Tablet Technology – helping your child improve his learning
We are living in an age where new technological advances are being made at a shocking rate and the truth is that the use of technology is becoming more important in our daily lives. We cannot ignore the fact that our children are 21st century learners who have access to more knowledge on their smartphones and tablets than we have ever learned during all our years at school or spent studying. It would be futile to ignore the impact these devices have on our children and the way in which they learn.
Almost every child has, or has access to a smart phone or similar device such as an iPad or a tablet. These devices have the potential to be valuable sources of knowledge, helpful teaching tools and motivators of learning. Unfortunately, quite often it is only used as a gaming platform and our children rarely use their smart devices for other reasons than entertainment, social media and playing games.
Studies proving the benefits of using iPads in the classroom range from Preschoolers using devices getting better results for literacy than their peers not using devices, to iPad-equipped medical students scoring 23% higher in their final exams than previous classes who were unequipped.
Our job as teachers and parents is to guide our children toward using smart devices not merely as a toy, but as an educational tool. Although we might think that our children are very clever in being able to use a device, we are fooled if we think they can teach themselves how to transform the toy into a tool. As with most things in life, they still need the guiding hand of teachers and parents in helping them to find information safely and to use appropriate apps in different learning situations.
The good news is that children are willing to explore the possibilities of eLearning, as they find the idea of using a device in the classroom quite appealing. They are more willing to switch on their iPads than they are in opening a book, as the device gives the feeling of “the fun is about to begin”. Learners who are reluctant to start writing are less reluctant to start a similar activity on the device. Activities can be redesigned to allow completion on the iPad or tablet, challenging students on a different and often more practical level.
Having access to this technology can also extend the classroom to the home. Educational apps are available for any age, ability level and subject. With apps such as Quizlet and Edmodo, rote learning and self-testing can improve a child’s memory, assisting in more effective test preparation and ultimately better results. Improving your child’s literacy and Maths skills at home while using appropriate apps can also help him perform better in class. Apps such as Reading Eggs, Epic and News-O-Matic will improve his reading comprehension and general knowledge.
Often, children can be bored with content that is taught in class, or want to find out more about specific topics. Discovery learning takes place when children discover the treasure of educational platforms such as Khan Academy and TedTalks. Using Youtube (and the recently released YouTubeKids) can be used as much for educational videos than for entertainment.
Although technology can never replace a good teacher, it can help your child be a better learner. Embrace the fact that iPads and tablets are part of our reality and that we should harness its possibilities to assist in your child’s education now, while inevitably waiting for the next amazing technology to improve even upon these devices.
