I come from a time where techology meant using internet with a dial-up connection, google did not become the whole and soul for everything, pictures were clicked using the film roll camera with no selfie option, television which was not at all smart, landline phones were only used for talking purpose, the facts and figures were on the tip of the tongue, etc.
But now education is evolving fast. Every day, we hear about some new technology that will change the world. Now gadgets surround us. Wherever we go, whatever we do, we need a gadget by our side. Be it mobile phones, tablets or any other electronic device, we cannot imagine our day without the help of these gadgets. There has always been a debate on whether gadgets are a boon or a bane to the society. While one set of people consider them a boon, there are many who consider it a bane. Some people feel that we are way too dependent on our gadgets and feel handicapped without them.
Gadgets play a vital role in the educational field in order to improve student's skills and knowledge. It is very important for them since they need to improve their knowledge power to gain success in the future. Teachers can enhance their teaching skills and strategies also. There is saying that " Every Coin Has 2 Faces." In short, this technology is very important for both students and teachers but on the other hand, this technology has disadvantages too.
ADVANTAGES OF GADGETS :
Promotes Independent Learning : Nowadays students can learn without the assistance of their parents and teachers. The internet has turned out to be a treasure trove of information. They use the internet for their lessons and use online libraries to prepare their assignments too. It is very helpful for them to improve their skills and knowledge through this well-equipped technology.
Enhance Communication : In the earlier times, people use to communicate by writing letters which used to take days or even months to deliver; nevertheless, now E-mail has made things extremely easy.
Speed Up Work : There are many gadgets that make life easier.This technology helps the student to work efficiently. A student can complete their lengthy dissertation writing tasks in less time period.
Memory Tools : With the help of gadgets, students can store away vital piece of information in separate folders so that it’s convenient for them to refer to it anytime, anywhere on the go! Further, with a bevy of devices such as tablets, phones, and external hard drives at their command, students can now store abundant information and carry it along with them anywhere, anytime.
DISADVANTAGES OF GADGETS :
Addiction : Most commonly seen, students gets addicted to gaming, texting or talking on phone or online.It causes their learning and at home, they detract from their studies.
Lack of Interest In Studies : Now everything is dependent on the students themselves, whether they develop poor education habits and lazy attitude or learn useful stuff available. Moreover, it also makes student forget their basic learning.
Health Problems : Gadgets are notorious in causing many health issues in students such as anxiety, obesity, insomnia, etc. According to countless surveys done by various organizations over the past decade or so, the increasing use of gadgets by children is causing severe health problems in them like weak eyesight, numb limbs, back pain, etc.
Social Relationships : Gone are the days when children used to spend quality time with their parents. Rather, these gadgets have become the source of alienation and hostility towards others. There are no more family dinners at the table anymore, children now prefer watching movies or browsing through social media feed on their laptops while eating food. Now, they prefer connecting with their pals via text messaging, chatting etc. on social networking sites in the confines of their rooms.
Harmful Impact on Writing Skills : Excessive usage of gadgets surely has its own negative effects on the writing skills of children. Children are increasingly coming into contact with slang verbiage and forgetting the tenets of formal written language while they indulge in text messaging, chatting etc. While writing text messages, the emphasis on punctuation, grammar, and spelling is almost forgotten, which is the leading cause of poor writing skills of students.
Parents can also be very helpful in keeping a check over the excessive use of the gadgets. As parents, we can practice a few things to prevent our kid from being enslaved to technology. Here are a few tips:
De-addict yourself : Kids always grow on the model of imitation. When they see their parents glued to their mobiles, they also develop a strong desire to explore the same. Limiting the use of mobile and tab in front of kids can go a long way in dissuading away from them.
Bond with the child : Bond with your child by singing those rhymes that he enjoys watching on the tab. Sing those rhymes, stand up and act and dance.
Read books together : Invest in some interesting story books with big and colorful pictures. Not only would it help develop reading habit in the kid, will build his language skills and cognitive development as well.
Play interactive games: Encourage them for interactive and outdoor games that would lead to their social and physical evelopment.
Restricted screen time: If you are busy with some house or office work and want to seek refuge in the digital medium to engage your child, allow access only for a limited time period.
Gadgets, when used properly, are a boon, however, when used inappropriately can cause serious problems. We get quick fixes to problems that would have been impossible without gadgets. It is good to depend on our gadgets for informational needs but overdependence can lead to more harm than good.