Learning is an ongoing process, which means every new resource only adds to a child’s learning curve. As time evolved and the world witnessed a number of advancements, even the educational landscape has undergone a sea change. The pedagogies are far more improved, different media types have found their place in the teaching-learning framework, and both educators and parents have become more embracing of technological integration into the learning process of children.
This technological integration into the education system is what is known as Education Technology (EdTech). Education technology is an umbrella term that includes all sorts of technologies such as computer software and hardware, along with classroom theory. There are many use cases for education technology. One of them is to create more personalized learning by providing children with various resources to learn at their own pace. This way, they can fully acclimate to this learning process and grasp concepts early in their academic endeavors. However, we, at DPS Sushant Lok, one of the top schools in Gurgaon, firmly believe that to enable the kids to unleash the full potential of EdTech, it is very important that you, the parents, also understand your role and partake in the process. You must be aware of the latest technologies and how they can help your children. In other words, you must know the Do’s and Don’ts of EdTech and its concepts.
So, in this article today, we, at DPSSL, will look deep into the wondrous world of EdTech and put forth the Do’s and Don’ts of using the technology for children’s teaching-learning purposes. Read on.
The Do’s: Learn, Reinvent & Become A Genius
- You should know how to use the tools, software, and other devices (such as VR sets, Smart Phones, etc.) before letting your kids use them. You should also know how to troubleshoot them when the hardware/software causes problems.
- EdTech methods should be used as a tool for learning rather than a way for children to engage in unfruitful games and watch videos. You should only use content that stimulates problem-solving. Examples include Flash Games for solving Math problems and learning Alphabets (Gamification), animations incorporating video lessons, etc.
- Be aware of the potential health risks involved with technology, such as seizures caused by Virtual Reality (VR) sets.
- You must know your end goal, that is, what you want your children to achieve by the end. Ask yourself: “Do I want them to learn basic mathematical concepts? Do I want them to learn about the alphabet? How many nursery rhymes do I want them to learn at the end of each week? Do they need revision at the end of the week?” etc.
- Do keep track of the progress being made. Find out how you can make progress quicker and more efficiently without putting too much pressure on your children. Moreover, if you see little to no progress, determine what’s going wrong and rectify it immediately. Remember that in all probability, the child’s not at fault here, but the teaching methodology is wrong.
The Don’ts: Remember Never to Forget
- Don’t let your children lose focus of outside factors; just keep them engaged with such content that even if there are disturbances outside, they’ll maintain their focus on the work.
- Don’t use the “Wrong tools for the job.” You must do sufficient research before using a tool and know whether it’ll serve its purpose. You must also avoid using tools that are not up to par.
- Don’t expose your kids to content that isn’t age-appropriate. If this happens, your kids might find things too complex and boring, and they may not progress.
- Don’t get too dependent on technology. It doesn’t matter how advanced or efficient the tool is; you’ll always need to clear up certain aspects on your own. To be precise, “You mustn’t replace human interaction in its entirety.”
- Don’t forget to set time limits as good quality EdTech may have serious repercussions. It may sound oxymoronic, but you must realize that games are involved in this teaching method, and good quality games are very addictive.
A Future to Look Forward To: A New World Where Anyone Can Be Anything
At DPSSL, ranked among the top 10 CBSE schools in Gurgaon, we firmly believe that EdTech is here to stay, and the benefits are endless. No wonder many modern-day educational institutions and parents have shifted to this method, and quite rightly so. This is because technology has become a part of our life today. EdTech has opened new horizons for the new gen learners, where they learn things in an atmosphere conducive to them. It is an exciting new world, where the future is bright, the possibilities are endless, and success is predestined for future generations.