Effective Techniques to Help a Child Learn Better in a Techie World
While
modern technology can help adults improve their lives and do things more
efficiently, its influence on children has been mixed. Some may argue that many children are unable to
use technology productively and fight all the distractions that come with it, such as
games, cartoons, and social media, which results in their learning less. While
the attitude of teachers toward modern technology differs greatly, it is slowly
permeating every pore of education, so there is no going back.
This
means that all teachers should start implementing new teaching
strategies in the 21st century. However, technological advances
in education also come with a completely new set of problems, if not used
correctly:
·
they
can take too much time
·
they
can't fully replace the physical and mental interaction which are an integral
part of the studying process
·
they
can cause children to spend less time socializing with their peers
·
since
they use games as a way of learning, they can alter the children's vision of
what education should be like.
With
that in mind, here is how you should use modern technology in order to help
children learn inside an increasingly techie world.
1. Help children make a distinction between a
virtual and the real world. They should learn that, even though modern
technology is handy for anything from socializing to studying, it cannot be a
replacement for the real world. According to Mary Beth Hertz, who
is an elementary computer teacher and a blogger for Edutopia, it is up to us to
make the integration
of technology easier for our students and help them find their way.
2. Blend different learning styles. Educational
technology today is a powerful tool for involving different styles of learning.
Most children, which is about 60-80% of them, respond best to visual learning,
which is why you can make use of presentations, infographics, and videos. Also,
the benefits
from playing a video game, such as a quick decision making and
concentration, can find their way inside the classroom.
3. Introduce problem-solving learning.
Teach them the importance of asking the right questions and seeking out
answers. Since there are so many different tools, apps, and resources they have
at their disposal, motivate them to do online research outside of the classroom
in order to find quality answers. This will certainly develop their analytical
skills.
4. Encourage team collaboration. These
days, even in the workplace, people work as part of a team, and you need to
start preparing your students for that future as soon as possible, by getting
them to work in teams. Try and avoid using apps and tools which isolate the
students from one another, unless they are geared toward helping them stay
focused and productive.
5. Have them try different learning methods.
There is almost too much information out there, so try and steer your students
towards skills they will need in order to study better, such as:
·
scanning
(skimming) the studying materials
·
writing
down notes and reminders
·
creating
charts and tables
·
creating
and using flashcards and mind maps with apps like Chegg Flashcards
and MindMeister to enhance the
learning process
·
coming
up with summaries and analysis of the material for later overview
6. Make use of spaced learning. Spaced
learning will allow students to memorize and understand complex lessons,
while helping them retain focus despite all the digital distractions. You can
also use the same method when revising lessons.
7. Don't let typing replace writing by hand.
According to James Wilson, a grammar tutor and writing expert from Essaysontime, writing by hand
activates a certain part of our brain called the Reticular Activating System,
which helps you prioritize the action you are performing at the moment. This
means that students focus on what they are writing about when writing by hand,
as opposed to typing mechanically.
8. Put an accent on reading. Video and
audio materials are great for capturing the students' attention, but they don't
activate
the brain in quite the same way as reading, which is why you should
encourage them to read. Quiz them and have them analyze the works they have
read, so that they can develop their critical and analytical skills.
9. Have your students avoid multitasking.
Since you will be teaching younger children, multitasking
and learning don't go hand in hand. They are really distracted by modern
technology as it is, and so it would be best for them to focus on just one task
at a time, and then move on to the next one once they are finished. This way
you will teach them concentration and set priorities on what is important. Make sure your instructions and assignments
are clear enough.
10. Allow for better assessment. Every
teacher should cultivate an environment where they are partners with their
students. Also, the children should be able to track their own progress, based
on clearly established criteria, make learning goals, and receive timely and
specific feedback from their teachers. In addition to that, you should
encourage students to turn to each other for learning, and develop their
creative and critical abilities.
Conclusion
Modern
technology has definitely entered education for good. But, it is up to you as a
teacher to select the best tools, technologies, and practices, and use them in
a way that will prove to be the most beneficial for your students.
Sophia Anderson is an associate educator, tutor and freelance writer.
She is passionate about covering topics on learning, writing, business,
careers, self-improvement, motivation and others. She believes in the driving
force of positive attitude and constant development. Feel free to get in touch
on Facebook.
