology in Education
Enhanced Access to Information
Technology provides students with nearly limitless access to information and educational resources, from research papers and educational websites to digital textbooks and online courses. This access broadens learning opportunities beyond the classroom and gives students the chance to explore new topics at their own pace.
Personalized Learning
Adaptive learning platforms use AI to tailor content to individual students’ learning speeds and styles. Tools like Khan Academy or Google Classroom allow students to learn independently, focusing on areas they need to improve while progressing at a personalized pace. At Manthan we use teams and share learning resources like videos and reading material. During online classes it becomes very convenient to refer to them as a class, and jot down collective ideas in a Padlet.
Engagement Through Interactive Tools
Technologies like interactive simulations, virtual reality, and educational games make learning more engaging and immersive. Students can virtually explore historical sites, practice science experiments in a controlled environment, or simulate mathematical models, all enhancing the learning experience. AI tools like ChatGPT are especially helpful to students getting demotivated with learning gaps or need that boost to push themselves forward. It gives them a push to help propel them at the needed pace and space. In programming class, we often ask students to use ChatGPT to troubleshoot a certain error or find an efficient way to solve a problem.
Collaboration and Communication
Online tools enable students to collaborate and communicate effortlessly. Platforms like Google Docs, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom have made remote group work seamless, allowing students to work on projects, share ideas, and learn from each other in real-time. Collaborating on projects and developing ideas together is possible with screen and document sharing, which is the next best to do it in person, together. In our technology learning event Tech Explore, students made projects and coded in tandem using teams and GitHub.
Skill Preparation for the Future
Exposure to technology in education prepares students for the digital and tech-oriented future. They develop crucial skills such as coding, digital communication, data analysis, and even critical thinking about technology, which are essential in the modern workforce. Students use career option tools and tests to get an idea about the right fit for their career, college courses to pursue. Our career counseling office at Manthan often has webinars for specific career opportunities and uses these tools to introduce students to new career paths and subject choices.
Boundaries and Challenges of Technology in Education
Digital Divide and Inequity
Not all students have equal access to technology, leading to disparities in educational experiences. Students in underserved communities might lack internet access or devices, creating barriers to learning and potentially widening the achievement gap.
Over-reliance on Technology
Excessive use of technology can lead to reduced critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Relying too heavily on technology might make students dependent on digital aids, detracting from traditional methods that foster analytical thinking and creativity. Our students are counseled to use Technology in the right balance and verify resources from an alternate source. Our cybersafety week at Manthan reiterates the dangers of overuse of the internet and technology and cautions the students.
Data Privacy and Security
With the increase in online platforms for learning, students’ data, including personal information, is often collected. This raise concerns over privacy and data security, as educational institutions need to ensure that students’ data is protected from misuse and breaches. We have individual logins for all students at school to ensure privacy and any inappropriate usage by students is monitored by software and alerts sent to the IT team.
Ms. Sangita Sarangi
ICT Head