Technology in the Classroom in 2021: 3 Pros & Cons
Technology in the classroom once served as a supplement to the learning experience. But in 2021, it's an essential part of higher education. The vast majority of college students now log into class from their mobile devices or computers. When class is done, many use educational technology, or ed tech, to complete assignments or textbook readings at their own pace.
Though the COVID-19 pandemic has redefined the value that technology in the classroom has in higher ed, educators now have to navigate through distractions, new engagement techniques and community-building. We share the advantages and disadvantages of using new technology in your learning environment-and offer workable solutions that will help you meet the needs of your students.
What does it mean to use technology in the classroom?
Generation Z college students are digital natives. Technology has been woven into their education from a young age-from elementary to high school-and is now seen as a 21st-century skill. Ed tech use goes beyond using a computer to complete homework questions. Today, it governs much of the learning process. Students use classroom technology tools to interact with their peers and professors-through live chats, discussion forums, video feeds or other mediated formats. Instructors now harness technology in the classroom to bring textbook readings to life through multimedia, while interactive whiteboards are used to draw complex STEM concepts or formulas. Similar technology also allows for gamification-where students can engage in tournaments with their peers or engage in debates in breakout rooms, for example.
With digital learning rapidly becoming the norm, here's how the use of technology in the classroom can benefit your teaching practice.
The pros of using classroom technology
1. Technology lets you experiment with your pedagogy-and gives students autonomy
Technology in the classroom allows for active learning-no matter where students are in the world. You can increase engagement through online polling or facilitating discussions during lectures. With technology, students also have a variety of ways to participate. For instance, in-class discussions can be complemented with a discussion board or social media posts that meet student needs and preferred learning styles.
COVID-19 has brought with it a number of challenges. Ed tech gives students a chance to learn at their own pace and at a time that suits them. Educators who leverage the capabilities of many ed tech platforms-such as recording lectures in-app-can provide students with an accessible learning experience.
2. Technology can automate a lot of your tedious tasks
Automation can speed up tedious, time-consuming tasks, such as keeping track of student attendance and performance. Educators expressed that the growing time commitment required for online teaching was one of their largest challenges in 2020. Many learning management systems (LMS) or ed tech platforms come with autograding functionality, meaning you no longer need to spend hours grading tests.
3. Technology can help create a connected class community, even from a distance
The pandemic has forced higher education to adopt a digital-first learning strategy. However, today's students greatly miss the extracurricular activities and non-academic side of college life. Technology in the classroom (and beyond) has allowed students to replicate the informal conversations they may have had on campus. Breakout rooms allow students to catch up with others in real-time while a class Twitter handle may enable learners to access various viewpoints from their peers from who they may not otherwise hear.
An increasingly mediated learning environment has also come with its challenges, as explored below.
The cons of using classroom technology
1. Technology in the classroom can be a distraction
The use of technology in the classroom can make it easy for students to flip back and forth between tabs on their Internet browsers. It can be hard to keep students' attention while lecturing behind a screen, but James Lang, Professor of English and the Director of the D'Amour Center for Teaching Excellence at Assumption College, has a solution. Lang argues that change renews attention-meaning that if students are starting to tune out, it's time to incorporate opportunities for class discussions. Lang calls these moments 'signature attention activities' as they are designed to spark engagement in the midst of a slump.
2. Technology in the classroom isn't always accessible for all students
Online education should be accessible to students. But some can't afford iPads, computers, digital tools or even the textbooks required for class. Even more pressing, there are students who might not have Internet access. Ensure you weave in asynchronous learning opportunities that take into account the unique needs of your learners. You might also consider using open educational resources (OER), which provide a cost-effective alternative to the traditional college textbook. Technology use shouldn't be the focus of your class, nor should it be a barrier. Incorporate technology in the classroom in a holistic and inclusive manner by giving students flexibility in the learning process and by doing your part to find equitable learning solutions.
3. Technology can quickly lead to feelings of burnout and exhaustion
Student screen time has surely increased with the move to online learning. While that means they can now learn from anywhere in the world, it comes at a cost. Students may experience Zoom fatigue-the feeling of exhaustion-after being in online courses for most of the day. Remind students that it's okay for them to keep their cameras off in class and don't penalize them for attending class late. We're living through uncertain times and students may feel anxious and overwhelmed. Being flexible in your course policies and delivery can ease some of the pressure they may be experiencing.