Technology in Education
Writing on tablets dates back to many thousands of years; the difference being that the tablets of the 21st century are not made of clay, but are made of plastic, metal, silicon, and various other materials. Since the introduction of tablet computers by Microsoft in 2002, tablets have captured the imagination of every person. They are slowly replacing traditional desktops and laptops and are a great tool for learning, or are they?
Can Tablets Be Used As Learning and Education Aids?
Benefits
· They are Engaging
Whether it is school or university, teachers have always struggled in capturing the attention of their students; most students find it difficult to concentrate due to lack of appealing and engaging content. For example, studying from textbooks and hand written notes is simply boring. On the other hand, learning using a tablet is interesting, engaging, and motivating for students.
Students can easily understand and grasp the concepts of their coursework and their learning attitude improves dramatically.
· They Improve Teamwork
Education is not just about reading a piece of text or rote learning; rather, it is also about learning to acquire social skills which would be advantageous for students later on life. Using tablets as learning aids enhances the social skills of students and encourages healthy interaction and communication between them. This also boosts their productivity on a variety of levels.
· The Students Become Digitally Competent
Tablet computers enable students to learn and master IT skills from an early age; digital competencies hold a vital importance in the 21st century and as such, students must learn these skills as they are now used in nearly every workplace environment.
By using apps on tablet computers related to math, science, engineering, and science, students can improve their skills, abilities, and knowledge in these areas. Although these topics involve complex concepts, through a tablet, they become easier to understand due to the interactive software.
· The Content is Easily Available
Unlike textbooks, tablets don’t have to be replaced annually by educational institutions whenever they roll out a new curriculum. This saves up their costs for reprinting; using apps and software for tablets is better as no costs are associated with updating the content. The updates are easy to create and deliver.
Drawbacks
Everything has a drawback, and so do tablet computers.
· Risk of Cyber Crime and Lack of Security
A noteworthy disadvantage of any computer is that it is a target of hackers, scammers, and internet thieves who steal your crucial data and can either use it to blackmail or threaten you. The same goes for students especially younger children. To prevent this, install a firewall, filter, and security software to mitigate any potential risks.
Carrying around expensive gadgets can be dangerous too, they are easy to accidentally drop and can be a target for theft. Consider getting good tablet insurance if you use one.
· The Students Might Become Pre-Occupied
An issue raised with tablet learning is that students will be more inclined to focus on using the tablet as an entertainment device, rather than as a learning tool. Although this might be somewhat true, it can be controlled by disabling the internet during class hours and permitting the use of apps which have been permitted by their teachers and instructors.
*The information in this blog is designed to provide helpful information on the subjects discussed. Please seek a professional for expert advice as we can not be held responsible for any damages or negative consequences upon following this information.
