Homework has been a part of our educational system for decades. From the dawn of civilization to the modern age, students are constantly inundated with assignments and tests that demand a great deal of time, effort and concentration. As technology has become more integrated and integral in our lives, the question arises: is it worth mixing technology and homework?
This article will examine the pros and cons of mixing technology and homework, examining how technology is being used in the educational system and how it could potentially benefit and impede students.
Defining Technology & Homework
With the increasing prevalence of technology in the classroom and at home, it’s important to first understand what is defined by both concepts. Technology encompasses the use of computerized devices in the classroom or at home to supplement learning and help accelerate the attainment of knowledge. Technology tools include computers, tablets, smartphones, e-readers and other technology-driven mediums.
Homework is defined as schoolwork that is assigned to students by their teacher to be completed outside of their normal classroom lessons. It can range from written assignments and projects to researching, essays, presentations and more. Homework often requires students to practice their skills and knowledge to the fullest, and help reinforce their understanding of the lesson in an efficient manner.
Pros Of Mixing Technology & Homework
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Increased Engagement: Technology has been hailed as a tool for boosting engagement among students. Also, allowing students access to technology tools such as computers and tablets can create an interactive learning environment, making it more engaging and stimulating for students.
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Wider Access To Resources: Technology provides access to information from a much larger pool of resources, including libraries and internet databases. This can provide students with a greater selection of materials for their homework assignments and give them the ability to conduct research more quickly.
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Self-Guided Learning: Technology can be used to enable self-guided learning, providing students with more control and flexibility in how they learn. The use of online learning platforms like Khan Academy or YouTube tutorials can enable students to access information and materials faster, helping them to gain mastery over topics more quickly.
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Blended Learning: Technology can also provide a more blended learning experience, combining online lectures and self-guided research with in-person instruction. This can help students gain more depth and expertise in the subject matter while also allowing them to practice their skills and knowledge.
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Improved Efficiency: Technology can help reduce the amount of time students spend completing their homework assignments, particularly with tools that are designed to support homework completion. Platforms such as Brainly or Quizlet can help students quickly identify which materials they should target for their assignments and provide resources for completing them more quickly.
Cons Of Mixing Technology & Homework
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Distractions: Technology can easily lead to distractions for students, particularly if it is not managed properly. Tools such as social media sites can be a major source of disruption for students, leading them to spend less time studying and more time on their devices.
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Overreliance On Technology: Technology can also be overused by students, causing them to become dependent on computerized devices in order to complete their assignments. This can lead to students losing the ability to think critically and independently, as they become reliant on online resources to find answers.
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Isolation From Social Environments: With a growing dependence on technology and online resources, students can become isolated from social environments which can lead to reduced learning opportunities outside of the classroom.
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Increased Stress Levels: Technology can be extremely overwhelming for students, particularly if it has not been introduced properly. The sheer amount of information and material available online can be overwhelming, leading to students feeling more stressed about completing their homework than if they had relied on more traditional paper-based methods.
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Increased Cost: Technology can be an expensive option for students, particularly with their own personal devices or tools that are designed to help facilitate homework completion.
As technology has become more prevalent in the educational system, it can no longer be ignored when it comes to homework. While there are certain benefits that could be gleaned from using technology to complete assignments, there are also some risks involved. Appropriately balancing technology and paper-based methods and learning opportunities can help ensure that students are not over-reliant on technology and maintain their social learning experiences. Ultimately, technology can be a powerful tool in providing students with the materials and resources they need to complete their assignments, but it should be used sparingly and not relied upon as the sole source of information.