We are living in the digital age. This is the reason we see children using smartphones, tabs, laptops, and many gadgets both at home and school. However, parents might not be so enthusiastic to use technology like children. Some parents are tech-savvy but some refrain from using all the latest gadgets. It differs from one parent to another but what is common to all parents these days is that educational technology is playing a significant role, there is no iota of doubt. Therefore, parents must come forward and support their children to use educational technology as it assists in academic learning.
For further clarification, let’s define what exactly educational technology is. Well, educational technology which is otherwise called edtech is an educational approach that uses various technology tools to facilitate teaching and learning. Here the technology tools being used are computers, mobile devices, and learning apps among others.
Relevance of Edtech for Students
Students mostly enroll in distance learning and online courses for which educational technology is a must. Teachers are very much interested to use edtech because it makes their tasks easier. They can conduct classes virtually without the need of being actually present physically. Hence it has been observed that teachers from k12 schools are very much in favor of educational technology. But, students need to be skilled even though they are smart in using gadgets and electronic devices. They have to connect in real-time for lectures and login and logout as per the requirement.
Adult Guidance to Students
Children are very much comfortable using smart devices. They use technology tools for playing games and entertainment. At the same time, they can use educational technology for their academic learning. However, students lack the ethics of using technology and are not well informed regarding privacy and internet rules. Therefore parents and teachers must ensure children use technology safely and securely but within the limit. They should be refrained from getting addicted to gadgets. They must be taught about web safety and the repercussions of cyberbullying among others.
Ways to use Technology by Students
Conventional learning has its place in schools. The presence of teachers in the classroom, usage of textbooks and blackboards are part and parcel of learning in k12 schools. It can’t be replaced but we can incorporate technology tools to supplement the learning process. However students must learn the ways to use technology so that they can leverage the advantage for improving their academics. Study materials are available online but students must know how to search them. Moreover the sources they are referring to are authentic or not also matters. This is the reason teachers should help students so that the learning process will remain organized. Moreover, the students will be able to communicate with the concerned organization or scholar for getting more information other than classroom learning.
Relevance of Digital Citizenship
Generally, it has been observed that students of k12 schools indulge in a lot of activities on the internet. They do a lot of research, communicate with teachers and peers. At times, they make efforts to collaborate with edtech companies and e-learning institutes. However, while doing so, they might infringe the rights such as copyrights. In this regard, they should be properly guided. They must understand the responsibility of using the internet and become a digital citizen. Hence parents and students need to understand the concept of digital citizenship in the realm of technology.
Way to use Technology Tools by Teachers
Teachers can use edtech mostly for communicating with children and their parents. Right from the study updates to sending learning materials, all are just a few clicks with the help of educational technology. Teachers also can provide customized feedback to students with respect to specific subjects and chapters. Resultantly, students can improvise their learning. Actually, the technology tools are instrumental in engaging students with teachers cohesively.
In recent times, the government has added coding in academics right from the sixth class onwards as per the new educational policy. Further, there are provisions of e-courses even in regional languages. This reflects the importance of technology in our education. Hence, parents must cooperate and encourage their children to embrace educational technology.
