In this modern world, technology is used everywhere, even in the field of education. In the year1995, quantitative study have been conducted in various school systems all over the world including USA which show that the influence of information technology on the skills and attitudes of teachers and students are uplifting and consistent (Knezek & Christensen 2001). By the help of Information Technology (IT), providing and getting education have become easier than ever. But in terms of technology, when there is advantage, drawback lies there as well. Below are some issues that need to be addressed the most:
A graduated student once said, ‘Most colleges and universities are using a broad base of computer technology; however, they are not giving student and teachers enough background to use this in their own classrooms’ (Pellegrino & Altman 1997, p.95). That means, there are many teachers and students who are struggling to cope with the increased use of technology in classroom. This is first and foremost issue of using information technology in the field of education.
Most of the universities have adapted with the increased pressures on finance by under-investment in physical space and other infrastructural investment associated with the use of information technology. Over the last two decades, the public funding for HE (Higher Education) has enhanced around 45% where the unit for funding per student has reduced by 40% (Boucher 1998).
Academic dishonesty is an alarming issue nowadays which refers to the term of using online materials and resources and not referencing them properly. This term is known as ‘Plagarism’, which is also known as ‘Cyber-cheating’. A combined research of America and US shows that approximately 60% of students in higher education confess to various sorts of academic dishonesty (Szabo & Underwood 2004).
Existing teachers are more used to provide education in conventional methods but due to the development of IT, they are now bound to adapt the use of information technologies in order to keep pace with the institution. As a result, they are facing challenges in a regular basis. Students are not also getting enough knowledge to use these technologies. They are finding it difficult as there are inadequate number of IT specialist teachers to assist them.
In the developing countries, there are many students who are not able to afford a device that will enable them to get the benefits of information technology. For example, to create a PowerPoint-presentation, a student will definitely need a computer. Without a computer or a mobile phone, there is no such way he can create a presentation. This group mostly includes students from middle-class and lower-class families. As a consequence, their improvement is hindered, and they lag far behind those who can afford such a device and they constantly feel inferior.
Ethical issues are noticable regarding the use of information technology especially among primary school students that need to be addressed. There are many young children who tend to rely on the world of internet as an open playground. And they think that they do not need any attention or guidance from their parents regarding this.
Teachers do not usually find it satisfying to teach students through facetime or online class because they cannot concentrate on their student’s behaviour. If a concept is ambiguous to a student, teachers can easily understand that by monitoring their body language. But in online classes, no such thing is possible.