The use of technology in learning environments across different levels is both a luxury and a necessity. While not every institution can afford to have both the material and the programs that only technology can only bring, it has proven to be a significant part of their learning process. It contributes greatly in the areas of learning resources, such as up-to-date research copies, e-books, etc. and practical activities like designing software, computer basics class, etc. Therefore, both the student body and the school faculty must know how to use this privilege responsibly and appropriately. It’s also crucial that they’re only used according to its purpose—to enhance learning and improve the quality of education.
The presence of technology and equipment in an academic institution allows students to have a unique learning experience in accomplishing a task, discovering new ideas, and having an actual performance to enhance their skill sets further. However, responsibility should come along with this privilege to avoid misuse. This ensures that every technology is in stellar condition to preserve its quality for everyone’s use.
A student technology use agreement provides ways to meet these measures. This document is an arrangement between different parties containing their obligations and liabilities concerning a particular matter. In this context, it is an arrangement between the students and the school authorities regarding the school’s technological resources. This is to impose rules to follow, when and how to handle these materials, and what the penalties it entails in case of unintentional misconduct or deliberate negligence.
The benefits of technology in education paved the way for the rise of 21st-century classrooms. It provided more reliable learning sources and a more convenient teaching and learning process. It is also a form of ground training for young students in preparation for a technological lifestyle of the world beyond the boundaries of a classroom. Incorporating the proper and acceptable use of the internet, computers, and other gadgets raise them into individuals that are not only technology literate but also proficient in netiquette.
Despite that, the use of technology is not always favored by educators. Because it provides immense function and resources that are sometimes unhelpful, it can cause distractions and should be utilized under strict limitations and discipline. However, according to Kayla Dezer in her TED Talk, classrooms should utilize technology in various advantageous ways instead of being kept out. She said that even when you create a protective technology-free bubble around them, the world outside their learning stations will require them to learn how the technology works. Furthermore, Dezer believes in creating a responsive environment instead, where technology is used to their advantage. Thus, there’s a need to implement rules to regulate its activity. This way, it would serve as an ally rather than a disturbance in learning.
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