Technological advancements and how they have been embraced by students.

Technology is just a tool. In terms of getting the kids working together and motivating them, the teacher is the most important - Bill gates

We are living in a world where the Internet is a fast growing and has become the centre of information and communication technologies.The twenty-first century has seen great inventions  including smartphones and a fast-paced manufacture of electronic goods. The latest technological gadgets causing a frenzy in the world currently are the iPhone 6, Samsung Curved HD television and the Samsung galaxy Note 4.

                         Samsung Galaxy Note4

The iPhone 6 

 The first curved UHD TV

Technology has created jobs and caused others to lose their jobs. The most controversial belief and opinion around technology is that it has cause more harm than good, especially to the students and youths. There is a widespread belief among teachers that students’ constant use of digital technology is hampering their attention spans and ability to persevere in the face of challenging tasks according to two surveys of teachers done in America .Research literature throughout the past decade has shown that technology can enhance literacy development, impact language acquisition, provide greater access to information, support learning, motivate students, and enhance their self-esteem.In developing countries where books and other necessary academic materials are expensive and scarce, the Internet has provided a reliable alternative where up-to-date materials can be accessed. Technology has enhanced access efficiency through digital multimedia. Multimedia presentations such as video, images, sound, text can create stronger memory links than text alone. In addition, digital technologies allow instant playbacks, which provide the learner with quick and easy access to different sections of instructional materials than when they are using a textbook.In Zimbabwe products such as Ecoschool have made online learning easier and accessible. Educational websites where people are now getting degrees online have also come up such as Walden University Online.

However, technology has instituted lazy tendencies towards work by students, especially the copy paste syndrome. Most students simply cut and paste matter from the Internet to finish their homework and assignments without understanding the meaning of it.. The college and university assignments are most just a copy paste from wikipedia or any other source, irrespective of its authenticity. In Zimbabwe there has been an outcry by lecturers at tertiary institutions over plagiarism due to the copy paste syndrome. One problem that many teachers face is that students often use computers primarily for games. Because of this, many students associate computers and technology with game playing. If this issue is not addressed, some students may get distracted and off task quickly.


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Copy Paste Syndrome 



 

Raymond Masakadza, Journalism and Media Studies student at the National University of Science and Technology. I am a History Maker destined by the spirit of God to do great things. Passionate about entrepreneurship and philanthropy.