How Technology Affects Learners: The Pros and Cons

Written by: The Bold Bloggers: Lana, Menna, Malak Ali, Olvin and Leen - 7B

With the rise of technology and its pervasive presence in our lives, it’s no surprise that children are also heavily affected by its use. In fact, today’s children are referred to as “digital natives” because they have grown up in a world where technology is a ubiquitous part of their environment. While technology has the potential to support and enhance learning, it can also have negative impacts on children’s development. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of technology use among children and its impact on learners.

The role of technology in learner’s development is a topic of increasing concern and interest, as technology use by children has become widespread in recent years. Technology, including smartphones, tablets, and computers, can impact learners’ development in a variety of ways, both positively and negatively. On one hand, technology can support learning and provide access to educational resources and information. On the other hand, excessive use of technology can lead to negative impacts on physical health, sleep patterns, and social skills. Additionally, concerns have been raised about the potential impact of technology on learners’ attention spans, critical thinking skills, and overall cognitive development. To maximize the benefits of technology while minimizing its potential drawbacks, it is important to establish healthy habits and guidelines for technology use among children.

Pros of Technology on Child Development

Technology provides children with a vast array of information at their fingertips. This can be incredibly beneficial for education and learning, as it can help to foster curiosity and encourage children to explore new topics and ideas.

It has also made communication easier and more accessible for children. This can be especially important for children who struggle with social skills, as it can provide them with a platform to build relationships and practice their communication skills.

Adding to that it has opened up new avenues for creativity and self-expression among children. For example, children can create digital art, music, and videos, or participate in virtual worlds where they can build, create, and explore.

Cons of Technology on Learner Development

Children who spend a lot of time using technology are at risk of becoming sedentary, which can lead to a variety of physical health problems.

Excessive technology use can also disrupt children’s sleep patterns and lead to sleep deprivation, which can impact their overall health and wellbeing.

Children who spend too much time using technology can struggle with face-to-face communication and developing strong social skills, which are crucial for success in life.

Children who use technology excessively are at risk of developing an addiction, which can impact their academic and personal lives

How does technology affect learners positively?

Technology engages students behaviorally, emotionally, and cognitively. Whether technology is used in class or after school, students have more opportunities to communicate with instructors, collaborate with peers, and participate in the learning process.

When looking at the importance of technology in the classroom, one of the key benefits is personalized learning. Adaptive learning platforms use technology to tailor lessons based on individual student needs, helping learners progress at their own pace and focus on areas where they need improvement.

How does technology affect learners negatively?

when students are doing assignments or studying, they will stop and check their phones multiple times. They think they can also watch T.V or do other things on their devices while doing school work but multitasking, which is doing various things at once; makes it much harder to focus.

People have gradually spent more and more time using technology, but technology makes it difficult to focus because it provides infinite external distractions. Smartphones give us access to screens all the time, and things like text messages and e-mails draw us out of our current task.

How does technology affect study habits?

The use of technology can also have negative effects on students' reading habits and overall academic performance. Students can become distracted and sedated by the modern technological gadgets, leading to a decrease in their interest in reading and a preference for non-fiction over academic materials.

This article is based on some research and information found on Google and World Humanitarian Movement publications.