Technology is a useful tool when it involves learning, but how useful is it really? Everday students use technology when they are having a difficult time finshing assignments and help is needed. Although it is good the assignment is complete, do they understand the problem they were trying to solve? Let me give some examples.
When I took a chemistry class, sometimes I needed to figure out names of compounds or how to draw the compounds Lewis Dot Structure. While I was doing homework I tried to figure out most of the homework problems given to me, but the ones I could not solve it was easy to just google it. The assignment was done, but did I understand why google gave me that answer...no I didn't. I did not learn what I needed to because I chose conveinience rather than knowledge. And of course when it came to the test I had no idea how to solve a similar problem. This is huge problem that most students have. We look for information online to solve problems, but rarely do we sit there and try and figure out why that is the answer.
Another great example is the use of calculators in math classes. Calculators are reqiured in most math classes today in order to solve problems, that are alot of the time simple multiplication or division in complicated looking equations. Today I am sure if calculators were taken away for a day in a math classes, most students would not know what to do or it would take a long time to solve a simple problem using a pencil and paper. We are no longer accustomed to using our brains to give us an answer. We are use to inputing it in a calculator and then the calculator spitting out an answer in seconds, without us even thinking what went behind solving the problem.
Sometimes technology that is meant to help us learn, can in fact do the oppisite. It takes away our ability to think about what goes into solving a problem. Technology just gives us the answer and makes it is easy to not have to learn.
I definitely agree that technology is kind of being used as a crutch in modern society; however, it has also had huge benefits. Even when you just look at the medical advances that have taken place due to technology and how the efficiency of surgeries has increased. This is all due to technology and how it has helped advance techniques and knowledge on certain methods of healing.
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