In the era of cutting-edge technology, computers have become an integral part of education. In this essay, I will demonstrate that the emergence of using computing technology can be ascribed to a host of factors, and this development would offer substantial benefits and drawbacks.
On the one hand, there are several compelling reasons why information technology is beneficial in the field of study. The main benefit computers bring to learners is easy access to vast amounts of resources. Learners were once limited to the books they had and the knowledge of their teacher; now they can learn about anything they choose at the touch of a button. Online libraries, academic databases, and educational platforms provide students with an extensive array of materials to supplement their learning. A particularly good example here is Google, because it allows people to easily search for whatever they are looking for quickly and accurately. Another strength is that computers are highly effective teaching tools for teachers. For example, teachers, with the help of computers, can show videos, images and texts that are interesting and relevant to what they are teaching, resulting in making students interested and focused on the lecture.
However, despite the aforementioned benefits, I would contend that technology devices bring a host of drawbacks. First and foremost, using the internet to complete academic work can sometimes lead to students simply copying and pasting information from the Internet for their assignment. As a result, students do not have to think about their tasks and learn very little, leading to a diminishing of the quality of learning outcomes. Given the fact that at least 20%-25% of students got involved in academic dishonesty, according to a recent college survey, due to the ease of cheating when they took tests from home during the Covid-19 pandemic. Another drawback is that students encounter various health hazards due to extended computer usage. Students who spend long periods working at their computers continuously are likely to suffer from eye strain, particularly nearsightedness. Furthermore, scientific research has indicated that individuals with a sedentary lifestyle may increase their risk of obesity and face difficulties in maintaining a healthy weight due to a lack of physical activity. In fact, it can be easily seen that the number of students wearing glasses or having weight issues is dramatically increasing. As a result, these health challenges not only affect students’ immediate well-being but also pose long-term risks, impacting their overall health and academic performance.
In conclusion, it is undeniable that computers offer unparalleled access to information and foster digital skills essential for future careers, but they can contribute to plagiarism issues and a variety of health risks. Therefore, we should consider using computers properly and effectively.