Historically, the Importance of Technology and Education have been interdependent. The more educated a society is, the better it becomes at developing newer technology, and the better technology a society possesses, the more cutting-edge research it does broadening its horizons of Education. It is a positive self-enforcing cycle.
The first humans developed the first technology- Fire, which helped them survive and eventually cook for better nourishment. They could focus now on educating themselves to learn to farm. Thus, started the first civilizations.
The Bow and Arrow was a path-breaking technology that allowed huge empires such as the Aryan, Persian, Roman, and Mongol empires to exist. These empires then educated themselves and did path-breaking research in astronomy, physics, and math.
But technology is merely a tool. Only an educated mind can give technology ethics or else it’s like uncontrolled fire, it will burn everything in its way. It would not differentiate between good or bad.
Therefore I see a great need for human guidance to technological advancements.
Coming to today’s classrooms certain obvious changes have happened. Classes have smartboards, with audio visual devices. Virtual classrooms with broadband had kept the classes running during the wrath of COVID-19.
AI-assisted classes would further nurture minds by highly customized and paced learning. Many coaching classes pace their classes with the learning ability of students. So, the fast learner doesn’t get bored and a slow one doesn’t feel left behind.
I see a great future in technology-assisted education. But I do not see much benefit if technology replaces education. In the later scenario, we would produce assembly line bots instead of humans who contribute to society. Also, too much technology in terms of screen time is a proven failure.
The ideal path ahead is Education and importance of technology to go hand in hand, with humanity guiding it for the greater good. The ethical dilemma exists, we have to collectively find a path ahead for our future society.
Ritu Sarvahi
Principal
Sanjivani International School, Shirdi
