Technology in Education.
During a meaningful interview with the founder of Edutopia, I was asked, “Many parents express reservations about integrating technology into education. What are your thoughts on technology in education?” While many parents harbour reservations about integrating technology into educational settings, the reality is that technology is an inescapable facet of modern life.
Sharing with you four main key points about technology:
Intention is Key: The primary consideration in integrating technology into education is the intention behind its use. It should be used with the purpose of enhancing learning outcomes and fostering engagement, rather than simply as a distraction or pacifier.
At Spacing, we utilise a combination of hard copy books for storytelling and listening to stories via YouTube. This approach enables children to enjoy and appreciate stories in various formats. However, it’s necessary to engage in discussions about the story after watching the video to ensure that screen time is not only enjoyable but also meaningful.
Setting Boundaries: It’s crucial to establish appropriate boundaries around screen time to ensure that technology is used in moderation and in ways that align with educational goals.
If you’re unsure how to set boundaries with your child, you can refer to our previous article on the topic. Establishing appropriate boundaries is crucial.
At Spacing, we implement a task list system to ensure that students are aware of each task’s purpose and importance. As a result, our screen time periods are either set to a predetermined duration or depend on the completion of the task.
Guiding Students in Appropriate Use: Educators or guardians play a vital role in guiding students to use technology as a learning tool effectively. This involves teaching them how to utilise technology to support their learning and encouraging responsible and mindful usage.
At Spacing, students often use search engines to find meanings of words for their vocabulary exercises and gather information for their expository writing. We allocate specific times for the use of search engines, accompanied by thorough guidance. This guidance includes teaching students which search engines to use and instructing them on internet safety measures to prevent them from accessing scam sites or other potentially harmful content.
Technology as One of Many Tools: While technology can be a valuable resource in education, it should not be the sole focus. It’s important to recognize that it is just one of many tools available to educators and students, and that a balanced approach incorporating various teaching methods is essential for holistic learning. It should complement, rather than replace, traditional teaching methods, promoting a balanced and holistic approach to education.
At Spacing, we employ a multi-sensory approach in our curriculum. Our focus extends beyond technology to encompass recent, relatable topics, as well as fostering growth mindset and mindfulness. While we integrate technology into our lessons, we also maintain a balance with traditional formal work and hands-on activities.
In essence, technology should be used with intentionality, with clear boundaries established for screen time, and with guidance provided to students to ensure its effective and responsible use as a tool for learning.
Discover other enjoyable learning activities as alternatives to screen time. Start exploring creative writing with our specially curated 30-day writing prompts! Download now for engaging and independent writing activities tailored for children aged 6 and above, benefiting parents, educators, and students alike.
Top 3 recommended literacy games by our students that you can also play with your child!
