Technology’s
Purpose in Education
Technology’s
purpose in education is to provide possibilities for students to engage with
what they are learning in ways that enhance their experience (Dohn et al.,
2020). The proper use of technology in
the classroom can enhance learning and increase understanding for the
students. New technologies provide
educators with the opportunity to tailor their lessons to meet the needs of the
students. It can also provide a level of
flexibility in the classroom that was not possible a few decades ago. More importantly, technology must be included
in education to help prepare students for their future in the workplace.
Technology
in the Education System
Technology
is a part of everyday life; it needs to be included in the education system if
students are to succeed in the workplace.
From an early age, today’s students have been exposed to and have had
access to more technology than at any other time. Successful implementation of technology in
the education system needs to consider what technology students currently use
and how that aligns with the learning objectives of the classroom. By empowering students to use technology they
are already familiar with, educators can better achieve their learning
objectives and enhance the student’s learning (Kohler et al., 2022).
Professional
Obligation
As
educators, we have an obligation to include technology in our classrooms. The various types of technology available can
provide us with tools to reach students at their level of understanding and
enhance their quality of learning. As
technology continues to change and advance, educators have a responsibility to
help their students navigate these changes safely. We also have the responsibility to model how
to use technology ethically. By creating
safe environments for students to navigate technology, educators can provide
students with the knowledge needed to navigate technology ethically in the
classroom as well as in the workplace.
Educators also have an obligation to show what can happen with the
improper use of technology, not just in their academic journey, but also in
their future careers.
Technology’s
Impact on Learning
Technology
can have a positive impact on learning.
Advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology have allowed for the
creation of programs that can be tailored to each individual student’s needs,
learning style and academic level (Zhang et al., 2024). AI powers search engines making research
easier and faster. Educators have access
to programs and apps that allow students to take virtual tours of ancient
civilizations (Tesseract,
2019). However, technology can also have
a negative impact on learning. Endless
scrolling on social media wastes time that could be better spent on activities
that promote learning. AI generated images and articles are becoming harder and
harder to identify, leaving students unsure of what reliable sources are.
Biblical
Defense
The
Bible provides guidance for educators in approaching the use of technology in
the classroom and their obligation to do so.
Matthew 5:14 says “You are the light of the world” (English Standard,
2001). As believers and educators, we
are called to a higher standard of behavior.
We need to start by modeling that behavior in the classroom and with our
usage of technology. In I Peter 2:12, we
are called to conduct ourselves with honor so that our good deeds may glorify
God (English Standard, 2001). Finally,
James 3:1 says, “we who teach will be judged with greater strictness” (English
Standard, 2001). As Christian
educators, we are to be held to a higher standard because more is expected of
us.
Conclusion
As
an educator, it is my responsibility to develop my own skills and understanding
of technology. I have an obligation to
know what technologies my students are being exposed to and how I can help them
navigate them safely. It is also my
responsibility to teach my students how to use technology ethically. In my professional work, I am continually
looking for ways to increase my knowledge of technology. In my classroom, I strive to teach my
students how technology can be a benefit to them, but also how it can hurt them
if not used properly. I use the school’s
academic integrity policy as a framework for teaching my students about honesty
and integrity and why they are important when it comes to using
technology. My goal as an educator is to
equip my students to be able to navigate technology in an ethical way.
References
Dohn,
N.B., Markauskaite, L., Hachmann, R. (2020). Enhancing Knowledge Transfer. In:
Bishop, M.J., Boling, E., Elen, J., Svihla, V. (eds) Handbook of Research in
Educational Communications and Technology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-36119-8_5
English Standard Version Bible. (2001). ESV online.
https://www.esv.org/
Kohler,
E. A., Molloy Elreda, L., & Tindle, K. (2022). Teachers’ definitions of
successful education technology implementation. Journal of Research on
Technology in Education, 55(5), 895–916.
https://doi.org/10.1080/15391523.2022.2054036
Tesseract
Center for Immersive Environments and Game Design. (2019). Portfolio.
Tesseract. https://tesseract.uark.edu/portfolio/
Young,
P.A., Asino, T.I. (2020). Cultural Implications in Educational Technology: A
Survey. In: Bishop, M.J., Boling, E., Elen, J., Svihla, V. (eds) Handbook of
Research in Educational Communications and Technology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-36119-8_11
Zhang,
X., Jiang, H., Qiao, Z., & Li, P. (2024). Students’ Response to ChatGPT: An
Adaptive Technology-To-Performance Model. The Journal of Computer
Information Systems., 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1080/08874417.2024.2386546
