How does technology impact a student’s learning? This question has a mixed review. Though as a parent we look for smart classes for our children, many feel that in a physical classroom, it is just an unnecessary distraction.

But after a year of online learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the opinions of people are changing. Technology had the power to bridge the gap between teachers and students during this challenging time. It helped the teachers to reach out to the students and help them to learn and develop various skills online without facing any difficulty.

But, technology cannot work on its own. It needs a guide (teacher) and a purpose (what is to be taught). Also, lot of efforts and strategies are required to integrate it effectively into the curriculum. So, if used properly, technology can be an effective teaching tool and not just a distraction.

We, at Northridge International School, ensure that our students learn and get accustomed to the new methods of learning. We continuously experiment and try to adapt to useful and innovative methods of teaching for the benefit of the students.  

Let’s see how technology impacts education: – 

1.Breaking Classroom Boundaries:

♣ Technology provides information and experience of different worlds within the classroom. E.g. The teacher can share a video of the Amazon Jungles and wildlife/ vegetation.

♣ The children can further learn about the species, expeditions and findings by scientists there – by searching online for photos, videos, blogs and even interact with concerned through videoconferencing.

♣ Learning is available at all times – thanks to technology.

♣ Children have access to different types of varied resource materials for projects/ learning and the like

Virtual groups and online communities help in interacting and sharing ideas and experiences which also help in the development of the student.

2. Provides self – paced Learning: Students who took time to understand certain topics, would fall behind their peers in a physical classroom. But with technology, those who need extra understanding/ practice can go through the concepts online and improve their understanding. Same goes for those who want more content to challenge themselves.

3. Improves Student Engagement: technology helps students become passionate about their learning

♣ Technology helps in the development of a cohesive environment that helps students understand course material better with more engaging learning tools. This interactive method of teaching provides a better understanding of concepts and an enhanced learning experience to students.  

♣ For teachers, technology helps in creating a better demonstrations of the lesson plan – supported by videos, diagrams photos, etc.

♣ While learning online, students pick up technical skills too.

So, we can see that technology has gained significant importance in teaching and learning. As a parent, you can also use technology at home – while helping your child with studies, you can visit online platforms to explore ideas to help them improve.  

We, at Northridge International School, have already started the inclusion of technology in our learning platforms. As it is the need of the hour – we have revised the curriculum to include innovative teaching methods for the benefit of our students. Choose a school where technology can give wings to your child’s dreams. 

Here are some ideas for helping your child in having an enriching and fruitful learning experience during the time of Covid19:

1.Set a schedule: for classes, personal hygiene, screen time, hobby, free play, life skill

2. All material available – Ensure that all books / stationery / craft material etc. are available as per the requirement of the classes.

3. Environment – Create a quiet workplace for your child, free from noise and other distractions/ disturbances.

4. Don’t teach – help them understand the concept that they are finding difficult to understand.

5. Discipline the child to finish all class work/ Home assignments in time

6. Keep in mind – it’s about the child and not about the work. It is important that the child learns and not just completing the class work.

7. Value education – teach them how to behave in an online class – be punctual, empathetic and obedient. Also, ensure that your child is presentable and doesn’t look like he/ she has just gotten out of bed.

8. Connect – with school / peers for discussing and getting clarification on assignments. You can even have video chat with classmates over Whatsapp or zoom for discussion on class work as per requirement. Also, teachers can help you more than you really think. They are usually willing to help. So, in case of any issues, like, if the child has missed a class, or is unable to attend the class, or you are finding it difficult to discipline the child, teachers can help you in any area.

9. Have a daily plan – Apart from the studies, plan 2-3 activities that you would do in that day. After spending too much screen time, it is important for the child to do something to unwind. Engage them in any household chore or hobby that your child is interested in.

Hope these points are of help to you. In case you have more inputs, kindly share in the comments below.

STAY HOME! STAY SAFE !