It could not be denied that technology is a necessity nowadays. Children around the world, especially, in developed countries, have access to several electronic devices and information through internet. In fact, some international organizations have stated that internet connection service could be declared as a human right. For that reason, it is a worldwide tendency to provide tablets and laptop computers for students in schools.
The main advantage of this decision is the possibility for students to have access to more information in a short time. Students could take advantage of one of the most relevant characteristics of internet which is its capacity of producing and keeping information online. It should be noted that it also allows teachers to include in school lessons relevant topics about national reality or other events that take place in real time. Furthermore, we consider that, in case of primary school students, interactive tools (like videos, cartoons and others) could have a positive impact in the learning process.
Despite the positive aspects of introducing electronic devices and internet to school students, there are some disadvantages related to this decision. Firstly, students will be exposed to all the information and websites available on the internet. In that sense, there is a risk that children and teenagers use these tools for other purposes not related to academic reasons (for example, video games, watching videos, chatting, among others). Related to the above, misinformation is another latent risk when electric devices are used without the supervision of an adult.
In a nutshell, there are several advantages related to providing students with electronic devices and access to internet. However, schools and also governments must establish policies and parameters (like installing blocking programs, schedules for students, supervision) to prevent a misuse of these tools.