Teaching Tech Without the Tech: A Reality Check on Educational Technology

 

Smartboards, computer labs, and students using iPads for interactive courses are frequently the first things that come to mind when we think of educational technology.  What occurs, though, when a school hardly has any of these resources?  During my teaching practicum in Rundu's Ndama Combined School, I gained a realistic and enlightening perspective on what education looks like when technology is more theory than practice.

In this blog post, I consider the potential of educational technology, contrast it with actual conditions, and examine the advantages and disadvantages that Sahas Dahal addresses in his piece "19 Pros and Cons of Technology in Education."

Educational Technology: What Is It?

 A common definition of educational technology is the application of technology to improve instruction, learning, and school administration.  Using this knowledge and concepts from other definitions, I have created my own:

 "The deliberate and effective application of digital tools, resources, and strategies to enhance learning experiences, enhance teaching results, and assist educational administration in a systematic and inclusive manner is known as educational technology."

 Using technology to accomplish learning objectives and close opportunity gaps is more important than simply owning it.

Using Technology: My Experiences at Ndama Combined School

The use of educational technology at Ndama Combined School is primarily theoretical. ICT was taught to students once a week, but there was no computer lab or opportunity to browse the internet. Students lacked access to computers or digital learning platforms, and the school library maintained its data manually.

Chalkboards and textbooks were used in classroom instruction. YouTube videos, PowerPoint presentations, and projectors were not utilized in the classroom. During English listening comprehension exercises, the only noteworthy digital item utilized was a radio.

The teaching staff, however, made the most of their resources. Traditional teaching approaches were used to keep students fully engaged while lessons were presented with dedication.

The Pros of Educational Technology

The advantages listed by Sahas Dahal are still applicable and inspiring even in the absence of technological resources in Ndama:

• Enhanced involvement: Interactive and multimedia materials keep students interested and engaged.
• Availability of educational resources: Thanks to technology, students may study at their own speed and go over content again as needed.
• Better teaching resources: Teachers can save time by using digital tests, lesson planning platforms, and grading software.
• 21st-century skills: Using technology fosters critical thinking, digital literacy, and collaboration.
• Global exposure: Online learning systems allow students to engage with global concerns and trends.

The Cons of Educational Technology

Although the risks of excessive technology use are frequently discussed, Ndama's example brings attention to issues of underuse and inaccessibility:

• Digital inequality: Students are at a disadvantage because they are not exposed to necessary technological tools.
• Limited ICT abilities: Students lose out on learning fundamental digital skills if they don't get any hands-on practice.
• Learning gaps: Students are unable to use the internet for homework assistance, video lessons, or research.
• Lack of devices or data: Many students (and some educators) are unable to purchase mobile devices or data for digital learning.
• Disconnection from the digital world: Students may find it difficult to compete in today's academic and professional settings.

Closing the Distance, One Step at a Time

Although educational technology has a lot of promise, institutions like Ndama Combined School nevertheless face significant access issues. Despite their best efforts, educators shouldn't be forced to labor in a vacuum away from technology.
We must train teachers, invest in infrastructure, and, most importantly, guarantee equal access for all children, regardless of where they reside, if we want all pupils to succeed in a tech-driven world.

Sources

https://honestproscons.com/pros-and-cons-of-technology-in-education/

https://images.app.goo.gl/q46fddhAA7aJ7qqf6

https://www.blogacademy.tech/en/disadvantages-of-technology-in-education/

Did you find using technology in the classroom to be a luxury, a challenge, or something else entirely? You can contact me by leaving a comment below. Let's discuss how we can work together to create better, more welcoming learning environments.