Use new technologies for teaching but cautiously

07 September, 2012

In many urban schools smart classrooms are being created. But it seems that new technologies are making inroads into classrooms but not without their disadvantages. It needs to be understood that the

MULTIMEDIA AND Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and e-learning technologies are available with a good potential to accelerate learning and adaptation of teaching to different styles of learning of students. However, new technologies need to be used cautiously so as not to hamper the cognitive skills and mental rigour required for learning.

The computer and e-learning technologies are here and their presence cannot be debated. Instead of excessive use of new technology, it should be used to enhance effective face-to-face interactive learning methods so as keep the human touch in learning intact.

It needs to be borne in mind that the quality of classroom instruction will solely depend on the quality of the teacher and social environment - not the presence of modern technology.

The danger of loss of pro-social skills, cognitive skills and face-to-face communication skills is real if e-learning and multimedia are made the sole ways of learning. Technology is needed to be seen as one of the many ways of learning and its place should be used occasionally to introduce a lesson, sum up a lesson or revise a lesson.