“Around 75 percent of educators think that technology has a positive impact in the education process,” according to the IT  Trade Association CompTIA, an educational research group.

Although not used in every class, most Columbus School teachers include technology in their teaching. While many students benefit from the use of technology at school, others become distracted and apathetic about learning.

What are some of the ways students use technology for learning?

School’s around the world have used technology to develop new methods of teaching, and students a new method of learning. The Columbus School is a perfect example.

“I think computers can be used for everything from class reading to assignments, research projects, quizzes and tests.  Plus can be used to enhance information that a teacher is giving to students,” Brian Summers, 10th grade social studies teacher, said.

“Nowadays the majority of classes include technology, even for the most basic work, like writing bellwork and exit tickets.”

If technology is used correctly it helps students prepare for their future careers, since many of the careers now include technology. With the daily use of computers at school, students can improve their technology knowledge.

Another benefit from technology is that it facilitates group work between students, starting a project at school with a partner, and being able to finish it at home or anywhere else.

The use of technology has changed the traditional method of creating projects that are done at home.

“Realizing home projects in partners has changed since we don’t have to get together and we can do it virtually,” Sofia Montoya, 11th grader,said.

How do students benefit?

Technology has improved the methods of learning for students and it has become easier to study anywhere, such as taking your assignments to everywhere you go by just taking your computer or tablet.

Technology benefit students in many different ways, whether it’s at school or at home. Turning assignments has become easy with technology, students can finish their work at home and being able to turn it before the next class. For example when you start a project on class with a partner and you don’t have to get together in person to finish it. 

“I think the biggest benefit of using a computer is how easy one can store and create important documents.” Isabella Cardenas, 12th grader, said.

Currently the internet has many resources available for students to research, save  and edit their assignments.

“Internet offers many apps and websites that can help students with their learning whether it is for writing or editing or researching information,” Montoya, said.

Speed is one of the best advantages of using technology at school because it is much faster to research information on the internet than in books. Looking up for information in books and going to a library take a lot of time, which can now be saved by just looking on the internet. 

There are other important conveniences for students when writing essays on computers.

“The greatest advantage of writing and essay on computers is that I can edit without having to write everything all over again and that I can google information,” Paula Molina, 11th grader, said.

What are the problems of using technology for students and teachers?

Although technology has many advantages, there are also disadvantages, for both students and teachers.

Technology has become a very important tool at school, but it is not 100% reliable. Sometimes students depend on internet and chargers to be able to use their devices. Some students don’t actually read or investigate the information they take away from their research, which can be fake.

“Using technology in classes can be frustrating sometimes when there is no internet connection, because we lose a lot of time,” said Andrea Gomez 9th grader.

Many drawbacks can be seen when using internet, assignments can easily get lost in the internet. It can also be difficult for teachers that don’t have the experience or the knowledge with technology to use this tool.

According to the website Mempowered, “Foremost, the teachers have insufficient training and experience with computers.”

What might the future look like?

With time, technology has taken over a huge part of the learning process.

If technology has changed this much and this quickly, one can only imagine what’s problems could be created or solved in the furture.

According to the technology website Hongkiat, “The original intentions for new technology often give way to innovative and unpredictable usage, we can never be sure if a twist is waiting for these rising stars.”

New hardware and software are on the immediate horizon some of which are difficult to foresee or imagine being possible to create. Companies are focusing on improving the major problems and those that are more criticizable like the battery of the devices and a good internet connection.

One example, 3D printing, has revolutionized manufacturing. Although there are still problems with 3D printing, including the expense of owning a 3D printer, it appears these obsticles will be resolved quickly.

“Another major reason for the sparse use of 3D printing technology in schools is due to a lack of understanding of the ways this technology can be used to benefit learning for students and enhance the overall education system,” according to Blackcountryatelier, a technology website.

Another issue with tablets, computers and technology is that most of them don’t have enough battery life for a whole day of use. Many companies are trying to improve battery life and create new uses for technology to help education grow and offer people from the new generations additional opportunities.

“If our children are to excel in a fast-changing, global society, we must harness the technology resources they need to function in a digital age. We must remember our commitment to their future as we set priorities and establish policies on their behalf,” stated the NEA President Dennis Van Roekel.