The image of a typical classroom has changed in recent years with the introduction of technology. Rather than the teacher standing at the front of the classroom, telling their class to turn to page 10 of their textbook and write notes down after reading the section, they now switch on their computers and Google before typing up their answer.
Even more advanced has been the introduction of iPads in schools, which has divided opinion. Whilst some think kids spending too much time in front of a screen is mind numbing, many argue the benefits of them, believing they are a great tool for education.
So how can technology help to educate children?
Well firstly, technology allows quick and easy access to information, meaning that everything they could ever need to know is at their fingertips.
New technology, particularly the recent introduction of iPads into schools, provides access to apps and there is, of course, an app for everything, with new ones becoming available all the time. These are available for every subject, age, learning style and ability, not only helping children learn, but allowing them to do so in a fun and interactive way. Therefore learning is enjoyable as well as memorable.
Children with tablets have actually shown better signs of development; in fact, scientists reckon they should have them as soon as they are born because they are better than books! According to research from the University of London it is because iPads provide a more sensory stimulation for babies than books do.
iPads are a great way for children, particularly those with autism, to improve their communication, motor and cognitive skills – particularly as they offer portability and flexibility allowing all children to learn while on the go.
Technology enabling a fun and interactive way of learning is particularly apparent through the new 4D classrooms. These allow an immersive experience that facilitates flexible and experiential approaches to education, enabling pupils to influence, develop and take control of their own learning. When kids are having fun they engage better and want to learn, and at the same time being able to visualize what they are learning makes it more memorable. It brings the curriculum to life and enables them to experience things they wouldn’t otherwise have been able to.
Technology is perfect for personalised learning, from maths games that adjust the level of difficulty as the player progresses to electronic books that talk and respond. Technology has also enabled learning to continue outside of the classroom – because these apps are available outside the classroom. It’s a fun way of learning that will have children begging to use your iPad rather than moaning when you ask them to do their homework.
There are, of course, several reasons that technology can be detrimental to kids’ education, such as using it for something other than an educational purpose or searching for answers without thinking about it for themselves first. As well as this technology is significantly more expensive than textbooks, both initially and when it needs to be fixed. However, with Lovefone on hand to fix any problems quickly and cheaply and, if use is monitored, neither need be an issue!
So, whether you are a teacher or a parent, you may want to look at ways technology can help to educate your child both in school and out of it.
