Use of Technology and Online Sources

Technology use has become widespread in most fields especially in health and business,
in recent past it has also been adopted in the education sector. Integration of technology and
online resources into education has been a significant breakthrough across all educational
institutions. Tutors and students have been using online resources to research and advance their
knowledge in different areas of study. This is because they are readily available, convenient and
cheap with vast details that are necessary to a learner. The proper use of online sites simplifies
the work of a student and at the same improving on his or her academic performance (Kim, et
al. 2). Researching online is not only educating but also entertaining to a learner compared to
studying in a regular library. As much as this sources are beneficial, they can be harmful to a
student if not properly utilized.
The use of technology such as websites in learning requires some level of discipline. For
instance, when reading online make sure you have logged out of all social media platforms to
avoid disruptive messages and enhance concentration (Kim, et al. 10). Also, avoid clicking on
links unnecessarily since they may lead to pornographic sites or even web pages that send spam
emails. Only use academic pages which are verified instead of blogs which represent personal
opinions of the authors rather than scholarly information. Blogs have also been known to spread
rumors and fake news thus necessitating the utilization of only verified sites (Lokesh, 2).

The world is driven by research and innovation, and students are using online resources
and technology to compile information regarding assignments. With a single ‘Google search,’
millions of resources including articles, journals, and sites among others are at the student’s
disposal (Kim, et al. 5). The student may decide to use the information in writing their
assignments without proper acknowledgment of the authors,’ which is referred to as plagiarism.
Students should strive to properly cite and reference any material obtained online to avoid
laziness, to promote originality and equality, also ensure copyrights are not infringed and
safeguard that intellectual property (Lokesh, 2).
Scholars can also use technology to share intellectual and physical output with other
students. This can be done through the creation of online discussion groups. Portals can be
accessed through the colleges’ website, through social media platforms such as Reddit, via blogs
such as WordPress and also Whatsapp groups (Lokesh, 1). The platforms offer flexible solutions
for students to communicate seamlessly and share ideas for mutual benefit. These portals can
also be used for direct communication with tutors. These databases can be used as repositories
for information that can be used by a diverse array of people.
Proper utilization of technology should involve the use of devices in the presentation of
their work. It entails the use of projectors, screen casting, and smart boards which spur students’
creativity and interpersonal skills (Kim, et al. 12). The continued use of these devices enables a
student to be creative in a bid to modify and improve them so as they can serve them in a better
way. This innovation also enhances a student to be more confident because it is an engaging
form of learning.
In conclusion, uncontrolled use of technology in education can have detrimental effects.
So there should be measures put in place such as traffic monitoring which also saves on bandwidth and enhances focus. There should be an establishment of tailor-made devices, sites,
and databases that suit students regarding education such as Kindles from Amazon. Presentations
and other forms of visual aids arising from technology help in sparking up student involvement
and confidence making learning more efficient and fun.

 

Works Cited

Kim, Kyung-Sun, et al. "Undergraduates’ Use of Social Media as Information Sources." College
& Research Libraries, vol. 75, no. 4, 2014, pp. 442-457.
Lokesh, Utkarsh. "“Effective Use of Technology in Education” – A New Discipline to Be Taught
™ (ETR)." EdTechReview, 13 Jan. 2014,
http://edtechreview.in/trends-insights/insights/903-effective-use-of-technology-in-
education-a-new-discipline-to-be-taught.
Accessed 21 Oct. 2017.