Connecting Ideas on Technology in Education
Listen to the following discussion between Professor Johnson and a student about the effects of technology on education:
Professor Johnson: Good morning! Today, we will delve into the effects of technology on education. The rapid advancement of digital tools has drastically altered how we learn and teach. Many students now rely on online resources, which can provide greater accessibility to information than traditional textbooks. However, there are concerns that excessive dependence on technology might reduce critical thinking skills.
Student: That makes sense. I feel like while technology offers a wealth of information, it might also distract students from engaging deeply with the material.
Professor Johnson: Exactly. The immediacy of information can sometimes lead to surface-level learning, where students might memorize facts without truly understanding the concepts. Still, technology has enabled collaborative learning across distances, allowing students to work on projects with peers from different parts of the world.
Student: Right! And what about the role of teachers? How has technology impacted their teaching methods?
Professor Johnson: Teachers now have access to various platforms to enhance their lessons, but they also face the challenge of ensuring students stay focused. It’s all about striking a balance between utilizing technology and maintaining traditional teaching methods that promote deep comprehension.
Note: This question has been adapted from its original format to accommodate a reading-based version. In the official TOEFL exam, speaking and listening sections require verbal responses and audio prompts, which are not represented here. Please note that this adaptation may not fully reflect the nature or difficulty of the official exam. The audio feature for these sections will be available soon.
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