Parents are often bombarded with the negative effects of technology on kids, mostly with excessive screen time and social media addiction. However, technology has countless positive sides that often go unnoticed, especially in schools.
With the right leadership and instructions, technology can improve the school and college experience for students, teachers and parents. While it’s not yet time to ditch pencil and paper completely, it’s high time we introduced some amazing tools that can help students learn quickly and efficiently and maintain high learning motivation. Let’s see all the ways different tech can aid education:
It motivates learning
Every student has a different approach to learning. Traditionally, teachers used to stand in front of the class, teach the materials and allow students to ask questions and discuss subjects. In this approach, all students are expected to learn in the same way and at the same speed—that’s not possible. By providing different ways and paces to learn, technology motivates students to study, listen and make an effort to achieve good grades. Plus, younger kids especially might be looking forward to spending time on their educational devices, exploring different subjects, learning things through games and watching interesting videos. When learning and fun mix, students of all ages will stay motivated for longer.
More individualized learning
In the past, classes were smaller, so the teacher could create a completely unique lesson plan for every student. This plan contained various levels of instruction based on the student’s learning abilities and needs. Today, classes are larger so teachers can’t pay attention to every child’s individual needs alone, but technology can help them. With different programs, websites and tutorials, students can get instant help. Also, teachers can provide individual instructions through these tools and even allow more one-on-one time with struggling or advanced students while others use online sources to learn at their own pace.
Provides flexibility
Flexibility in education is very important, especially for older students who might have jobs, families, and social obligations to maintain. With technology, working students can stay in the know with Macquarie notes and get information by subject code or subject name. All the notes are provided by past and existing students, so they are 100% relevant. Similar to this note-sharing technology, students can also choose their favorite way to learn. Some students might prefer to read essays, some might learn best from video tutorials and some might thrive through the use of online games that provide instant feedback. Also, those students that understand the material can find additional information and seek out harder problems.
Gives teachers new tools
Many teachers are thrilled with the idea of tech introduction to classrooms because these online tools make their lives much easier (and they are often free). Educational tools can improve grades, boost learning, allow easy communication with parents, give new opportunities to share materials and send large files online and also provide them with many ways to develop professionally. With technology, teachers can easily find new materials so their students can learn and practice successfully. Also, with technology, it’s easy to keep everyone informed about assignments, lecture changes and necessary materials for lectures. When they need peer help, teachers can join forums or send emails to gather ideas or ask questions.
Instant feedback
Many websites allow students to practice things like grammar, vocabulary, math or any other subject and get instant feedback. These online quizzes allow kids to learn through visual and written content and learn from their mistakes—when you make a mistake or mix up terms, the program will inform you. Through technology, teachers can create online games, quizzes, and activities for students to complete, getting a list of results and statistics that can improve the lectures and teaching.
Better student collaboration
With the use of technology, students can achieve easy collaboration. They can work together on tasks, consult on issues in real-time, and use forums or message apps to tutor each other. Together, they can better understand the material and help each other on the education path. Learning through instruction is a beneficial way to master topics for both tutors and students.
Parents can be more involved
Before technology penetrated the school systems on all levels, parents didn’t know much about their kids’ education. All they knew was from the information their kids provided at home and information they got from teachers during parent-teacher conferences. But, with new technology, parents can be involved in their kids’ education more thoroughly. When parents know what’s happening at school, younger students are more likely to carry good grades and pay attention in class.
The communication between parents and schools has improved with technology as well. Today, parents can use school apps and websites to get real-time updates on grades, classroom behavior, and the attendance of their kids. Also, contacting teachers, professors and administration is easier than ever and can be performed with a quick email or message through the school electronic education management program, website, or app.
It can save money
It’s true that tech like tablets, laptops, electronic boards, and Chromebooks all cost money, when we look at the returns on the investment, we can see that tech provides many benefits. As the years go by, these devices will pay for themselves manifold. Schools can save money on paper and office supplies by switching to digital content. Emails can replace all the letters kids were bringing home for their parents. Instead of using printing and copying machines, teachers can upload school work and homework to Google Classroom or any other learning management system.
With less money to spend on various materials and physical tools (most online tools are free or very cheap), education establishments can aim more of their funds to improving technology, organizing field trips, bringing guest speakers, and ensuring that the school environment is clean, safe and pleasant.
Technology has its bad sides, but when it comes to learning, it can help many students master their subjects, create good learning habits and improve their school engagement.
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Source: Vietnam Insider