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Why Technology Should Be Removed From Schools

Why technology shouldn't be allowed in modern-day classrooms

Why technology shouldn't be allowed in modern-day classrooms

Technology should be abolished from all primary schools, it’s teaching children skills they were brought up with and losing the key reading and handwriting skills. Ever increasing investment in technology is not leading to any improvement in results for the UK’s failing schools in international league tables.

UK Expenditure on Education

The UK’s expenditure on education is high and includes:

  • £85.2 billion on education
  • £800 million on primary education
  • 30.8% of the total budget on primary education
  • £900 million a year in the UK on education technology

With all this money being spent on education, there is little improvement on attainment and results achieved. Almost 70% of primary and secondary schools use tablet computers according to research, but with all this technology in schools, it doesn’t help those households who do not own a tablet or new technology and therefore have no usability knowledge.

Children using technology in school

Children using technology in school

Negative Impacts of Technology in School

1. Reliance on Technology

Technology is being relied upon more and more in schools, and children no longer see it as a luxury but more as a necessity. The more it advances in schools, the more iPads and computers will be taken for granted as children will see them be used for fun and become distracted as technology is inexpensive and widely available for most families.

2. Prevents Children From Engaging

Schools can be too quick to throw money at problems and introduce technology as a way to get children more interested in a subject when more engaging classroom practices and highly trained teachers would be a more efficient way to do so, instead of thinking does technology play a key role in teaching and classroom interaction. Schools and governments are instead pushing technology into schools to up-skill teachers and children alike.

3. Technology in Schools Does Not Have Proven Results

By forcing technology into schools without thinking about whether it fits into a classroom environment is naive; studies show that no country has proven that investment in technology improves results even those countries who spend heavily cannot boast that feat. What is wrong with keeping an education system apart from the modern technological world we live in? Expenditure in this area could be used more wisely in the education sector that would benefit schools and pupils alike.

Positives of Technology in Schools

1. Children Learn Technology Skills—Important in Today's World

Technology does play a huge part in the multi media world children live in outside of school life both vocationally and socially. This modern era is very technologically orientated, and children will need to grasp a concept of it in order to be competitive in their working lives. We should therefore encourage students to engage with technology to define the way they learn to aid their development in readiness for the world outside of schooling.

2. Teachers Think Technology Helps

Technology has changed how educators teach in and outside of classroom environments as well as how children themselves learn. About 75% of teachers think that technology has a positive impact on the education process, according to a study. Learning is made fun for children with the inclusion of technology; tablets are slowly replacing textbooks in schools, which are not only outdated as soon as they are published but an ever-increasing expense for educational institutions.

Effects From Technology

1. Not All Children Have Equal Access to Technology

The UK is constantly falling behind countries with less economic and capital power than itself. Ensuring access and opportunities for every child to reach the baseline level of skill in both maths and reading will increase the scope to create equal opportunities in the modern era rather than assisting access to modern technological devices.

2. Technology Affects Academic Performance

It’s not just the economic and capital investment in technology that can be deemed as ineffective but also the effect it has on children’s performance, and the damage technology can create on a child is just as negative. Children of this generation are becoming more and more addicted to the use of technology; this attachment can have an effect psychologically on children, such as distraction, narcissism, and even depression, to name a few. A child’s mental and physical health can also be affected by the overuse of technological devices.

3. Technology Creates More Problems Than It Solves

When looking at the positives and negatives of technology in schools, a number of areas prove technology creates more problems than it solves. Schools are now run more like businesses; they don’t comprehend the needs of the pupils in their institutions or teachers that provide pupils with an education.

4. Teachers Aren't Properly Trained

Teachers are not properly trained with technology to make it an effective learning tool in the classroom, children’s constant use of technology inside and outside of school is leading to addiction and dependence on its use. This overuse of technology can affect their brain and lead to distraction as well as poor memory due to constant use of gaming, social media sites, and tablets inside and outside of schools.

The overall outlook for technology in schools should be to abolish it entirely other than to be used by teachers and for interactive whiteboards that children with special and additional needs depend on.



THOR THOR on December 06, 2018:

aliens from mars are real and they are going to build a wall. we should can back at them by singing minecraft songs and challenging them to roblox one v one

emilie on October 22, 2018:

yes it should

Abdul on June 23, 2018:

Should technology not be introduce in school I want 5 points on this topic

Natasha Perry on January 22, 2017:

Fantastic article Lewis, a really interesting perspective. I think there is a place for technology within education particularly for those children with Special Educational Needs and behavioural issues. Of course technology is a part of every day life now so children do require a certain level of education on how to use it. However, there is a most definite overuse within primary schools which is without a doubt having an effect on children learning basic and necessary skills such as handwriting. Also the amount of money used on technology within education is obscene and could surely be spent in a more resourceful way.

A very thought provoking article!

Nicky on January 22, 2017:

Really well researched article Lewis, i agree that technology should be limited in primary schools, children don't express their creativity as much in my view and in today's society hide behind a screen.

They play on ipads instead of perfecting their communication between people.

While i do agree that to a degree it should be used for children with learning difficulties or mental health issues which assist to help them to learn or take advantage of the key fundamentals of learning in a way that helps them feel at ease,and help them to feel involved where they lack the capacity to do so.

Children need to learn how to live in a world without technology and learn the basics skills we had so they can truly value their achievements on their own merit,i personally feel they would be more creative and learn the basics of team work and working together to resolve issues, which is a more efficient fundamental skill to have when they grow up but that is just my opinion.

Kirsty on January 20, 2017:

I firmly believe that there should be a limitation on the use of technology. Removing it completely is harsh as it does have its uses but only in certain circumstances.

This is a key point my partner and I have discussed when it comes to parenting. We won't use tablets and phones to amuse or distract our child when they are bored or misbehaving. I wouldn't want my children over using it school. This is an interesting subject Lewis and glad you bough it to my attention.

I have recently shared a video with the topic of conversation being about technology and modern ways of parenting, the negative effect it is having on us as adults.

We had IT lessons at school and had no problem learning from textbooks and the occasional use of Google. I agree that money can be better spent on more important things!

Connor on January 20, 2017:

This Article proposes sound arguments for the removal of technology within schools. It is true that in these times technology is dominating the classroom and children younger and younger are becoming more dependant upon it. However, technology is now embodied within our culture and is inevitably always going to play an influential role. It is important to advance with technology although some means of monitoring a child's classroom time with technology should be monitored in order to avoid a complete reliance on it

Zoe Wood on January 20, 2017:

A very persuasive article into the removal of technology in schools. Some vital points were made about the deterioration of the brain with the use of technology and have seen and experienced first hand how technology can be a distraction and viewed as a necessity not a luxury. I would have liked to follow up the studies mentioned with regards to the statistics to find out more. I believe that the argument in my viewpoint is not whether it should be taken out all together but that caution should be taken with regards to how often it is used and how well it is applied in lessons. I believe the point about technology being needed and developed after education is a very valid discussion point.

Overall a very well written and balanced argument with persuasion towards removal of technology.

Tony B on January 19, 2017:

A very interesting and thought provoking article Lewis. Whilst I agree that there is no substitute for a good teacher and a firm grounding in the three R's I don't think technology should be banned from primary schools. I seem to remember there was a similar debate about calculators and the decline in ability to do simple mental arithmetic. The provision of hardware alone without a comprehensive plan on how it is to be used reduces it to gimmickry. There are real educational benefits to be had and dangers to be aware of but banning technology would be a retrograde step.

Annie Britten on January 19, 2017:

I agree that technology is being used too much in education. Teachers an pupils have too much of a reliance on these devices with no means to reduce issues if these devices stopped working. However, I do not think technology shouldn't be removed, more monitored to help improve other skills in childrens lives.

Becky on January 18, 2017:

Really interesting article. I completely agree that technology is used too much, but I believe it should not be taken out of schools but monitored to a small usage. It is able help so many children to express themselves who wouldn't be able to otherwise and also gives children another method of learning

Imogen on January 18, 2017:

Really good article Lewis, and your argument for the removal is very strong, however, i am opposed to the removal of technology, as evolution of this field (technology) is increasing its momentum every day. The competition to make new and exciting types of technology in generating a huge market to consumers to buy into. This years children are the next generation of people who will have to work alongside robots, the people who have to service, create programs , and develop new ideas. This generation will be the first to use technology to do the demeaning jobs that humans don't want to do. Technology is a way of accessing information, people, and in many cases the only way of communication (disability). By not teaching children how to use it safely and appropriately could raise issues that we can't even comprehend. Technology is a new and exciting avenue that not many of our generation have had. It is a potential career, also due to its vast fluidity (in career aspects) and that the majority of modern society work with technology one way or another, it will create further job roles for our increasing population of society.

Julie on January 18, 2017:

Really interesting and structured article. I agree that children & technology could be a toxic mix! 2-year olds are better with tablets than just reading a book. It makes me sad (and no, I'm not a senior). I just hope that children would still be able to enjoy their lives apart from technology! Happy to have grown up in more normal times where not everyone was stuck staring at a small screen ;-) Interesting debate!

Lorraine Bartlett on January 18, 2017:

We cannot & should not stop progress & the technological world is part of that. Technology needs to be incorporated into our education system & used appropriately. It needs to be taught by staff that have been educated themselves in how to use it. We had the same or similar arguments about TV & how much a child should be watching when TVs became affordable & most people had them in their homes; schools also began using them as part of education. The same can be said of calculators. There was a dilemma because people were concerned that pupils would not 'learn' the principles of mathematics but instead rely on a machine. I think we need to make sure primary children are taught the basics of reading, writing & arithmetic along with using technology as a support. I think in senior schools we cannot remove technology but instead need to educate & assist pupils in how to use it appropriately. I'm glad I don't have to police this or implement out of a budget! We must also remember that parents have a huge responsibility in this area too.

Martin Ecott on January 18, 2017:

It's a well thought out article. Some good points on the negative impact on technology. However, a total ban in the modern world won't work. The future is evolving technology and students need to be well versed in it if they are to stay ahead in life / career opportunities. I think some of the older values can't be ignored but need to be evaluated to determine if they till have relevance.

Gemma Stacey on January 17, 2017:

Really interesting article! There is clearly a strong argument for technology's negative effects. However I don't think it should be removed from school as it is a tool that can be utilised to our advantage in educating children.

Zaccarelli on January 17, 2017:

Great article, you have opened a space for a discussion necessary for the education and development of children in schools. Congratulations!

Kayleigh Philps on January 17, 2017:

Great article, it really made me question a lot of my own views, and consider whether they actually made any sense.

I do think that there are a lot of issues with having so much tech in schools, particularly in education sectors in low socioeconomic areas. It would seem rather unfair to those children who live in poorer parts of the country to not have received the same education as those in more affluent parts (i.e. because the school can't afford to buy and maintain the tech).

The issue you raised in the article about tech being a part of a child's life, and seeming to be 'ordinary' for them was a really good point. But this isn't the case for all children. Those with parents/family who aren't focused on the latest gadgets may feel inadequate if they aren't as tech savvy as their classmates at an early age. However it could then be said that using tech (such as iPads) to teach children about basic computer skills may be beneficial to their learning in order to keep up with an ever focused tech world.

Unfortunately it does seem to be the case that school merit is too often placed on the tech facilities of school (how many computers there are), instead of teaching quality...

I don't think tech should be outright banned in schools, however. But I do see the issues associated with the classroom being swamped in computers and tech, particularly if the staff themselves aren't properly trained to use the equipment.

All in all, a very good read, very thought provoking!

Tracy Ecott on January 17, 2017:

Good article Lewis. I'm not in agreement with a total ban on technology. I do feel it has some benefits in the education system, albeit with possible time limits on accessibility. Technology is the way forward in many areas of commerce, therefore educating children now gives them the funemental basics they need to strive towards their future, and their potential careers.

A lot of special needs children use a lot of technology in all class room settings. It encourages them to engage and participate using special computer/iPad software. Without technology like this these children would find it difficult to follow any ciriculum, which would put them at a disadvantage.

Martin D on January 17, 2017:

Great piece Lewis. I've said for a while technology usage should be limited in education. It should play a part, but not be there to get interest in a subject, that's the job of a teacher.

Tom Ginns on January 17, 2017:

Personally I think it is ridiculous to think that technology should be removed from schools. I feel more focus should be put on monitoring the amount of technology children are using at home. Advances in technology have allowed schools to be much more interactive with the children and also allows children to have fun. Technology in schools is the next generation and it should be implimented carefully and be utilised in a resourceful manner. Socioeconomic status (low) may not allow some children to experience playing with an IPAD for example, however they are able to feel less disadvantaged if they have access to one in class.

Amy Gamble on January 17, 2017:

Very interesting and something I largely agree with! I think this generation is hugely dependent on technology and is scary to think children could lose basic skills like handwriting etc, and you are right in saying that government are too quick to throw money and technology to solve problems. Perhaps not complete abolishment but certainly less dependency. Overall a really good read.

Nicola Saunders on January 17, 2017:

Really interesting! Points made that i hadn't thought of before. Really thought provoking. Technology should be in schools but not used as a main method of teaching.

Olivia Lovell on January 17, 2017:

I do believe that technology has taken over children's lives, they are exposed to it too soon too young. However, I do believe the use of technology in schools can help children from deprived areas feel a sense of equality. All children are able to participate, giving each child an equal chance of learning. The use of technology allows all children to feel encouraged and makes the lessons more enjoyable for them. A very interesting read.

shannndavis on January 17, 2017:

Really good Lewis Blenkin! However if I was completely honest, I think the catchment area of schools who have low income families need technology to make sure that they are getting the best of the education and the areas of high income may not need technology as much for their school attainment. But overall a very convincing article.

Chris Wardle on January 17, 2017:

Great article, technology shouldn't be taken out of schools completely but should be monitored to make sure it doesn't get too much.

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