Lesson 2: Technology: Boon or Bane?

"Technology is in our hands. We can use it to build or to destroy."

           Technology contributes much to the improvement of the teaching-learning process and to the humanization of life. It is indeed a blessing. But when not used properly, it becomes a detriment to instruction and human progress and development.

             

            Technology is made for man and not man for technology. Technology is made for the teacher and not the teacher for technology. This means that technology is meant to serve man in all aspects of life including instruction. It is man, and in the context of the classroom, the teacher, who determines how technology ought to be used in order to reap the maximum benefits that come along with technology. 

 Boon
        - is a thing that is beneficial or useful. It is called "Advantage"

The education technology is boon when:

• Technology is a blessing for a man. With technology there is a lot that we can do which we could not do then.

• Technology contributes much to the improvement of the teaching- learning process and to the humanization of life.


• With cellphones, web cams you will be closer to someone miles and miles a way. 


• Many human lives saved because of speedy notifications via cell phones. 

Bane 

          - it is curse or destruction. It is also called "Disadvantage"

The education technology is boon when:

• When not used properly, technology becomes a detriment to learning and development. 

Examples:
It can destroy relationships.

Erode marital relationship.

• The learner is made to accept as Gospel truth information they get from the Internet.

• The learner surfs the Internet for pornography.

• The learner has a uncritical mind on images floating on televisions and computers that represent modernity and progress.

• The TV makes the learner a mere spectator not an active participant in the drama of life.

• The learner gets glued to his computer for computer assisted instruction unmindful of the world and so fails to develop the ability to relate to others.

• We make use of the Internet to do character assassination of people whom we hardly like.

• Because of our cell phone, we spend most of time in the classroom or in workplace texting.

• We use overuse and abuse TV or film viewing as a strategy to kill time.

• The Abuse and misuse of the internet will have far reaching unfavorable effects on his moral life.

The Integration of Technology in the Instructional Process must be Geared Towards:

1. Interactive and meaningful learning. 

2. The development of creative and critical thinking.

3. The development and nurturing of teamwork.

4. Efficient and effective teaching.

"Technology is made for man and not man for technology. Technology is made for the teachers and not teacher for technology."