Technology during the Covid Times

We use technology every single day. Technology surrounds us in countless forms which may include, computers, phones, TVs, laptops, tablets, and many more. With the free time provided by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, people have turned to technology as an escape. A source of entertainment, communication, education, and to connect to the outside. The things a screen has provided for us, the impact it has.

Education

Since the COVID-19 pandemic was something nobody was quite ready for, schools have had to shift on lockdowns and move all learning modules online with short notice. Adjusting to this new online environment was uneasy for many students and teachers. One service that was mainly used for online school was Microsoft Teams. As a platform provided by many school districts, Microsoft Teams has both advantages and disadvantages.

Doing school through a screen is not the same compared to face to face class, yet it is a good alternative. Microsoft Teams allows students and teachers to be on one call as a whole class. This allows teachers to demonstrate and provide the curriculum through the usage of sharing their screen, or even by using a PowerPoint.

Photo by NEC Corporation of America with Creative Commons license.

A few disadvantages of online classes are the side effects that come with using a technology based platform for education, whether through the technical difficulties with sharing your screens or having major network issues or even being stuck in the wrong meeting. Issues like these cause kids to have a harder time to grasp the content taught by their teachers.

Connect

Another way technology has ultimately has impacted us during these horrific and disturbing times is through connection. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many families have had trouble connecting to each other and were restricted by all of the social distancing guidelines. This is where technology played its role. Through technology, families are able to talk and connect with others without having to deal with the risks associated with the pandemic.

Work

Many adults have been shifted onto an online basis for many jobs and businesses. The advantages and disadvantages of technology are significant. On one hand, transferring online can be difficult for hands-on workers, while on the other hand, technology allows workers to stay at home and be safe while still pursuing their full time job.

Your role

Whenever we come across topics such as this one, we need to use our voice the best we can. The first step in the right direction would be to keep educating yourself in order to stay updated on issues that impact the world. Staying educated will not only help you better understand the significant events occurring in the world but it will also open up a door to empathising with others and taking action to help people who are facing hardship that we might not have to deal with due to our privilege.

The next step is to stay positive and practice various self care activities in order to stay calm and clear headed. We need to work on ensuring that we are mentally healthy and optimistic. This will help us to see the matter with a solution-focused perspective, ensuring that no negativity will be able to hinder the steps you take towards making a difference.

Lastly, reach out and educate others as well. Spread awareness about the issue and discuss possible solutions within your community.

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Sources

• De', R., Pandey, N., & Pal, A. (2020, December). Impact of digital surge during covid-19 pandemic: A viewpoint on research and practice. Retrieved February 11, 2021, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7280123/

• How COVID-19 has pushed companies over the technology tipping point--and transformed business forever. (2021, February 08). Retrieved February 11, 2021, from https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/strategy-and-corporate-finance/our-insights/how-covid-19-has-pushed-companies-over-the-technology-tipping-point-and-transformed-business-forever

• Vargo, D., Zhu, L., Benwell, B., & Yan, Z. (2020, December 28). Digital technology uses DURING COVID‐19 pandemic: A rapid review. Retrieved February 11, 2021, from https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/hbe2.242

• Garfin, D. (2020, August 13). Technology as a coping tool during the CORONAVIRUS disease 2019 (covid‐19) pandemic: Implications and recommendations. Retrieved February 11, 2021, from https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/smi.2975