Digital Technology In Education: Good or Bad?

Digital technology has undoubtedly revolutionized the way we, as humans, utilize education. From the advent of the Internet and artificial intelligence to the spread of the media, all share a common characteristic—accessibility. Students crave access to information, connection, and efficiency, compelling them to embrace these technological tools. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that these advances also bring about several adverse consequences that could potentially undermine their benefit. This prompts us to question: what exactly are the advantages and drawbacks of integrating digital technology into education? 

Practically every student in the United States relies on digital technology to facilitate their education journey from elementary school all the way through college. During the Covid-19 pandemic, all education was moved online. Without digital technology, the whole education system would have collapsed, since it was the only way for students and teachers to connect. Even after the pandemic, teachers employ digital tools like Google Slides to design their lessons, and students bring home Chromebooks to finish their homework. What used to be done predominantly on paper has now been almost entirely transitioned to the digital screen. 

The schools and educational institutes of students strive to equip them with necessary life skills such as critical thinking and collaboration. However, the issue at hand arises with the argument that technology has made things too accessible for students, to the extent that they become overly reliant on it. For instance, the emergence of AI technology like ChatGPT and AI Writer has made it incredibly simple to write fully fleshed out essays and churn out pages upon pages of history homework within seconds by using progressive learning algorithms and coding. In this day and age, it has become an indispensable tool for many. However, students relying on such technology miss out on crucial opportunities to think for themselves, which can hinder their development of such skills. During the pandemic, a study by the National Center for Education Statistics showed the highest recorded drop in English and math scores in the National Assessment for Educational Progress. Although this could have been affected by a multitude of variables, it is undoubtedly clear that the switch to completely remote learning for these students had a negative impact on them. All in all, it is worth considering the extent to which schools should utilize digital technology, and how much of it is truly necessary. 

However, the resources offered by modern technology should not be overlooked. The Internet presents an incomprehensibly vast amount of information that can be accessed through the simple touch of a button. This abundance of knowledge opens up more room for education to expand, thanks to the use of tools like computers and software. It is also undeniably advantageous for students to learn how to utilize modern technology considering that it is poised to play an increasingly integral role throughout their life in this day and age. Digital technology can also cater to diverse learning styles due to its ability to adjust and access a myriad of learning materials. In fact, it has been able to scale and sustain instructional lessons that would have been previously deemed too resource-intensive to be used in in-person learning environments. 

The influence of digital technology in education is still a topic of on-going debate. Undeniably, it offers countless possibilities to students that open up a world of opportunities. However, it is necessary to bear in mind the age-old adage that “too much of anything, even a good thing, can be bad for you.” So, when will digital technology in education reach the extreme? Where is the extreme? Who knows? It remains an enigma waiting to unfold. 

by SOPHIA DU