The Difference in Communication by Kathryn

The Difference in Communication by Kathryn - February 2023 Scholarship Essay

In today's technological society, social communication is declining. With the availability of phones, students lack the benefits that amount from in-person communication. Since teenagers and college students alike have the ability to hide within a screen through video games, online zoom meetings, and social media, the skill of quality communication has been forgotten. Face-to-face communication allows for a better understanding of educational material and decreases the likelihood of cheating.
In fact, most students are able to grasp information that has been explained to them through analogies, fun examples, or in a way that connects with the student personally. Less knowledge and true comprehension are gathered from having a teacher create an online presentation for students to copy down on their computer than if teachers actually sat down with their students and gave examples of the importance of the lesson. For example, it is a widely known fact that students grasp material better when writing notes on a sheet of paper rather than typing them on a device. Similarly, students understand more through class discussions and in-person examples rather than through technological presentations. Although it might be easier for the teacher, it ultimately does not lead to better students. It is also not beneficial if students are given videos to watch at home rather than having a teacher explain the material face-to-face in class. That way students would also have the ability to ask questions they would not be able to ask with a video.
Although devices and technology have scared students into refraining from asking questions in class for fear of judgment, the ability to schedule in-person tutoring sessions with teachers is one of the best communication tools used in order to understand educational material. This leads to a better grasp of the knowledge and lessens the need to cheat which is becoming a major problem in the twenty-first century. Again, with easy access to technology at school or at home, students do not need to study as hard for online quizzes that they have the ability to cheat on through googling the answers. Knowledge gained from in-person communication eliminates the need to cheat since students already have the tools necessary to complete a quiz or test on their own.
While devices and technology do aid in making some school communications easier through class group chats and informational emails, creating study groups and working through the class material at a local coffee shop or a friend's house will, in the long run, lead to a better education system through fully knowledgable students. Furthermore, students who understand the material are more willing to participate in class discussions which creates a better learning atmosphere and engaged minds. Class discussions also allow students to connect with one another and create friendships that lead to a better schooling experience and motivation to learn. These aspects of communication will create future successful thinkers, leaders, students, and role models of society.