It is a sad fact that books are becoming outdated. However, nowadays the internet and technology provide the wealth of resources and information that books once did as they become more and more a part of people’s daily lives.

There are undeniably divided views on this though. Technology can be great for education – teachers can use it as a tool for learning. However, more and more people are dubbing technology a harmful influence as it seems we are turning into a society of robots.

On the one hand, apps such as Duolingo, used for learning languages, can be extremely helpful. When learning, would you rather leaf through a huge dictionary to learn new words or simply open up your app and learn vocabulary in a fun, interactive way?

Sucked into the world of social media and games
Technology can also be a huge distraction though; the temptation of a phone by the side of a child trying to study may sometimes become too much and before they or their parents know it, they’ve become sucked into the world of social media and games. There have been many occasions that I’ve attempted to help my younger brother with his homework and he’s struggled to look up from his phone.

But in this day and age, some children just get on better with a screen. I know my brother would sooner do something on a screen than he would using a book or pen and paper. As most young people have grown up with and are used to using screens, technology being part of their educational environment may provide them with more motivation for learning. In turn, they may enjoy it more and possibly achieve higher academic performances.

Perhaps more significant than this though is the evidence found for the overuse of technology causing issues such as developmental delays, anxiety, depression, sleep issues and obesity. Too much time in front of a screen means children are also struggling to develop social skills.

Strike a balance
Phones being used for both leisure and learning surely amounts to a horrifying amount of screen time. According to the BBC, the average five to sixteen-year-old can spend around six and a half hours in front of a screen every day. Should we really be adding more on to this at school? Maybe it’s better that the child has a chance to disconnect while in a learning environment.

Like many things in life, it’s probably best just to strike a balance. If used in moderation, with children being taught early on that it’s healthy to have a limit, technology can be a helpful learning aid. That doesn’t mean everything has to be done with the help of a screen though.