Technology in Education: Problem or Solution?

Abstract:

The fact is technology is changing the way we teach and the way our students learn. Teachers complain that the students neither read enough nor write properly; rather, we have to admit that students read different texts (Chat, Twitter, Facebook, etc.) and write a different language (SMS, chatting, etc.). However, can text messages replace textbooks? Can ipads replace notepads? Teachers also say that students do not concentrate in class or have a short attention span because they are engrossed in their mobile phones, PCs, Ipads and other digital devices; but is this the whole truth? Does technology enhance education and supplement students with relevant and accessible information or does it prevent them from focusing on the subject at hand? To answer some of these questions we will use a random sampling from two courses given at Notre Dame University-Louaize, (NDU). The first is a Public Speaking course for Freshman students, and the second, an Introduction to Psychology, a General Education Requirement (GER) offered to Sophomore, Junior and Senior years. The method used for the research is therefore qualitative based on case studies.