Technology is an essential tool in the 21st century classroom and society but while bringing many benefits to society, computers also bring problems, tension and disbenefits (Rosenberg, 2013). There can be potential social, educational, cultural legal and ethical issues associated with computer use as summerised below (Roblyer & Doering, 2014).
Educational issues associated with computer use include lack of funding, teacher and student accountability for quality progress, best practices and distance education.
Cultural & equity issues associated with computer use include the digital divide, racial and gender equity and students with special needs.
Legal and ethical associated with computer use include hacking, safety issues, plagiarism and illegal downloading.
Social issues associated with computer use include treats to personal safety, technology overuse and misuse, online distractions like social networking and inappropriate sites, cyberbullying, spam, malware, viruses and phishing.
An issue that has had a lot of media and research attention in the past 10 years is in technology overuse. From articles about limiting screen time before bed (Hale & Guan, 2014) to improve the amount and quality of sleep, to childhood obesity with studies showing some children are spending 24 hours a week in front of a screen (Anderson & Butcher, 2006) so the overuse of technology is concerning. There is not a quick fix to this problem and as teachers and parents we need to understand everyone including children must have a balance of physical activity, sleep, socialising, food and entertainment.
Anderson, P. M., & Butcher, K. F. (2006). Childhood obesity: trends and potential causes. The Future of Children, p 37.
Hale, L., & Guan, S. (2014). Screen time and sleep among school-aged children and adolescents: A systematic literature review. Science Review, 50–58.
Roblyer, M. D., & Doering, A. H. (2014). Integrating Educational Technology into Teaching. Essex: Pearson.
Rosenberg, R. S. (2013). The Social Impact of Computers. Retrieved January 31, 2016, from Google Books: https://books.google.com.au/books?hl=en&lr=&id=JX2LBQAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PP1&dq=Social+issues+associated+with+computers&ots=_lCWtCCTzz&sig=GL3Pl_9Oowm41CFIrIU2ojuwbLk#v=onepage&q&f=false
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