Throughout the pandemic, virtual learning has become much more common and students have learned to adapt to new ways of teaching. Today, the effects of the pandemic can still be seen within the classroom – one of those effects being technology.
Electronics can be integrated into the classroom via tablets, laptops, smartboards, online textbooks, and much more! Teachers have the ability to shape their lessons differently for each student and create the best learning environment possible. Below are a few ways technology is enhancing the way our children learn:
Engagement and Collaboration
Education technology has been shown to increase engagement, collaboration, and student learning. In the past, electronics in the classroom had been viewed as a distraction. But as technology advances, educators are finding more ways to incorporate it into the classroom in a helpful way. Having access to the internet and other online resources allows students to have up-to-date information accessible to them at all times. Teachers may use interactive quizzes and tech-enabled group discussions to bring students together, encourage communication, and enhance overall learning.
Incorporation of Different Learning Styles
Every child processes information differently. Technology allows teachers to integrate the three main learning styles: visual, auditory, and kinesthetic. For visual learners, teachers can create PowerPoint presentations with key points and pictures. For auditory learners, teachers can play books on tape via auditory apps. Kinesthetic learners need to participate in interactive activities in order to learn new concepts. New technology offers a variety of interactive apps to help students learn content in most subjects. Before new age technology was brought into classrooms, it was difficult for teachers to meet the needs of each student. Now that technology has been more integrated into the learning process, adapting to the learning styles of individual students has become much easier.
Preparation for the Real World
Technology is preparing our youth for the real world by helping them develop critical thinking skills. Exposing students to tech learning at a young age increases their understanding of the internet and how to find solutions to their problems faster than usual. Technology also teaches students responsibility by giving them something to take care off, use safely, and respect. Now that technology is used in most workplaces and careers, learning how to use it early teaches skills necessary for students to succeed in the future.
Early exposure to technology is very important to our youth and influences the rest of their lives. At AYS, students are introduced to technology via visits to the computer lab and playing educational games and participating in STEM learning activities on their tablets. Our before and after school programs are tailored to fit every child’s needs and help them grow into well-rounded individuals! If you’re interested in enrolling your child, check out our programs at www.ayskids.org/school-programs!
