Hyderabad: Many commercials advertise the use of technology for the completion of homework and assignments, and they have been met with the disapproval of educational experts and teachers. In one advertisement, a family tree is shown being completed in a matter of seconds using a smart phone and then printed out by the child’s mother. Teachers say that the assignments are meant to encourage families to spend quality time together.
Technology has become an integral part of not only the classroom but also the homework and assignment completion process. However, educational experts say that access to technology and its use in completion of homework can be bad for children.
Educationist say that technology should not be used to complete homework, as the process is meant to encourage students to understand the sequence, logic, and reasoning behind a topic, instead of simply focusing on the achievement of an outcome. The use of technology discourages independent thinking and creativity.
Dr Narsimha Reddy, principal Hyderabad Public School, Ramanthapur, said, “It’s shocking but true that students outsource their homework with the help of the Internet. I know some tutors complete the homework of students in England and get paid through online transactions. Conventional learning is always better than modern learning.” Handwriting is also neglected because of the increased use of technology. Children of the current generation don’t like to read and write, they only want to see visuals. Gadgets and social networking sites are the reason for this, and it is the parents’ responsibility to monitor their use.”
Mr G. Hridesh, a parent, said, “Kids are being asked to complete tasks using iPads and tablets, and some schools treat them as replacements for textbooks. While using iPads, students have access to the internet, because of which they don’t apply their minds, as everything is available on Google. Technology should only be used for reference purposes, but it has become mandatory in a few schools, because of which kids are getting out of the habit of writing. Teachers also share homework and assignments in the form of PDFs.”
He said that a few parents are unhappy about the fact that their children’s grades have started suffering due to the use of technology. “While doing their homework, children are glued on their gadgets and they refuse to interact with their parents. The purpose of assignment of homework and projects is not being served, as they are meant to encourage quality family time,” he says.
