The role of technology, new or old, can’t be belittled as it has made a great impact on the world. Computers, smartphones, and the internet enhance the process of learning, and information can be found online with just a click. 

Barbara Kantengwa, a Kigali-based teacher, explains that technology is highly beneficial as the content on websites and electronic books can easily be accessed by learners anytime, which gives them more understanding even outside the classroom.

"Most people usually think of textbooks when it comes to education. However, due to the different circumstances around the world, technology seems to be taking over. Students used to have a balance between technological and non-technological devices at school. But schools are closed, we are more focused on using technology to study,” says John Paul Maglaque, a student at Green Hills Academy, Nyarutarama. 

Maglaque notes that the beauty about using technology is that it is easier and faster with the use of the internet. It also benefits teachers to find newer and better ways to aid them in teaching a specific subject.  

Sonia Rurangirwa, a student in Kigali, is of the view that new technology in education allows independent learning, as opposed to the student depending on the teacher all the time. For example, when a student is struggling with something during the teacher’s absence, they can search for it online right away. 

This does not only allow the student to get the answer, but also gain more knowledge in other areas. It is very clear that in the future, learning will be based on technology. Therefore, students who use technology now will find it easy to adapt in the nearby future. Some teachers are now using different teaching methods such as, social media, blogs, podcasts, among others, to teach students from wherever they are based, she says. 

Rurangirwa also says that through technology, learners become digitally literate and learn at their own pace. 

She also says that since more resources are available now, learners are less dependent on textbooks, hence, cutting costs that would have been spent on schoolbooks.

Research indicates that new technology creates active engagement with the learning material, as students learn new skills or understand the curriculum more effectively, because they are using a hands-on approach for research, work, and receiving feedback.

The internet also makes it possible for students to connect with others from around the world to gain an alternative perspective on what they are learning — and equips them with an opportunity to practice their tech skills, typing, coding, and other skills,

Disadvantages 

However, Maglaque says that there are many downsides to technology, for instance, the blue light from devices can be harmful and affect one’s eyes. Students also tend to plagiarise work without citing it, which is quite a dishonest thing to do. 

He adds that some families may not even be able to afford the tools required, making it difficult for a student to learn. 

Maglaque further says that it’s up to students to decide if they are to use it to waste time or not.

He adds that technology also results in cyber-crimes, and encourages cheating as some learners just copy and paste while given school assignments, which challenges them during exams. But it also creates distractions, and hinders social interaction.

Rurangirwa adds that sometimes learners get lazy as they are assured that all the information they need will be ‘googled’, thus, failing to pay attention during lessons.

To some learners, mobile devices, computers, and other technologies are usually used as equipment of entertainment, but not of education, Rurangirwa explains.