IELTS Writing Task 2/ Essay Topics with sample answer.
IELTS Essay # 1229 - Advantages and disadvantages of the new approach in teaching
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IELTS Writing Task 2/ IELTS Essay:
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
In the past, lectures were the traditional method of teaching large numbers of students in a classroom. Nowadays new technology is increasingly being used to teach students.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of this new approach in teaching?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Model Answer 1: [Band 8 sample answer]
We have moved into a technology-driven era where technology is affecting many different aspects of our life, and education is no exception. So, in some schools, traditional methods of education have been revolutionised by new technology to the extent that the lecture is no longer the main method of teaching students. While this new approach has some advantages, it also has many significant shortcomings. This essay outlines both the advantages of disadvantages of this novel approach.
Perceivably the biggest advantage of the use of the latest technology in education is the flexibility it offers. This is evident in two different ways- firstly, it is now no longer essential for students to be present in the classroom for their courses. The COVID-19 pandemic has specifically taught us how this flexibility could be a lifesaver. Moreover, the distance learning facility enables employed professionals, housewives and people from different countries to enrol and successfully finish useful courses offered by numerous institutes. Another area of flexibility is of course the interactive tools like "Moodles", for example, the lecturers can use to deliver their courses to large numbers of students.
Not everything, however, about the introduction of this new technology into education is useful. To start, not all students are comfortable with using technology, even if they are part of the digital native generation. This is a grave issue as they may suffer from their lack of technological skills and interests. For instance, an overwhelming number of students, almost 75%, despite their enthusiasm for smartphones and computers, reported that they do not like online classes. Another related issue is that education is a human activity, and it works best with as much human interaction as possible. Impersonal technology cannot replace the human contact found in traditional face-to-face tutorials and seminars. Thus a piece of technology or tool can never be an alternative to expert tutors who know their students individually and act and teach them accordingly.
To conclude, technology in education brings many important benefits and enables distance learning possible. It also becomes the only way of learning and teaching during lockdowns and pandemics. However, we have to keep in mind that it can be too impersonal for some and discourages others for their lack of technological skills or passion.
[Band score 8 level essay sample] [Written and submitted by - Adriana]
Sample Answer 2:
Technology has touched every aspect of our life today, so much so that we can not think of living without it, even for a day. The world of “teaching and learning” is no exception, and this essay will try to explain what benefits and demerits incorporating technology in this field have brought.
Perhaps the most visible advantage of it is that it allows students to access more and varieties of information with just a few mouse clicks. Students, with the help of technology, can choose to research topics, and fill their interests and needs, much more easily than by going to a library where resources may be limited. And the best thing about it is that all this can be done in a group, freeing the teacher to attend to other individual students in more need. In other words, using technology in this way ensures that all the students get what they need, and also when they need it while allowing teachers to focus more on academically poor students.
Another advantage is that technology helps students accommodate multiple styles of learning. For example, some students respond better when communicated verbally rather than in written words. For such students, recorded lessons, audiobooks, and podcasts can effectively be woven into their lesson plans so that they can extract the benefits.
However, while technology has allowed both teachers and students alike to accomplish more, it is not without disadvantages. One such disadvantage is that it has significantly reduced the “face-to-face interaction” between students and teachers. This “face-to-face interaction” is very important because it helps students not just acquire facts, but also understand, interpret, and apply these facts into useful and interesting knowledge. More importantly, without such interaction, it is very highly unlikely that teachers would be able to help students build self-esteem and confidence and emotional maturity, especially, when there is so much bullying in and around the classrooms.
To conclude, technology is a reality of our life today, and we just can not ignore it even if we want to. Therefore, we should be open-minded in using it in the field of education and learning in order to extract maximum benefits while also being wary of its negative consequences.
Model Answer 3:
The conventional approach of teaching students through lectures has largely been replaced by the widespread use of new technologies in and out of the classroom. While this new approach has numerous benefits, it also has some disadvantages. This essay shall examine the benefits and drawbacks of using the latest technologies in education.
One major advantage of using technology to teach students is that it provides them with access to a wide range of learning resources that teachers can prepare. With the internet, students can access a wealth of information on various subjects that they may not be able to find in traditional textbooks. Additionally, online platforms such as video tutorials, interactive quizzes, and simulations make learning more engaging and effective. This way learning is more intuitive and effective.
Another advantage of technology in teaching is that it allows for personalized learning. With the help of technology, teachers can assess the individual learning styles of their students and tailor the content to suit their needs. This approach can lead to improved learning outcomes, as students can progress at their own pace and receive individualized feedback. For instance, many colleges in Canada have adopted this tailored teaching method which has increased academic performance by up to 30%, which is a tremendous boost.
However, there are some disadvantages to using technology in teaching as well. One potential disadvantage is that it can be costly, and not all schools may have the resources to invest in the latest technology. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 60% of students in poor or developing countries could not afford laptops and an internet connection. Additionally, some students may struggle to adapt to online learning environments and may require more guidance and support than others. Finally, the widespread use and access to the internet can often distract learners from studying.
In conclusion, the widespread use of technology in teaching and learning has both benefits and drawbacks. So, technology must be embraced and incorporated in schools to an extent that would ensure a conducive learning environment while not making the process harder or unreachable for the poor.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of this new approach in teaching?
It is true that technology advances every now and then, and people love to use advanced technology for a better lifestyle, more facilities and greater output. The education sector has also been largely using the latest technology in recent years, and I also believe that students and teachers use the latest technology for a better future. This essay will outline the merits and demerits of using technology in education.
To begin with, due to the latest technology, students do not need to go to school and college to get an education, they can do it from home. They can get proper education from any corner of the world and that is why a student from a third world country can attend a college or university located in an industrialised country. It is also the only way of teaching and learning method when there is some sort of restrictions on physical appearance in the classroom. For instance, online classes are quite popular nowadays due to COVID 19 pandemic and restrictions. It had been possible because of the latest technology without which education would have faced a challenge that had no solution.
On other hand, classroom teaching is more effective than online classes. Pupils in a classroom setting can immediately clear their confusion by asking questions to teachers. Moreover, online course is impossible for departments like medical science and engineering students where the guidance of experienced teachers and physical presence in the lab and classroom is a must. While technology can help students learn in a more convenient way, it can distract them as well. This is why over-use of technology is often a concern. Technology aids in teaching and learning but can never be an alternative to classroom-based teaching and learning method.
To conclude, we should use technology to help teachers teach better and aid in students' learning. However, technology can and should never replace expert teachers and human interaction in educating young minds.
In the long run, modern education will make progress toward a technology-assisted future, where online and offline resources are complementarily integrated to enhance the current pedagogical practices. Students will no longer need to go to the campus on a daily basis and welcome a more flexible schedule as per their preference. For instance, they can make arrangements for extracurricular activities and internships on the weekdays if classes are available online on the weekend. Besides, teachers can support their students with tailored feedback in a timely manner as homework and assessments are designed and restored on the database.
Nonetheless, it will take several steps to move from a traditional teaching environment to an introduction of different educational software and hardware. In the short run, schools will have to recruit experienced or trained professionals of this new teaching approach and install necessary facilities. The government will also be responsible for providing legal guidelines and financial assistance to implement practical measures to evaluate this new educational system.
In conclusion, technology has been a backbone of modern civilization and now it becomes a booster for future education. Though not yet well-developed, the use of online resources in lectures will gain more popularity in schools with the cooperation between the government and school administration.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of this new approach in teaching?
MODEL ANSWER:
The pandemic forced not only working professionals but students across the globe to stay at home, no doubt for those who had access to virtual learning were at a clear advantage. But can we completely depend on technology for learning or are there disadvantages too?
Sharing images, videos and PPT presentations were never this convenient for the teachers during the lockdown, this is probably the biggest advantage that comes with e-learning. Classes became much more presentable and lively with less shouting across the rooms with minimal disturbances. Not only for the teachers but the students also felt the ease of studies right from the comfort of their homes. Normally an average school commuter would spend at least an hour travelling or getting ready but now a lot more energy was conserved with possibly much lesser carbon footprints too. But all that glitters is not gold.
One can not ignore the lack of human interaction while studying online especially when the strength of the class is more than 10 students. A teacher who usually can just gaze upon pupils in a classroom is now left guessing and probably praying, that candidates in the online sessions are actually paying attention to the screen. Moreover, how would a Chemistry or Physics teacher be able to train their students in experiments which can only happen in a laboratory? These drawbacks certainly raise the question of a permanent utilization of e-learning methodology.
In conclusion, with the introduction of VR technology and faster internet speed, much more innovations can happen in the virtual world which could lead to a great alternative for traditional teaching.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of this new approach in teaching?
These days, Internet technology is developing faster than ever and its reach is extending, including in the education sector. The traditional instructional methods are changing as a result. In general, technology-driven new methods create positive changes to educational works, but they also have some drawbacks.
Smart electronic devices like laptops, smartphones and so on are widely familiar with people all around the world, and a lot of lessons are delivered through them on the Internet. Many students have access to these smart devices and the internet, and they learn new information and gather knowledge from the Internet. They tend to use the devices to learn new things and understand difficult lessons. Also, educators design courses with videos, assignments, or challenges with other members, so that students are excited about their lessons and can practice more easily. This method of learning is fun and more interactive.
But the new technologies also have some disadvantages like spending more time and effort to produce the lectures and students must have smart devices to access the courses. To release the best lessons and help students understand clearly, teachers must take more time to prepare their courses with more illustrations, pictures, or animations. Also, they must learn how to use tools or platforms in producing lectures. They also need to learn specialised online learning software and maintain the platform that they are teaching. Furthermore, students must have smart devices to visit these platforms and learn.
To conclude, although teachers and students face some negative effects such as spending more time or money to develop lectures and must have smart devices to learn, technology-driven education has many positive effects. It provides more interactive ways to learn.
In the past, lectures were the traditional method of teaching large numbers of students in a classroom. Nowadays new technology is increasingly being used to teach students.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of this new approach in teaching?
Sample Answer:
The new technology-driven method of teaching millennials is considered to be a major discussion in today’s world. While the traditional method of teaching is still preferred by most parents, the revolutionized method of teaching is applied by many schools in the world and is being accepted by more and more parents. This essay outlines both advantages and disadvantages of this new approach of teaching.
There are some compelling reasons why applying technology to education is beneficial. One of the biggest advantages of the use of technological devices in teaching methods is its flexibility. Students are no longer required to be present in their classroom for their course. Due to the Covid-19, social distancing and strict lockdown policy, people could not go outside and this flexibility is a lifesaver. Moreover, the new approach of learning methods could provide students with international school life as those latest devices could connect with students all over the world. Another advantage of it is that the technology appliances will help students to improve their technology skills. Students could revise skills by using the apps to create products for their presentations and do homework.
On the other hand, there are some convincing reasons to explain why applying technology to education could have its own drawbacks. To begin with, traditional classroom settings could greatly affect children's understanding and concentration. When students study in normal classes, they can interact with teachers and friends. In the tech-driven education system, they could be distracted from their work because of social media and digital games. In addition, learning online is one of the major factors for students’ cheating. Children tend to copy the content from the Internet for their examination and homework without understanding the underlying concepts, thereby terribly affecting their learning process. Also, over accessing technology devices impacts heavily on students' health, which easily leads to serious diseases such as obesity and diabetes and psychological problems as they just sit in one place for the whole day instead of doing other activities.
In conclusion, although the technology approach of learning methods has many benefits, especially during the pandemic, there are many demerits that it brings to human’s life. It is expected that parents and teachers would monitor young students so that they reap the benefit of it while discarding the negative sides of it as much as possible.
Topic: In the past, lectures were the traditional method of teaching large numbers of students in a classroom. Nowadays new technology is increasingly being used to teach students.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of this new approach in teaching?
These days, technology is being extensively used in the educational area. So, instead of a traditional classroom-based education system, computers and the internet are mostly used to teach students. This essay outlines both the advantages and demerits of the technology-based teaching system.
To begin with the advantages of the technology-driven learning system in the education area, it is indisputable that from anywhere, anytime a student can enrol on a class. This has proven to be a life-saver during the Covid-19 pandemic. Secondly, it eliminates the need for going to schools, so save time and help reduce traffic congestions. In addition to this, students can record the lectures and listen later while parents can monitor the progress of young learners. For instance, during the pandemic, my younger sister, who is a college student could listen to recorded lectures to better understand the lessons. According to her, recorded lectures help her understand the topic better than live class in a classroom.
This system has many disadvantages too. First and foremost, in this system, the teachers do not interact with their students directly and hence can not understand what should be done to help some poor students better understand the topic. Moreover, poor students, mostly from rural areas, can not afford modern technology and lag behind in studies when the teaching methods are digital.
To conclude, if we consider the current pandemic situation, family conditions and students ability to embrace technology in our country, online education is crucial. Although the new education path has some shortcomings, it can be easily solved by making some adjustments in the long run.
Incorporating technology into the education system have bought many advantages. For example, online lessons provided the teachers and the students with flexibility that wasn’t available before. It let them use presentations, videos, and images to make the learning experience more interactive while maintaining social distancing during a time when social distancing is a matter of life and death. Also, the internet is giving the students the ability to learn at their own pace which can help many students achieve better academic success. Technology is used to help students experiment, learn further and utilise the knowledge they have already learned.
However, relying only on technology can have its drawbacks. To illustrate, many studies have proven that learning in a traditional classroom setting can greatly improve the students’ understanding because they can discuss the lesson with teachers and classmates. Also, having an available teacher can help those who have trouble understanding some concepts. Moreover, technology can distract the students from their works because of social media, games, and advertisements, which will have a terrible effect on students' learning process and performance.
To conclude, technology offers a huge amount of resources, different teaching methods, and an overall improvement in the learning experience while a class filled with students offers collaboration between students, the chance to socialize, and generally much more fun in terms of the experience. It is expected that technology would be used by human teachers to make education more interactive and useful.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of this new approach in teaching?
In the past, lectures and teaching were mostly classroom centric, and teachers used to deliver lectured in front of the students. With the development of various technologies, online classes and digital learning gained some momentum. Later, the Covid-19 pandemic changed every area including education and teaching methods dramatically. Naturally, having online lectures has some advantages and disadvantages for both lecturers and learners.
Today, computers have become a part of the education system, and most students can easily access computers and have internet connections. In pandemic situations, which the world is experiencing right now, online classes give both teachers and students freedom due to the possibility of teaching without the physical presence in the classroom. This is quite practical for both sides in times when social distancing is mandatory. Another advantage of digital learning is that it eliminates the need for travel. It decreases the transportation requirements and time waste. Another advantage can be the ability to record the lecture so that everyone can repeat the same lecture over and over again.
Although it may be seen as quite advantageous, online education methods have some disadvantages as well. Not changing the environment where we sleep, live and educate may be quite distracting and stressful in the long term. Online classes give the opportunity to learn from home but people still need computer devices and internet connection which many poor families in the third world country can not afford. Since everything is virtual, people can easily find themselves on social media during classes. It is not as easy as to realise that a person is not paying attention to the lecture in online classes compared to the actual classroom environment for the lecturer. Also, slow internet connectivity may be often problematic as well.
To conclude, technology-based learning and teaching methods have both merits and demerits. It mostly depends on the student’s characteristics and the teacher’s attention. Although online classes do not offer face to face interaction, it may be useful for difficult times such as pandemics and difficult situations.
To commence with, centuries ago, the idea of receiving education from the comfort of home without the physical presence of a faculty seemed remote. A rise in the tech-savvy population has forced the educational sector to revamp its teaching methodology. Among the obvious advantages of technology in the education sector, the first thing is that technology has enabled people to learn on the go. Moreover, visually engaging presentations and video lectures make understanding complex ideas easier. Trigonometry seemed a daunting concept to learn in mathematics, but the advent of technology has made it easier for students to understand the definition of sides of a triangle and to develop quick solutions to complex algorithms. Another advantage of technology-based teaching is that it is not expensive as connecting to a school just requires a good internet connection and an electronic device, both of which are widely available at a cheaper cost.
However, the flip side to having virtual educational sessions is that it becomes difficult to clear doubts due to a shortage of time and pressure to cover a lengthy curriculum. Children addicted to e-learning tend to copy and paste content from online sources without understanding the efficacy of the content thereby making them victims of phishing and hacking. Despite, the advantage of easy accessibility infrastructural issues such as frequent power cuts and poor broadband connectivity remains an issue making study difficult.
In conclusion, it can be said that virtual learning can be a boon in making education easily accessible so long as it is supported by proper infrastructure. Though technology has made study easier, it has also impacted the all-around development of children.
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