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. 

technology and education

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 !

We all understand the importance of nature in our lives. More so, it is important for little ones to connect with the nature as it has long lasting benefits for them. But with the onset of the global pandemic, there is a universal concern about the increase in screen time of children – be it their online classes or leisure time activities. The concern of parents with respect to the dangers and disease outside also cannot be ruled out.

But whatever may the reason for not spending time outside, we need to understand the benefits and importance of nature in our lives.

1.Builds confidence – There are so many ways in which the child can connect with the environment – be it the backyard, Local Park, lake or walking trail. There is no structure when they play outside – kids can run, jump, walk, hop, balance. When children are let free outside, it build their confidence as they learn to balance their movements and know that they have the power to control their actions.

2. Promotes imagination and creativity – when children are interacting with the nature freely, they can plan their own activities or games. Also, they can decide how to play or use the various elements of the nature. This churns their creative thinking and imagination.

3. Works on 5 senses – The nature works on our five senses. We can see, hear, feel, smell and even taste various elements of the nature. It enhances and enriches the power of our 5 senses as we interact with the environment.

4. Builds responsibility – While playing outside, children are inculcated with a sense of responsibility. They learn that if living things – animals or plants are not taken care of, they will not survive. They feel responsible and empathetic towards the environment. This will encourage them to do various activities like putting out food and water for birds, watering the plants or keeping the surroundings clean.

5. Provides good exercise – Nature gets the kids moving. When they are outside, the nature triggers them to exercise. Kids don’t have to involve them in a big game – even a simple walk or cycling will get their blood pumping. Environment provides the much needed exercise and promotes health.

6. Reduces stress and fatigue – Studies have shown that the colour green is very soothing for the eyes. After spending a long time in front of the screen and inside the house, just a while outside can help reduce tiredness of eyes and mind. Take a walk barefoot on the grass or just sit looking at the trees and shrubs – it will give you a sense of pleasure.

7. Promotes cognitive thinking – there are so many things in the environment that triggers the child’s curiosity. They are forced to question about the things around them as they look beyond the four walls of the house. There is a sense of wonder in their little minds about the nature and the many lives it supports.

The next question is – How to get the children to play outside more?

♥ Ask them to help you with chores outside – watering the plants, weeding etc. (get a few potted plants for the sake of your child if you don’t have a yard)

♥ Go for a walk or a bike ride with your child regularly.

♥ Organise playdates at a local park or in your backyard – no going inside.

♥ Make a scavenger hunt game for your child. There are many ideas available online. Or play simple hide and seek.

♥ Plan a picnic or have your evening tea in the backyard or at the park.

♥ If possible – teach them how to climb a tree or balance and maneuver through different types of terrain or hurdles.

♥ After it rains, let them jump in the water puddles, sail paper boats and play with mud.

Let us know, if you can think of more ideas.