There are many advantages that are associated with using technology in distance education. Most of these have to do with the convenience and cost-effectiveness of communicating content to the learner, learner –centred approaches that promote active learning, possibility of providing timely feedback, individual pace of learning and flexibility of where and when to learn.
Learning activity 5: Advantages and disadvantages of using technology in teaching and learning
This activity should take you 15 minutes to complete.
- As a teacher or an education planner or manager, explain the advantages you enjoy by using technology in your work.
- Also highlight some of the disadvantages you face in using the technology you use.
- Post your ideas in the discussion forum.
Reflection and feedback on Advantages and disadvantages of using technology in teaching and learning
This is what the Wawasan Open University [1] gives as advantages of using technology in distance education; you may want to compare with your experiences of using technology.
• Facilitates interactive learning and can illustrate a concept through attractive animation, sound, and demonstration.
• Allows students to progress at their own pace and work individually or problem solve in a group.
• Provide immediate feedback, letting students know whether their answer is correct. If the answer is not correct, the programme shows students how to correctly answer the question, and
• Offers a different type of activity and a change of pace from teacher-led or group instruction
In many contexts, both teachers and learners cite some disadvantages of using technology supported remote learning. A lot of these shortcomings surfaced at the peak of the COVID -19 pandemic when education institutions resorted to emergency remote teaching and learning (ERTL). These disadvantages include lack of reliable electricity supply, lack of stable connectivity, unequal access to technology resources leading to learners in disadvantaged communities lagging behind, and home environments that are not conducive to studying.
Notes
- ↑ Wawasan Open University (n.d.) Computer-Assisted Instruction: EED 502/05 ICT in Education. http://woulibrary.wou.edu.my/weko/eed502/computerassisted_instruction_cai.html Accessed on 13 November 2021
