Technology for learning, love it or loathe it?
Technology, love it or loathe it, most of us depend on it for many aspects of our lives. As we approach a new and different school year, we will likely be more dependent on technology than ever. We thought this is the perfect opportunity to dive deep into some tech-talk about this highly debated topic.
Technology can sometimes get a bad reputation...and it is true, it can create some negative outcomes for families. Do any of these ring true for you?
My kids only want to spend time on screens
I feel like the app is doing all the work for my child
The program is overstimulating
I don’t feel like my kids are learning while they are on their devices
I feel like my kids don’t have to “think enough” when they use apps
My kids are like zombies when they are on screens
So what do we do about this?
Technology is FULL of potential....but only if used in the right way and approached with the right lens. Let’s consider how we can view and approach technology in a way that lets us capitalize on the benefits!
“In education, technology can be a life-changer, a game-changer, for kids who are both in school and out of school” - Queen Rania
Here is our keyword when it comes to technology: INTENTIONALITY. Are you using technology in a purposeful and deliberate way, or is it just about putting in time? Approaching the use of technology with intention will help to ensure it is providing value.
Here are some considerations for technology in a learning situation:
Technology should be seen as a tool. Consider if the technology you are using is developing skills. If it is, it is a tool. If your kids are spending time on technology with no deliberate outcome, then it is not a tool. Ask the question: what is my child getting from this? What are they learning? If you don’t know ask. You have to see what they are learning from their point of view as well :)
Technology for remote access. We are able to learn and work from home this year BECAUSE of technology. We were able to stay home and healthy at the start of the pandemic (and keep up to date on the ever-changing plans BECAUSE of technology). Technology out of necessity can be a reason in itself.
So use technology as if you are in school - ask the teacher questions, message your friends, have a homework gathering on zoom! Use technology to connect and learn in a new way. Let’s see what this tool offers us during this time.
Technology can provide independence. There are apps and programs that allow our kids to become more independent in their learning through scaffolding and progression. Huge benefits. Your child may need to see and hear a word or number over and over before they can recall it. Technology can offer this without your child feeling that they can’t understand — in fact, they will start to understand HOW THEY LEARN when using technology and gaining success!!
Technology can provide feedback. Feedback is an important step in the learning process. Feedback may need to be visual, auditory or both. Watch to see what your child responds best to. Many different apps and programs provide instant feedback on which answers are correct, how to say certain words (bonjour!), or even help to correct spelling and grammar. This instant in-the-moment feedback can be a great learning opportunity.
Technology can provide easily accessible and highly motivating rewards. Rewards can be an important component, especially for some students with learning differences (and especially with subjects that they may not be motivated to do!). There are many apps that will cheer for you, provide stickers or access to extra games once work is completed.
Technology can develop skills. Technology can definitely be beneficial when considering specific skills that are being targeted. Let’s say your child is learning to form letters but they have difficulty holding a pencil. Well, you can now work on forming letters without a pencil using an app such as Letter School — and then you can work on holding a pencil to colour and perform other skills that work just on pencil and finger control.
Technology needs to be approached with the “WHY” in mind...why are we using technology for this skill or accommodation? How is it benefiting this student in this situation? Yes, if people are mindlessly using technology with a lack of a plan or a lack of intention, it can easily be something that quickly becomes viewed in a negative light.
Technology can provide us with many learning opportunities, but it should never be seen as THE learning process. It needs to be viewed as just one piece of a greater, more holistic learning strategy.
So embrace technology as the powerful tool it is — and focus on skills! If you are wondering which skills can be developed with technology and what can be moved outside of technology — then join us inside our PMC!!
“At the heart of effective technology integration, technology offers opportunities to be more actively involved in the learning experience.” - Vanessa Vega