How we use and develop technology depends on us. If we are wise, we can use tech to improve ourselves, but if we are unaware of the benefits of technology, it can only cause problems.
Technology today can greatly help our kids’ lives if they focus on the positive aspects of tech usage, limiting the negative effects.
Technology as an Educational Tool
Parents must inform kids that using technology for learning at home and in school can improve them as people.
Old traditional teaching methods are not as useful and widespread as before. The pandemic has increased the need for digital learning, and schools have started using different types of apps and programs such as:
- Virtual Communication Apps (Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Meet, etc.);
- Language Learning Apps (Duolingo, Babbel, Memrise, etc.);
- Apps for Information and Research (Coursera, Khan Academy, etc.);
- Online Libraries (FunBrain, Oxford Owl, MagicBlox, etc.);
- Quiz Apps (Kahoot, Quizziz, Microsoft Forms, etc.);
Combining Traditional and Modern Learning Methods
Time has shown examples that teaching kids only with technology without the help of traditional methods is not successful. Teachers spend most of their time planning and preparing educational presentations, focusing less on classic learning ways. Basing education only on technology can lead to:
- Children losing their attention and focus;
- Lack of teacher-student interaction;
- Worsened ability to memorize facts;
But we mustn’t also forget that traditional methods don’t develop thinking and problem-solving skills like tech offers. So, it’s only logical that combining both is a path to a successful education.
Schools Demand Rules
We can’t just put our kids in school and expect them to behave properly without us teaching them how.
Being a good student demands respecting the teacher and the school environment. Learning with technology only increased the number of rules in a school (as if there weren’t enough already). New tech-oriented school rules students must follow include:
- Use your school computer as your own, and don’t destroy it;
- Respect boundaries set by the teacher;
- Listen carefully to instructions on how to use programs;
- Don’t use unsafe websites or programs;
- Don’t download without permission;
- Report suspicious content;
- Be focused on learning and not some other activities;
- Shut down the computer properly;
- Keep passwords and personal info safe;
- Keep the workspace neat;
Technology Usage Procedure in Schools
Every school provides strict policies and procedures that all members that associate with the school (staff, teachers, students, parents) must respect, especially when it comes to tech.
The schools provide digital devices like computers, laptops, or tablets for students. If some of that inventory is broken by students parents need to pay the total amount of the damaged tech device. The student even might get suspended, ruining future opportunities.
Choosing the Right Digital Tools for Your Children
It’s always tough to find age-appropriate apps for children. Luckily, the Internet offers us countless opportunities. In the following paragraphs, we’ll go over the most important factors you should consider when picking the right digital tools for your child.
Age & Maturity
Often age and maturity go together, but that might not be the case for children. Parents must be sure that their child is both grown-up and mature.
It’s hard to tell when your child is mature, but you can always put them to the test by monitoring their school performances, productivity, ways of looking at different situations, and such.
Online Reviews
When picking an app for children, the most important thing is to look it up online. Having a clear picture of what your children are getting into is a must in today’s often dangerous digital world.
Parental Reviews
Because we can’t fully trust online reviews from the Internet, parents can always try consulting other parents about their experience on any topic. You can find many parental groups on social media and search engines.
Even Teachers Never Stop Learning
Teachers need to gain previous training to prepare themselves for the tech-filled future of education. As technology moves so fast, they need to coordinate and combine their knowledge and experience with the new tech waves.
They must inform kids about the dangers of the digital world and demand they respect online rules. Teaching with tech devices can be fun yet challenging at the same time. So we, parents, must be patient with teachers and respect their effort to go along the fast-flowing and growing river of tech development.
We can always help them by offering technical support, raising funds for new equipment at the school, and other well-thought activities that lead to the ultimate growth of the school. After all, schools are children’s second homes.
Conclusion
Teachers can’t leave their old teaching methods (the proven ones that work) and just replace them with tech. Instead, teachers mix both ways of teaching and allow students to grow and embrace their talents.
Parents must appreciate all the hard work teachers do, creating educated and responsible people that can face the future easily.
After all, when we’re old and tired, our children will be the ones that lead the world. And leading the world isn’t easy.
FAQ
How can technology be integrated into my child’s education?
Balance old-school with modern learning methods. For example, teach children to use tech for searching and learning at home or school, but also to read up on some written literature about the given topic.
What are the benefits and drawbacks of using technology in the classroom?
The benefits of kids using tech in the classroom are developing their IT, creative thinking, problem-solving, searching, and learning skills. On the other hand, kids can demonstrate a lack of attention and focus during learning, aggressive behavior, memory gaps, and worsened discipline caused by wrongly using tech.
What types of technology and devices are best suited for my child’s age and educational needs?
It depends on the age. Toddlers can use learning tablets, drawing kits, tech toys, and similar fun gadgets that help in their growth. Preschool children can get familiar with digital time-teaching watches, tablets, smartphones, and the basics of computers. Young and teenage students can use all kinds of tech devices ranging from phones and tablets to modern PCs and laptops.
How can I monitor my child’s technology use during their educational activities and ensure they stay on task?
You can always use parental control apps or manually check up on your children’s activity.
How can I balance traditional learning methods with technology-based approaches to education?
You can do it by completing the same task in both ways. For example, if your child has to research some experiment, find information on the Internet but also do it at home. That way your child can determine which learning method suits them most and eventually will figure out that tech can help out a lot.
ALSO READ: How to Create a Balance of Technology for Children
