Internet dependency is prevalent in today’s schools. Technology makes both student’s and teacher’s work easier. Educators become concerned that students are losing their thinking skills. Too often, technology quickly feeds information to students. Technology in school decreases the chance to write letters, visit a library outside of school, and interact with others when not in school.
There are ways in which the increase in technology has negatively affected classrooms. Thinking skills become forgotten when students quickly find answers on the internet. However, some argue that technology prepares students for the future. They feel that technology disengages students from society and keeps them from engaging with peers.
Internet Dependency is Beneficial
Since the addition of technology in the classroom, teachers rely on media and technology for instruction. Thus, student engagement increases. Digital media offers resources that keep students engaged. It promotes student creativity and individual instruction,
Teachers understand that a variety of devices helps students learn. Through Internet use, video content provides classroom instruction. Video streaming replaces television or DVDs, which were used in the classroom to enhance lessons.
Too Much Internet Causes Disparities
A common criticism of the classroom today is the constant use of technology. It takes away the human aspect of bonding with others, especially in the younger grades. Screen time longer than a couple of hours a day is dangerous to the young eyes. As there is more dependency on technology in the classroom, students are at risk for physical and emotional health problems.
Too much access to technology smothers students with stimuli every day. Teachers need to take time to let go of technology and have a tech-free day. This begins to build habits for tech-free learning and a break from screens. Effective methods to create screen-free days are easy. A great break for students to use learning stations. Hands-on projects can be fun and excellent for students to learn. Also, group projects and discussions build social skills.
Creativity is the Answer
Creativity is the answer. Many instructional goals are accomplished through students being active physically and mentally without devices. Movement makes it easy to keep students motivated. Students can find a partner to discuss solutions to a presented question instead of finding solutions on a computer. They can then make a presentation to the whole class.
The classroom may be too dependent on the Internet. Returning to the basics allows students to engage in other learning opportunities away from their devices.
