Disadvantages

Having computers in the classroom comes with a set of disadvantages that teachers must keep in
mind. Ms. Smith is keenly aware of these disadvantages and works hard to minimize them in her
classroom. Let's look at the possible disadvantages when using computers in your classroom.

Disadvantage #1: Students will need to be taught to use the various tools computers provide

It would be dishonest to say that tech in the classroom is without its challenges – and even its
dangers. However, the benefits far outweigh the disadvantages. Since there’s no such thing as a
perfect system, it’s far more effective to be aware of some potential problems and work to reduce
any negative impact.

Distracts students. Smartphones have a bad reputation in classrooms and there have been strong
cases for banning them in schools. However, this does students a disservice in many ways,
including missing the opportunity to teach proper tech use.

Requires management. New tech in the classroom means needing IT professionals to help set it
up, maintain it, and support teachers and students in its use. But institutions can help maximize
their technical support staff by finding a less resource-intensive solution. (Read 10 Reasons
Education IT Administrators Love Interactive Touch Screen Displays.)

Leads to tech disparity. Tech disparity refers to how much access students have to the
necessary devices. In schools that expect students to use their personal devices, tech disparity is
closely tied to income inequality. However, the problem can be reduced by schools providing the
necessary devices, especially as part of a computer lab.

Cost money. Nothing in this world is free. And buying cutting-edge electronics for a classroom
is downright expensive. While there’s no way to avoid spending money modernizing a
classroom, it is at least possible to maximize the total cost of ownership (TCO) by installing
devices with longer lifespans and reduced maintenance.

Less face time. Despite modern connectivity, it seems people are more disconnected than ever.
Instead of communicating directly, many are instead choosing to filter all communications
through their mobile devices. But there are lots of ways to inspire direct person-to-person
communication, such as through tech-centric ways to promote engagement. Or get back to basics
and having learners leave the tech behind and work together on group tasks the old-fashioned
way.

It may be argued that the computer does all the work for the students, not allowing them
the opportunity to digest what they have learned. Boyle (1998) argues that information
technology “may actually be making us stupid.” (p. 618). He argues that the computer
takes more of the thinking process out of students.
Many people who grew up in the pre-computer age worry that the use of computers will
take the emotion and heart out of the classroom. Wehrle (1998) states “the pre-computer
age generation envisions designing computer technologies that still take into account the
emotional needs of the students” (p.5).

Implementing Technology in the Classroom

So you’ve decided to add some technology to your classroom (or upgrade what’s already there).
But that’s only the first step. What’s next? You’ll need to implement the changes or find
someone to implement the changes for you.

Here are a few things to keep in mind as you are upgrading your classroom’s tech capabilities.

Connectivity

We live in a connected world. As you are shopping around for new devices, be very aware of
connectivity with your existing data network. Without connection, you miss out on the saving,
sharing, and collaborating that define modern EdTech (and make up a huge part of its
usefulness).

How does the device connect with your network? Wireless? Cable?

What kind of wireless connection does it use? Bluetooth? Wifi? Infrared?

What kind of cable connection can it make? DisplayPort? HDMI? USB-C? Thunderbolt?

Integration

Beyond connecting your tech to the network, you have to make sure devices connect to each
other. In a classroom setting, you want to be sure that students can also participate no matter
what device they might be using.

The same applies to software solutions as well. Make sure all your tech gets along. There’s
something to be said about working within a larger ecosystem of devices and software from the
same solution provider: if it’s built together it’ll work together.

What operating system does the solution require? Windows? Android? iOS? Device agnostic?

How are you going to transmit data to learners? Email? Direct link? Direct file transfer?

Does the device connect to cloud storage services? Does it store files locally?

Support

Though users should absolutely be familiar with their tech’s best use practices, it’s unreasonable
to expect everyone to know how to fix it. Maintenance is a specialized task for specialized staff.
But unless you’re planning to hire new IT management for the new tech, it’s important to work
within your team’s capabilities.

Make sure that whatever solutions you implement in your classroom are supported by your
existing support structure. This includes setting up the necessary systems and maintaining them
over time.

Does your IT team already provide support for this solution?

Does the solution provide adequate training for new IT staff?

Is the solution user-friendly for end-users (reducing the need for frequent support)?

You may also want to check this out: 10 Reasons Education IT Administrators Love Interactive
Touch Screen Displays

Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)

Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) is how much a device, software, etc. costs over its entire
lifetime. This also includes all the hidden costs like maintenance, replacement parts,
subscriptions, even electricity.

Even products that are inexpensive to buy initially may have significant long-term expenses. For
example, an inkjet printer is often very inexpensive to buy. However, replacement ink cartridges
can then be almost as expensive as a new printer.

It’s possible that a more expensive solution could save your school time, money, and frustration
over the long run. Consider the following in addition to the listed price of your chosen solution –
either hardware or software.

What does support cost? Is there a free helpline? Can you do repairs in-house? Or do you need to
hire the solutions licensed staff to do repairs or make changes?

What is the lifespan of the product? What are the lifespans of replaceable parts?

What other resources could this solution consume besides money (e.g. time, labor, etc.)?

Is there a subscription in place for parts or services? What is the most cost-effective way to pay it
(e.g. monthly, annually, lifetime, etc.)?

Classroom Design

Classroom design is a major factor when deciding on technological solutions. For example, most
classrooms make in the last century or so assume a display of some sort at the front of the room.
Until recently, it’s been a chalkboard or whiteboard, which also makes the room a good
candidate for an interactive whiteboard of some kind.
In the case of large lecture halls, however, flat-panel interactive whiteboards like the ViewBoard
are probably not the best option to reach the entire class. A projector might not be as efficient –
or provide as many features – but it does feature a more scalable display size.

Here are some things to consider about your classroom when deciding on the best tech solution.

How big is the room? What display will work best to reach the entire class?

Who will be delivering the learning materials? Is it a teacher at the front of the room with a
single large display? Students in huddle spaces with smaller group displays?

Should the tech be focused on a resource station in the classroom? Should it be spread evenly
throughout?

Does the hardware need to be fixed in the classroom at all times? Or is a portable setup that can
be shared among classrooms more practical?

And you can find another nice summary of implementing the latest tech in your classroom here:
Your Educational Digital DNA – Get Ready for Edtech Innovation

Final Thoughts on Technology in the Classroom

Though technology in the classroom will never replace teachers, it is a valuable tool for
improving learning outcomes and preparing students for a digital future. Like every advance in
learning technology, there are fierce critics of adding more advanced EdTech into our schools.
And their concerns are not entirely out of place, as there are still major challenges ahead as we
attempt to better integrate modern connectivity to places of learning.

But the benefits of updating our classrooms with modern resources definitely outweigh the
disadvantages. Technological solutions solve far more problems than they create. Between
improved engagement, broader appeal to more students, and preparing learners for a digital
future, it is clear that more classrooms need to take advantage of EdTech solutions.