Technology can be both a blessing and a curse when it comes to the evolution of humanity. It’s no secret that technological advancements have enabled humans to grow as scientists, doctors, and businessmen, but what about the development of humans as a society? Concepts such as social media, gadgets, and robots have made the topic of technology in relation to society one of utmost controversy. However, although all of these things are extremely relevant, the matter of technology and education is too often overlooked when discussing its impact on humanity. It is clear that there are pros and cons to technology in today’s society- but it is even clearer that technology has enabled education to advance exponentially.

It is no secret that technology has changed the world from the very beginning of time, but how has it impacted education? Using technology wisely is helping students worldwide learn more and at exponentially faster rates. Just like technology is constantly evolving and growing, so are teachers and students adapting and changing their ways of learning and teaching  changing the way of learning and teaching to fit these technological advancements. Making these changes in education dynamics allows institutions to break away from tradition and helps students grow enveloped in the technology they’re involved with presently. Additionally, technological growth has resulted in the creation of a plethora of new gadgets and tools that allow teachers to expand lessons to greater extents. Not only do these tools make the classroom a fun, didactic environment, but they also make lesson plans and organization much easier. These new materials are opening new doors to expand learning, and teachers are creating new projects and activities to connect people around the world.

The world of technology is growing very fast, no doubt- and although many educational institutions have adjusted to these advancements, many still need to catch up. The rapid evolution of technology in relation to education has brought more focus on the issue of backwards institutions. As more and more schools become technologically advanced, more and more schools become outdated and behind. Schools with whiteboards, blackboards, and a desk are archaic in today’s society, thus putting their respective communities at a disadvantage. Comparatively, a school with smartboards and learning platform operates like helps students and builds upon a better society for a brighter future. Therefore, the question of technology and education should not be whether or not it is beneficial, as it this is evident- rather, it should be how more institutions can implement technology in their curriculums to make education evolve.

When it comes to the students’ perspective, technology is a huge aid to their studies. Students prefer a new, technological way of studying than a traditional way: the use of online flashcards has trumped scribbling on physical ones, taking notes in class is almost always on electronic devices, and there are even classes being taken online. Personalizing learning, they can take into account whether or not the manner of information delivered appeals to the student. Students using technology at home to do their homework is helping them to have access to more information and also learn in a faster way with the help of apps and internet. Students that struggle in reading are going to have a better chance of improving with educational technology, due to the many online programs, such as audio books, that provide a broad variety of options when it comes to literature.

Technology can be beneficial and deteriorating when it comes to society. Although technology is creating a revolution in education, it all depends on whether or not it is being used wisely. Studies have shown that the use of technology has hindered students’ progress in fields such as Chemistry and Mathematics due to the heavy reliance that emerges towards tools such as calculators. However, this is a broad generalization; institutions that implement the use of technology must direct the students in such a way that enables them to use technology to expand their knowledge, rather than to become dependent on it to learn. Therefore, it is not technology itself that hinders these specific areas, but a lack of wise guidance when it comes to how it is that it should be used.

Technology itself doesn’t improve teaching- teachers need classroom support and effective professional development to maximize the power of technology; the hardware and software must be user- friendly and meet students’ needs; the pedagogy must demand high-quality interactions between students and teachers, and among students, with high expectations of all. Giving every student a laptop isn’t going to improve our teaching, and every student having a netbook isn’t an instructional model. It is the fusion of both- the power of technology and effective pedagogy- that allows technology to maximize education exponentially.

Undoubtedly, technology has impacted humanity since the beginning of time- it’s seen throughout history. It’s up to us to decide whether or not we want to use it to ensure a prosperous future… starting with its implementation in education.