Advantages and Disadvantages of Computer in Education

Advantages and Disadvantages of Computer in Education

In recent years, computers have been tremendously used in schools and colleges. Computers have given a lot of benefits both for the teachers and students. Teachers can get reference materials easily, and students can refer to readings and references in a click. While some scholars have claimed that computer is highly beneficial, some others have pin pointed its several drawbacks.

It is clear that the internet has provided students with access to more information than ever before. They can get the information they require easily with the help of computers. Children who are exposed to computers can collect more information, use them again and again and store them easily. When computers are connected to the internet, wider range of reading materials, audios, videos and additional learning materials can easily be accessed. They can download and save the materials and use them in future.

Nobody can deny that the acquisition of knowledge is more fun and easier with computers. We can learn while playing games; we can watch videos on different topics, we can also read national and international news. We can do more tasks at the same time in the computers. Some students solve maths problems listening to the music in computers. Learning with the computer is more interactive and engaging. We can easily search information in it. We can install the dictionaries and other software which can be used as learning tools.

However, many disagree and feel that technology deprives people of real human interaction. People argue that over dependence on technology can make the students less creative and passive. It is said that computers affect students' creativity and stop them to think innovatively. In computers, there are so many games which make the students addictive to play. Sometimes, students simply download materials from the Internet directly without understanding them. There are also many things in the Internet that spoil the youngsters‟ mind and make them deviated from studies. Too much exposure to the computer and internet games causes mental stress, and as a result, students cannot concentrate on their studies. This definitely leads to lower grades. Therefore, computers almost certainly have a negative impact on students.

These negative impacts should not deter students from using computers in education. As computers are becoming an important tool for teaching, teachers should be aware of their roles in education. They should guide students to use computers for the acquisition of knowledge, not simply as a transmitter of facts. The vast knowledge sources available through computers should be used for enriching education. Teachers should instruct the students to use the resources for a good purpose. There should be a time table regarding when to study books, when to write in paper and when to use computer resources. A balanced use of multiple engagement means is important.

In conclusion, there are both the advantages and disadvantages of using computer in

education. If the quality and quantity of computer education are rightly balanced, it is sure that the negative consequences can be minimised and positive impacts can be maximised.