Advantages and disadvantages of technology in the classroom:

Advantages (Bates, 2005).

1. Technology in class works as a preparation for the future.

Life in the 21st century is highly dependent on technology, especially computers and
the internet. Incorporation of computer and internet use in the class room setting
ensures that students get the knowledge and practise in digital and information
technology which they will require in their professional lives.

2. Enables learning at every students individual pace.

Collective teaching always carries the risk of having slow learners behind.
Technology in learning involves using gadgets and programmes that are designed for
personal interaction and instruction. This allows the user to learn and move at their
own pace as well as making individual assessment by teachers easier and effective.

3. Technology eases connecting with students.

Traditional teaching offered no means of educators connecting with students outside
the classroom. Technology however allows for continuous communication via the
internet which improves connection with students.

4. Enables open-mindedness.
Before technology like the internet, all students know and worked with were the
socio-cultural and religious perspectives they learned from their families. This made
interpersonal interactions and integration tumultuous in school. Integration of internet
technology in classes allows students learn and understand other cultures and
perspectives at an age that their minds are still malleable.

5. Technology allows for access of almost unlimited information.

Technology in classrooms has eliminated the hustle of searching for information from
books manually since it has made information available and easily accessible.

6. Allows for parent-teacher-student communication.

Emails, cell phones and social media platforms have increased platforms for
educators, students and parents to communicate in real time. This goes a long way in
improving the education process from all active participants.
Disadvantages (Gulley, 2003).

1. Equipment support and maintenance.

Technological equipment is expensive to purchase and maintain.it requires money,
time and technical knowhow among other resources to purchase and maintain.

2. Distraction.
Internet use in class allows for access to irrelevant material like games and music
videos which act as a distraction for students thus being counterproductive.

3. Uncontrolled access.
The internet has all forms of information both appropriate and inappropriate. This
always carries the risk of students accessing inappropriate content such as
pornography.

4. Eases cheating.
The advent of using smart gadgets in the classroom eases cheating by allowing
students to actively access the internet during exam times or for class assignments
where they should answer from memory rather than research.

5. Bypasses acquisition of fundamental educational skills.

Traditionally, mathematics and language were almost never computerized and even
when they were it was at a very advanced level. Technology allows the use of
calculators in class as well as computers. This makes math's a simple matter of keying
in an equation and reading the solution and computerized typing has autocorrect. As a
result, students fail to acquire basic education skills like understanding the math and
spelling.

References:

Gulley, K. P. (2003). Pros and Cons of Computer use in the Classroom. Retrieved on
August, 12, 2010.

Bates, A. T. (2005). Technology, e-learning and distance education. Routledge.