Technology is terrific, isn't it? We've managed to create all of these incredible tools, and they help our lives in a lot of ways. It's a common occurrence to stop, look at any given environment and see there are at least half a dozen different technological devices.
However, it's the education sector that we're interested in the most, and how our devices have influenced the industry and how children learn in it. We're going to be exploring the positive relationship between education and gadgets, and seeing how one has changed the other.
Learning tools and their benefits
No doubt having a lot of learning tools can ultimately benefit learners in a significant way. They find that they have access to these incredible resources to deepen their education in a way that wasn't previously possible.
To look at an example, consider a suite full of computers. That one room alone means that 20-30 children at a time can access the internet for projects, online learning portals, and to explore topics to their heart's content.
Mr Tom Whale, marketing manager at Oxford Summer School, has said that "it's easy to see how technology has been at the core of our education system for quite some time. We've had students who've done that bit of extra research on a project and ultimately turned up something exceptional that's made all the difference to a final grade".
Other gadgets
Of course, there are other gadgets which can be used to significant effect when it comes to the classroom. Interactive whiteboards mean that there's a new way to convey information, and allows for a fluid contribution from different people all at once. Virtual textbooks remove the need for paper copies and mean that the budget for these things goes down.
What you have to consider is that when it comes to gadgets and education that we have to teach children how to use other ways of learning, however. We love technology and would see it in use everywhere, but at the same time, you can't create a reliance on technology because that limits practical skills. The relationship needs to be harmonious, and not one which isn't damaging to education. Once can not eclipse the other and render it obsolete, because we still need to arm our children and young minds with the skills they need to overcome problems and situations.
Overall, there's a positive relationship between technology and education, and it's one which should be encouraged and promoted. There's no doubt that technology can do a lot of good and provide the framework for people to grow and develop. But at the same time, it's important to remember that when you're trying to create a learning environment that breeds success that you're striking a balance.
We always see examples of technology which is both underused and overused, and in every instance of this, it does not do the providers or the learners any favours.
Technology has to be carefully regulated and controlled, and can then go on to provide great things.