Technology today is all pervasive - entwined in almost every part of our surrounding.

It affects how
we live, work, play, and most importantly learn. With technology becoming an increasing requirement
across every industry today, it seems only logical for schools also to effectively deploy technology in
the classroom.

However, there has been a raging debate about the use of technology at educational institutions
especially those dealing with young and impressionable minds. The debate has lately turned even
more interesting as those who support the use of technology at schools, or even preschools are post
digital natives or the millennial generation. This demographic cohort, known for its near inseparable
existence from their smartphones, while realizing the ill-effects of excessive use of technology is
unable to clearly veto against its use for they do realise that technology is here to stay.

A plausible explanation to the debate starts with recalling the old but apt adage ‘Excess of anything is
bad’. Technology is an enabler that needs to be leveraged to aid the learning process and not
something to be avoided. As Bill Gates once famously said, “Technology is just a tool. Regarding
getting the kids working together and motivating them, the teacher is most important.”

New technologies like AI, machine learning, and educational software aren't just changing the field
for students; they're shaking up the role of educators, creating philosophical shifts in approaches to
teaching, and remodelling the classroom. In fact, I believe that the real story for the future of
education will center around how educators structure and run their classrooms. Technology's benefit
in the classroom is all in the way it's used. When paired with interpersonal relationships, thoughtful
educators, and deliberate programs, technology can be an incredible asset.

Combining Motion Based Learning (MBL) with traditional classroom instruction for preschoolers is one
example of how the introduction of new technology can enhance the learning experience and create
new opportunities. Given the short attention span of children, it is important that educators device
ways to instil learning through innovative yet scientific tools. MBL uses technology to help kids learn
fundamentals like alphabets and numbers by involving the kids through activities on a screen. This
technique is way more successful in increasing grasping power instead of the old rote learning
process of repeating numbers or alphabets in vain.

When it comes to pre-schooling, the amount of technology that a child must be exposed to in his
formative years must be controlled. In a preschool survey conducted by us to gauge parents’
sentiments on pre-schooling techniques, 61 percent of 1,018 respondents favoured the use of
technology citing ‘quick and fun way of learning’ as the reason behind their vote. Those who didn’t
favour its use at preschool level feared loss of imagination and increase in demand for gadgets at
home.

Beyond pre-schooling technology has ensured a paradigm change in the manner in which education
is delivered in this country. Technology has also made it convenient to share the curriculum, revisit
the same at convenience and hold easier procedures towards examinations. When under a
supervised platform, technology is a great enabler of education.

With an influx of new learning models available, traditional educational methods are bound to evolve
in the next decade. I am cautiously optimistic that technology will have a very bold impact.

The fear in the minds of parents is but natural and hence the need to maintain a fine balance while
using technology both at home as well as at school. When used in the right manner, technology can
 change the way kids learn and this in the long term will bring the desired change that policymakers
are hoping to achieve – Improve learning outcomes of students.

An outcome-based education is going to equip the future workforce with higher adaptability to new
challenges – including the threat of technology taking away jobs. It is, therefore, our collective duty
to leverage technology now to shape young minds so that they are able to overcome the challenges
that the future may hold for them.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in the article above are those of the authors' and do not necessarily
represent or reflect the views of this publishing house. Unless otherwise noted, the author is writing
in his/her personal capacity. They are not intended and should not be thought to represent official
ideas, attitudes, or policies of any agency or institution.
21July, 2018
by Prajodh Rajan

TECHNOLOGY;BOON OR BANE?
 AUTHOR'S BACKGROUND

 Technology: Boon or Bane?

 Technology is a boon: Technology is a blessing for a man. With technology, there is a lot that
we can do which we could not do then. With cell phones, web cams you will be closer to
someone miles and miles a way. Many human lives saved because of speedy notifications via
cell phones.
 Your teaching and learning can be more novel, stimulating, exciting engaging with the use of
multimedia in the classroom. With TV, you van watch events as they happen all over the
globe. View slide
 In Education, Technology is a Bane when: The learner is made to accept the Gospel truth
information they get from the Internet. The learner surfs the internet for pornography. The
learner has an crucial images floating on televisions and computers that represents modernity
and progress.View slide
 The TV makes the learner a mere spectator not an active participant in drama life. The
learners get glued to the computer-assisted instruction unmindful of the world as so fails to
develop the ability to refuse to others.
 We make use the internet to do character assassination of people whom we hardly like.
Because of our cell phones we used most of our time in the classroom or in our working place
testing. We over use and abuse TV as film viewing as a strategy to kill time.
 “Technology is made for man and not man for technology.” “Technology is made for the
teacher and not the teacher for technology.”
 The integration of technology in the instructional process must be geared towards: Interactive
and meaningful learning. The development of creative and critical thinking The development
and nurturing of teamwork. Efficient and effective teaching.