While casually scrolling through social media, I came across a rather peculiar video that caught my attention. It depicted children in a Chinese private school wearing various monitors to analyse their reactions during class. The purpose behind this intrusive monitoring? To gauge their attention levels and promptly notify both parents and teachers if signs of distraction were detected. This video left a lasting impression on me, questioning the ethics of subjecting children to such an environment that felt more like a technological prison than a friendly learning space. This led me to ponder a significant question: Is integrating technology and education a progressive step, or does it run the risk of eroding the essence of true learning?

Let us begin by examining one extreme end of the spectrum—immersing school life in technology. An exposé by the Wall Street Journal shed light on hyper- technological practices in classrooms, highlighting the use of EEG (electroencephalogram) headband-like monitors to analyse brain waves and determine student focus. While some teachers from these schools claim that this technology has remarkably improved student performance, the question arises: is technology solely responsible for this improvement? Many students reported feeling immense pressure and competition while wearing the headbands, leading them to force themselves into focus to avoid scrutiny from parents. This raises concerns about whether technology should be used to instil fear and obedience in students, or whether its role should be to nurture their growth and development as individuals.

Furthermore, let us delve into how technology has positively impacted both students and educators. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in education now facilitates teachers in planning engaging lesson plans, posing thought-provoking questions, and preparing collaborative tasks for students. This not only enhances students' learning experiences but also offers teachers better working hours and increased interaction with their students. Additionally, technology allows for efficient and cost-effective global collaboration, especially as the concept of hybrid learning, combining online and offline teaching, becomes more integrated into our personal lives. Video calls in schools have become commonplace, connecting students with peers from around the world and fostering the growth of global citizenship.

One-on-one tutoring presents an intriguing aspect of education. Benjamin S. Bloom's in-depth study on the "2 Sigma Problem" illustrates how personalized tutoring can significantly improve student achievement. However, a challenge arises when we consider the teacher-to-student ratio, as evident in the Indian RTE (Right to Education Act), where it can be as high as 30:1 in primary schools and 35:1 in higher education. This impedes effective one-on-one tutoring within regular working hours. Khan Academy founder, Sal Khan, proposes AI as a solution to this problem, with AI possessing the potential, when equipped with appropriate safety measures, to effectively quiz and tutor students for improved results. Although AI tools have raised concerns in academic circles due to issues like plagiarism, when applied responsibly and ethically, they can undoubtedly contribute to better academic outcomes.

Lastly, we must acknowledge the role of technology in education during the global pandemic. The shift to online schooling through platforms like Zoom, complete with digital whiteboards and tests, allowed for continued education in a safe manner. Although this mode of education had some drawbacks, such as reduced productivity and challenges with academic integrity, we must credit technology for preserving education during a time when traditional methods were no longer viable. Without technology, learning would have been on hold for an extended period, significantly impacting students, teachers, and the global economy.

In conclusion, the integration of technology in education warrants careful consideration of its purpose and ethical implications. We must reflect on how we choose to employ technology: whether it is to create environments of intense focus and pressure or to provide tools that engage students and improve their academic performance. The decision we make will ultimately determine whether technology in education leads to an unfortunate outcome or propels us forward in the pursuit of excellence in learning.

Contributed by Avira Bhatt, a Grade 9 student at the Heritage International Xperiential School in Gurugram.