There is a debate about whether technology is a boon or a bane. People are apprehensive that technology will replace creativity. Currently, people acquire information on a platter from search engines. There is a limited scope to think. Previously, people remembered numbers and calculated simple mathematics using their minds without using calculators and technology.
Technology is a Double-Edged Sword
Technology is a tool that can be used for both constructive and destructive activities. It is like a knife in the hands of a thief, who uses it to kill others. On the other hand, if the knife is in the hands of a doctor, s/he can save a patient’s life. So, it all depends on how we use technology. Technology is a double-edged sword and must be used for constructive purposes and to improve the lives of others.
Technology and Education
Education has changed due to technology, especially after COVID-19. It is likely to change drastically in the wake of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Technology has thrown several challenges and opportunities for teachers and students. Teachers find it challenging to keep pace with the changing times and technologies. Students find it challenging due to a lack of networking opportunities.
Technology has revolutionized the education system globally. It has provided easy and instant access to education and offered several advantages to acquiring education cost-effectively. Here are some advantages of technology in education. Technology improves the skills of teachers and learners. It encourages learners to learn by themselves. Teachers become the facilitators of learning. It builds collaboration between learners. It builds higher-order thinking skills. It increases the concentration and attention of students. Teachers can use technology to grade students and send the reports directly to parents. In China, classrooms with artificial intelligence have become laboratories for future generations. However, learners miss the impact of the natural world due to advanced technology.
Classroom Education versus Online Education
The shift from conventional classroom education to online education has both merits and demerits. Teachers and students have instant access to information due to the Internet. The students have higher expectations and aspirations from teachers. Teachers find it challenging to meet the rising aspirations and expectations of students. Therefore, teachers must conduct regular research to update their teaching and training methodologies. They must convert information into knowledge and share their knowledge with passion and practical ideas, insights, and illustrations to stay ahead of students. Students cannot convert information into knowledge. They may fail to differentiate between the information and the information overload and may fail to understand clearly what kind of information they must acquire from the Internet. Teachers have an advantage over students in this area. The challenge teachers encounter is the lack of adaptability and flexibility. They fail to catch up with rapidly changing technology. On the other hand, students are young and update themselves with technology quickly and easily. They are tech-savvy and tech-smart. Additionally, they are brilliant.
In the conventional classroom, there are several advantages due to physical interaction between teachers and students and students can network with other students physically. It builds relationships and offers several career opportunities for students in the future. Such scope is limited for students in online education.
Can Creativity be Automated?
Technology has become an integral part of our lives. It has made education accessible to all and made it cheaper. Anyone can acquire education from search engines for free. Technology has brought several comforts to humans. It saves time, money, energy, and resources. However, the rate at which technology is moving forward is creating apprehensions that technology can overtake humans. Whatever the speed of technology may be, it cannot replace teachers and creativity. Creativity is a gift for humans. Humans have the power of imagination and adaptability. They are resilient. So, creativity cannot be automated.
Curiosity is Key to Progress
Curiosity is the key to progress. Scientists invented new things because of curiosity. They researched and persisted leading to amazing inventions and bringing comfort to humankind. They treated research as a journey, not a destination. They enjoyed the process of research because of their passion and achieved success because of their persistence.
Research is an enjoyable journey to invent new things for the benefit of humankind. When you want to invent new things, you must ask questions constantly. You must accept the challenges and dare to follow your passions and continue your research with concentration. You must avoid naysayers and negative people. You must surround yourself with like-minded people. You must stay focused on your goals. You must sacrifice your personal time, energy, and money to invent something new for the greater good. When you look at Nobel Laureates, they sacrificed a lot to add value to humankind.
Technology provides easy access to information for researchers who can take away quality information and convert it into knowledge. It serves as the foundation for further research. So don’t treat technology as an enemy. Instead, treat it as an ally to achieve social good.
Use Technology to Supplement Education
Technology is a tool in the hands of teachers and students. They must use it effectively to ensure quality education. Teachers must improve their pedagogy to ensure teaching takeaways to the students and students must improve their attention to acquiring essence quickly. Technology complements education. It offers instant education at the click of a button. Hence, harness technology to ensure quality education for learners.
Harness Technology for the Benefit of Humankind
You cannot go back to the stone age. You must embrace artificial intelligence (AI) and the fourth industrial revolution. Humans evolved from the Stone Age to the Space Age because of the power of imagination and creativity. Technology creates dialogue among researchers and people. It cannot replace creativity. It can complement creativity. Therefore, treat technology as an ally, not an enemy to take forward human civilization in the right direction. To conclude, humans must know how to harness technology for the benefit of humankind.
