Advantages and Disadvantages of
Computers in Education
Computers are the best way of teaching subjects to students. These days, all
schools and colleges have computer labs where they receive practical training
from their teachers. Computers assist teachers in teaching their students
easily and quickly. With the help of computers and the broadband Internet
facility, students can search for the concepts or things which they wish to
know, by referring to relevant websites. The Internet is an ocean of
information and surfing daily will increase the knowledge of these students
greatly. Another advantage of computers
is that the students will be able to gain knowledge of various subjects and
things which are other than their school syllabus. Such form of receiving
education is considered to be more effective than only learning from textbooks
prescribed by the authorities. Understanding the role
of computers in education is a must for all of us.
Use of computers in the classroom can help teachers to teach much more than
they can do without them. The students can be shown charts, diagrams and
figures while teaching practical oriented subjects such as Algebra, Geometry,
Physics, Biology or Botany. Teachers can give many assignments to students
which they can complete with the help of computer packages. Introduction of
computers in educational institutes can help students learn different computer
software and hardware, under the guidance of their teachers. For example,
students will come to know which are the important parts of the computer, what
are their functions and how does a computer actually work. They can learn the
new packages and software tools early in life so that they can grasp vital concepts
in higher studies comfortably. Importance of computer education is highlighted
with the fact that computer literate students have a greater chance of grabbing
the best jobs in the industry than those who do not have the required computer
knowledge. Students need to be aware of all computer uses for their own
benefit.
Use of computers in education does not end here. Many times, it happens that
students are not able to enroll for degree courses which they are interested in
due to lack of money or because the institute is far away from their residence.
The introduction of distance learning has solved all these problems. The
distance learning programs or online degree programs, which involve learning
with the help of computers provides education at much affordable costs than the
costs incurred on full-time training. Also, students living far off, in remote
areas, need not travel several kilometers and come to the city as they can now
learn from the comforts of their home provided they own a desktop computer with
an Internet connection.
However, there are certain disadvantages of use of computers in education which
we must beware of. Firstly, doing all calculations with the help of software
and calculator can affect our own mathematical ability. In simple words,
computers can make us a bit lazy and this can cause problems while giving
examinations which are not conducted online, but need us to do all calculations
by ourselves. With ready-made information available on the Internet, students
will not take any interest in reading reference books and searching for
information using other sources. Reading less can hamper their progress and
educational future.
From this article, on use of computers, we conclude that computers and
education have become inseparable from each other. We also understood how has
computer technology affected our lives in a positive way. By making wise use of
computers, we can learn a lot of new things in a relatively short period. So,
learn computers for a bright future!
