5 Signs k-12 students are not ready for educational technology

Technology has made its way into the classroom in a big way in recent years, and permeates our lives in every aspect. It brings with it incredible benefits to the learning and teaching experience and can make the transfer of information so much more interactive and engaging. But, on the other hand, some students may not be fully prepared to be receiving some or all of their education through these platforms. If students aren't receptive to how they're being taught, they just won't learn what's needed. There are signs we can look for to see if students are ready to start learning using educational technology.

Time management skills are an issue

Yes, there are ways that technology can help us boost our productivity and manage our use of time much better. But, along with technology come a lot of distractions, especially when it comes to online learning. “Social media and other distractions take students eyes off of what they should be focused on, and if they are already suffering from poor time management skills, an online learning experience could make that weakness even more pronounced”, - says Carol Wise, the author of educational blog at Boom essay help writing service. Time wasters online can easily cause students to lose focus if time management isn't one of their strong suits.

Face-to-face interaction is preferred

There are some students who do prefer to learn and interact from behind a computer screen, but some students still prefer to get their education from someone standing in front of them. Whether it's the ability to ask questions and interact with someone face-to-face, or whether it's the familiarity of the classroom setting, some students just like things the way they've always been done. It is a totally different experience from being face-to-face with your teacher and interacting with them through an online platform.

Self-motivated is a problem

Much of online learning and educational technology relies on a student's ability to get things done on their own volition. Here is the comment on this issue from Amber Coburn - an elearning consultant at Custom essay: “As great as it may sound that they're able to do things as they please, when they please, for some students this can be a problem, if they don't have the motivation to push them.” Educational technology allows for a great independent learning experience, but if a student isn't self-motivated, it can hinder that experience. They have to actually want to get things done, because there is no one there to push them to do it.

Technology can be intimidating

Although most students nowadays have a firm grasp on all things technical, there are still some who just aren't comfortable receiving their education through new technologies. Whether it's the unfamiliar platform they're attempting to learn through, or whether it's the lack of human interaction or something else, some students just feel too intimidated by technology to properly learn. For some, they're fine with the technology itself, but have problems with it as a learning tool. If they're intimidated enough, they may just avoid it entirely.

Costs can be high

Technology is ever-changing and always in need of updating. And, the cost of these constant updates could add up. If the costs of this educational technology are falling onto the shoulders of the students, they may not financially be able to keep up. Thomas Green, an educator at UK admission service comments the issue: “Affordability can be a huge hindrance on the learning experience of a student and could be stressful and burdensome if they are struggling financially. All of the different costs related to education can add up quickly, and putting this additional cost on top of that could be problematic.”

Plans can't always be spontaneous

Sometimes learning and lessons can go in unpredictable directions, depending on where the conversation takes the class. Many times, with educational technology, spontaneity isn't an option, because lessons and other online resources need to be planned out and set up ahead of time. It allows for great organization, but could limit the amount of leeway a lesson or discussion can go off course.

Self-directed learning is difficult

For some students, the idea of directing their own education experience can be a daunting and quite intimidating thought. It takes a student with skills in time management, organization and self-motivation to be able to successfully complete a self-directed education. Others who aren't quite so skilled in these areas need the guidance and constant watch of a teacher in person to keep them on track throughout their learning experience.

Technology is making its way into the classroom more and more each day. It can have incredible benefits to a student's learning experience and the way a class engages overall. Educational technology can improve the way many students take in new information, but can be a hindrance if they're not ready to learn through it. Look at these different signs for whether or not your k-12 students are ready to be introduced to educational technology before making the leap.