Does EdTech in schools help or hinder pupils?

Technology has evolved massively over the last decade, it was only a matter of time until it started to play a real part in how children are taught.

Gone are the times where classrooms were filled with blackboards, chalk, textbooks – no technology in site! Now, the minute you walk into any classroom, you cannot ignore the interactive whiteboard which is the main focal point of the room – the area which the children use videos, music and apps to enrich their learning!

Just like every other technological development, there are many benefits and drawbacks to EdTech. It really does depend on the demographic of each individual school to work out whether or not a EdTech intensive setting will work for you.

What are the benefits:

1. Increased student engagement

Pupils love technology and incorporating it into lessons gets students excited about learning. Adding technology to existing lesson plans can make pupils more engaged and wanting to learn even more!

1. More Interaction

Technology makes it easier for students to connect with each other.  Mixed ability students can work on projects together – reading and writing abilities are less of a barrier when using EdTech.

3. Have more fun

EdTech can make learning more fun. EdTech tools can make learning more hands on and more creative. Allowing pupils to really express their feelings and ideas.

4. Teachers save time

Before EdTech grew in popularity, teachers spent long hours creating lesson plans and marking papers and books. With technology and the internet, teachers can find lesson plans and free materials online. Plus, apps and programs designed to grade student work can save even more time.

5. Personalise learning for every student

No 2 pupils are the same – EdTech helps aid teachers in creating learning resources for children based on their attainment level. Focusing on each individual pupils areas of strengths and weaknesses.

What are the drawbacks:

1. Possible Distraction

Children are easily distracted by even the smallest things. Unless boundaries and filters are placed on the EdTech programme in use, it can easily cause a distraction to learning and risk the pupil not staying on task!

1. Promotes Inequality

Not every student has access to technology outside of the classroom. When schools rely on EdTech applications to complete homework outside of the school for example, not every child will be able to complete it.

1. May Replace Teachers

There is the concern that EdTech apps are taking away the human interaction and interface of teachers. Where most EdTech products are created with teacher support in mind – there are some which could almost completely take over and run a lesson for you! It is down to each institution to ensure that they use the correct apps for their setting!

EdTech can help improve the school setting for both teachers and pupils – and with the ever changing technology world – it is only set to become even more exciting!