The past two centuries have been marked by exponential increases in technological innovation. Thanks to inventions such as the Internet, the automobile, and the telephone, tasks that once took days to complete can now be accomplished in seconds. Technology has also allowed us to learn about aspects of our world that were unfathomable in the past, such as a galaxy located millions of light-years away. Just this morning, astrophysicists confirmed Albert Einstein’s theory that gravitational waves existed; they would not have been able to make this discovery if it weren’t for technology. However, as with most things, moderation is key. Though technology has been used to solve many of the world’s problems, our increasing reliance on it creates problems of its own, and if we are not careful, these problems will only get worse. Such problems are particularly pronounced in the field of education. They include a loss of mental agility caused by an overreliance on calculators in mathematics classrooms, and a deterioration of critical thinking and research skills caused by an overreliance on the Internet. In addition, our dependence on smartphones makes us virtually helpless when they are lost or broken.
Prior to the invention of the calculator, students learned how to perform both simple and complex mathematical equations by hand. Even though using a calculator is much faster than pencil and paper, the students of the past had two advantages over today’s students. First, students who do not have access to calculators are forced to maintain and develop their mental math skills. Mental math keeps the brain agile, and it lessens our dependence on calculators, which can break or run out of power. Second, when students perform calculations by hand, they are much more likely to learn mathematical concepts, instead of mindlessly plugging numbers into a formula and typing them into a calculator. Most math teachers believe that the ability to understand concepts is as crucial as the ability to accurately solve equations. Thus, the use of calculators has a deleterious effect on students’ learning.
Students’ reliance on the Internet when conducting research is just as detrimental. They are losing the ability to make proper use of books and other print periodicals, which can contain vital information. Furthermore, when conducting Internet research, most students jump on the first results that pop up on Google and fail to evaluate the credibility of their sources. As a result, they unquestioningly consume biased and inaccurate information. Finally, the temptation to simply cut and paste information from the Internet is all too great, meaning that some students never learn to synthesize what they read and to develop their own original ideas.
Turning to an example outside of education, many of us have had the experience of having our bags stolen, which often includes the loss of a smartphone. In the past, people were able to function perfectly fine without miniature computers in their pockets. Now, most people say that losing a phone is akin to losing a limb. Without a phone, everyday tasks, such as calling friends or family, or navigating one’s environment, seem impossible. Most people have become so dependent on their smartphones that the idea of developing creative and alternative approaches to living life without one feels daunting.
It is obvious that technology has made our lives more convenient. However, it is also clear that this convenience comes at a cost. Our reliance on technology causes us to lose valuable critical thinking skills and also places us at the mercy of gadgets that can easily be broken or stolen.
Ephemeral GirlyGirl 