Experts state that with the pandemic, technology use has increased in all areas of life, and during this period, essential technology use in home and work life, along with internet usage, has increased by up to 70% in non-sleep hours. Experts note that many users, including students, employees, and educators, contributed to their academic and professional development by enrolling in online education and certificate programs during this period, emphasizing that this number has increased up to 7 times compared to the same period last year. Experts point to the importance of digital literacy during this period.
Üsküdar Üniversitesi Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences Head of Software Engineering Department, Director of Artificial Intelligence and Smart Systems Application and Research Center (YAZAMER) Assoc. Prof. Dr. Türker Tekin Ergüzel said that technology is used in every area of our lives during the current pandemic period.
Technology use increased by 70%
Stating that there has been an increase in technology use during this period, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Türker Tekin Ergüzel said, “During the pandemic period, when we are struggling to stay healthy, our essential technology use in home and work life, along with internet usage, has increased by up to 70% in non-sleep hours. Our technology habits, such as social media use, office applications, gaming, education, shopping, and aimless web browsing, which show increased usage, are perceived negatively due to their destructive effects, but are noteworthy for saving time and financial resources,” he added.
Can Lead to Health Problems
Noting that technology use can also lead to various health problems, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Türker Tekin Ergüzel said, “However, the time spent in front of screens for long periods has brought indirect consequences such as eye pain, musculoskeletal problems, sleep problems, emotional issues stemming from loneliness and social isolation, increased use of computer games in children, obesity, and showing aggression.”
Technology Applications Also Stood Out in Education
Stating that a transformation in educational technologies, which reached high demand and widespread use during the pandemic process, and an educator and student population that adapted very quickly to this transformation, have drawn attention, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Türker Tekin Ergüzel said, “In the process entering its third semester, many students were able to access course materials from alternative platforms on online education platforms (MOOC - Massive Open Online Courses) and made significant contributions to their personal development.”
Work Life Affected
Noting that technology use has also increased in business life and new working models have emerged, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Türker Tekin Ergüzel said, “In working life, where production and efficiency are essential, all institutions that have ensured effective technology use and rapid transformation have been minimally affected economically. Companies that have written unprecedented balance sheets based on their intensive technology use are among the profitable players of this period. The market value of Zoom Video and communication software company, whose name was known by very few users until a year ago, has reached up to 7 times its value in the last 6 months. Companies that used technology correctly and timely in business development solutions have achieved rapid growth with the right strategy.”
Digital Literacy Gained Importance
Pointing to the importance of digital literacy alongside technology use, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Türker Tekin Ergüzel said the following:
“The opening of MOOC platforms to students, the re-watchability of online course content in schools and universities, the provision of equal opportunities, and the ability to reach a wide audience are noteworthy advantages of the system. However, a change in teaching methods also requires a change in the assessment and evaluation system. Issues such as loneliness, finding support, discipline, and technology adaptation among students in courses, as well as the adaptation of teaching staff to content management and the improvement of their capabilities to provide up-to-date content, are noteworthy.
Participation in Education Programs Increased
During this period, many users (students, employees, educators) contributed to their academic and professional development by enrolling in online education and certificate programs, with this number increasing up to 7 times compared to the same period last year. The International Technology Education Association (ITEA) has defined the characteristics of a technology-literate individual. In our country, the development of technology literacy, when considered alongside the transformation competencies of the new generation and new-generation technology transformation, can be achieved by promoting healthy technology use in families starting from primary school level, contributing to mental transformation in schools, and appointing technology mentors who invest in developer intelligence rather than user intelligence.”