Writing for an Academic Discussion Is using digital tools in class good for learning?

Can digital tools enhance learning experiences and better prepare students for the modern world or too much technology might introduce various challenges in the classroom? (a class on education)

 

 

☆Let’s Think

1.        What are digital tools for studies?

2.        When and how do you use digital tools for your studies?

3.        Have you ever noticed or heard of any drawbacks of using digital tools for your studies?

 

  

☆Sample Answer for Ideas and Expressions

【Thesis】While Heather’s point cannot be denied in that learners benefit tremendously from digital technology, Marcus’s warning about its potential risks of using it like constant distraction is true, and I think the risk is more serious than that.

【Supporting Details】Departure from reality would be the thing we should pay more attention to. There was a Guardian article reporting that young neurosurgery trainees lack dexterity due to lack of real-life creative handwork as a result of spending more time on virtual reality. Now the teachers of young brain surgeons are recommending that they should start with curving Halloween Jack-o-lanterns. As we can see in this case, digital learning has an unescapable flaw coming from its construction. It makes the learner detached from reality, at least on an extremely delicate level like brain surgery. The harm might still be limited in such sophisticated area as brain surgery, but still the phenomenon is degeneration. It is not clear how much this degeneration will develop in generations, but we had better take a precaution of its long-time impact on humankind.

【Counterargument-treatment】There is no denying that digital tools enhance learning of all kinds of subjects. As Heather points out, videos provide inspiration and comprehension. They also facilitate memorization. YouTube and social media expedited language acquisition. Zoom helps share diverse perspectives. The list just goes on. However, behind the positive effect experienced by students, some irreversible defect might be developing in their learning. Is Googling to consult math geniuses for a quick solution of a math quiz, even if you do it only after you have tried to solve it for a while, making us smart or dumb?

【Conclusion】Therefore, I believe relying too much on technology in class can bring about challenges in the future. (288 words)