(MENAFN- Arab News) Education experts suggest that local schools can improve teaching methods if technology is used during lessons. According to a recent survey conducted among students in the GCC, learning is not broad enough and 28 percent have requested the increased use of technology in classrooms. "I completely agree that schools should use technology during lessons in classrooms," says Mukhtar Khan, executive director of the World Center for Education and Training in Riyadh. "Schools in developed countries have used technology in classrooms since 1999. Technology is an effective tool for promoting meaningful and engaged learning. It allows students to work on authentic, meaningful and challenging problems and echo the dynamics of professional problem-solving. Technology is used to promote the development of thinking skills among students." He says, however, that the implementation of technology in classrooms is not easy. "It needs proper planning. Equipment may not be placed in easily accessible locations. Hardware and software often pose problems for teachers in the classroom and just-in-time technical support may be unavailable. In addition, teachers may lack the time and motivation to learn technology skills." "Professional development activities may not provide ongoing, hands-on training for teachers to translate technology into lesson plans," says Khan. "Therefore, it needs proper planning before it is implemented." On the other hand, some think that too much use of technology in classrooms can make students disregard the use of pen and paper. "I don't prefer the use of too much technology in classrooms, where they will have to sacrifice pen and paper," says Farida Farsi, chairwoman of the committee for girls' private schools at the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry. "In Saudi Arabia, we don't have products or programs that support the use of technology in classrooms," says Farsi. "It is not easy to have and launch such facilities at local schools. We cannot agree to such a decision because schools in Saudi Arabia have not reached a standard where they can use technology just as easy as they use textbooks." She adds that the majority of local teachers are not qualified and do not possess the skill to use technology in classrooms. "They need to be trained. Facilities need to be developed and many factors needs to be put in place before one thinks of introducing technology during lessons in classrooms." "However, I believe the key in the field of education is the teacher," says Farsi. "It doesn't matter if technology is used. A highly qualified and skillful teacher is always capable of educating the poorest of students no matter what the circumstance."