Technology In Education: Evidence Of The Advancement Of The Times?

Technology continues to develop and strives to make a positive impact so that we can all enjoy greater ease in our lives. As we know, the technology we use daily has become commonplace, such as gadgets, television, the internet, etc. Technology also plays a significant role in the field of education. But does this role have a positive impact, particularly for students? Or are there challenges that need to be faced? Let's take a closer look.

Speaking of education, it is an essential element for us to achieve success. How could it not be? From elementary school to university, there is a wide range of knowledge we can gain. The advancement of technology is becoming more evident compared to previous years.
One of the main benefits of technology in education is improved accessibility. E-learning platforms and mobile devices, among others, make it easier and more efficient for students to access education that was previously difficult to reach.

UNESCO data recorded that around 1.6 billion students worldwide were affected by school closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. In this situation, technology became a savior by providing remote learning solutions, such as online classes through Zoom, Google Classroom, or similar applications.

Moreover, in a journal published by Anita Amelia Ole on January 17, 2023, a study revealed that smartphone gadget use can have a positive impact on students' academic performance. The results of this study showed that smartphone gadget usage falls into the frequent category with an average score or mean (M)=3.97, and students' academic performance in science subjects was in the excellent category.

So, are there specific challenges in implementing technology in education? In Indonesia, particularly, the biggest challenge in applying technology in education is the digital divide. Although technology offers many benefits, not all students have equal access to devices and internet connections.

Data from the Indonesian Internet Service Providers Association (APJII) in 2022 mentioned that around 45% of Indonesia's population still does not have stable internet access, especially in remote areas. This gap creates a new inequality in education.

So, can the presence of technology in education be considered evidence of the times' progress? The answer is yes, technology can be seen as proof of progress because with its presence, the world of education can improve and offer learning options not only through books but also with the help of gadgets and the internet, making it easier for students. However, it should be noted that due to the digital divide, technology in education is not fully realized for all students, so an appropriate solution is needed.