Education is dynamic, evolving from the period of the Renaissance to this technological era. Apart from textbooks and a number of reading materials, students today must also have support systems such as computers, enabling them to access information on the Internet instead of spending 30 minutes or more searching for specific books in the library for their research. The Internet has made it easier to access the same information found in textbooks through various platforms and applications like Google, Bing search, and others. Incorporation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems has further eased the work—students can simply chat their questions, and boom! the information is generated.
To appreciate this technology academically and make use of it, students must have appropriate technological devices such as computers. However, there are challenges faced by students who lack these support systems. Firstly, many schools have incorporated online learning and activities where attendance is marked automatically by platforms like Zoom. Missing classes, even unintentionally, can result in falling behind in course progress, and in some colleges, failing to meet the 80% class attendance requirement can lead to penalties such as being unable to take the main exam, essentially wasting a semester.
Secondly, handwritten assignments are often not accepted by lecturers, who prefer typed submissions for easier management and backup. This poses a challenge to students without access to laptops or desktops, although smartphones can suffice for the task, computers are more effective due to their storage and editing features. Unfortunately, many students from lower social classes lack access to these support systems, leading to academic challenges and sometimes even sacrificing meals to afford cyber cafes for printing and typing tasks.
Additionally, accessing revision materials and exam papers online can be difficult for students without personal computers. While some friends may help, relying solely on others for academic resources can be unreliable. Therefore, having appropriate support systems ensures smoother completion of schoolwork and efficient time management, reducing reliance on cyber cafes and ensuring readiness for online exams.
The advancement in learning activities is driven by technology, which is inevitable in this era. Embracing technology in education is crucial for societal progress, starting with schools.
Addressing the challenges faced by students from lower social classes, organizations like Hopeful Handbags Global (HH) have been instrumental. Such organizations provide basic support systems to ease academic progress for students in need. Students who receive aid from such organizations should also give back to society, creating a cycle of support for future students. Furthermore, governments should collaborate with these organizations to support higher learning institutions' students, as they are the future workforce of the nation.
In conclusion, students must support each other in terms of access to support systems, understanding that they come from diverse social backgrounds. Embracing technology in education is essential for achieving academic goals and ambitions. Learning institutions have adopted online learning and modern technology to adapt to the demands of the times.
