Information Technology Blog - - Can Computers and Technology Ever Replace The Classroom? - Information Technology Blog
Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, over 850 million children across the world are now being shut out of schools and encouraged to take their education to their homes in order to combat the spread of the virus, whilst also keeping up with their school work.
However, the age of traditional teaching methods is, seemingly, in the past now. Teaching is no longer a one-way street and in order to make teaching interactions more effective, technology is frequently used to enhance the process of knowledge and learning.
Thankfully, technology is rapidly changing and evolving, with teachers constantly adapting to its new processes. But, when this technology is used outside of the classroom, will it be as effective?
Traditional textbooks are no more
Now that there are interactive applications, students are no longer interested in the traditional textbook. Interactive and captivating apps are better for students now as their initiative is simple – they encourage focus. Apps can make students focus more on the topic they are studying and are encouraged to solve the problems offered by the apps.
As well as interactive and educational apps, there are also interactive games, videos, and podcasts which are now all used to form part of the modern teaching process, replacing textbooks slowly but surely. As a lot of schools use these interactive apps and features in their day to day teaching methods, these can be easily be adapted to that students can use them in their homes during the closedown of schools, without the need to carry and store numbers of heavy books.
Teaching isn’t just refined to the classroom
Teaching is no longer conducted in a sole space. Over time, teaching has evolved and expanded and now focuses on things such as outdoor teaching, method practices, and even worldwide resources. Thanks to the world wide web, which has been widely available for almost 30 years now, teachers have managed to take things to the next level.
There are many advantages to using non-classroom based teaching. It helps students to form their own opinions and for many students, classroom-based learning isn’t the best form for them personally. By branching out into new methods, teachers can encourage different thought processes. By students having to learn from home, parents can help by encouraging things such as cooking, home economics, outdoor activities, and play. For older students, who may miss out on the social aspect of school, FaceTime and Skype are great communication tools and methods to help them connect.
Flexible schedules
With so many schools closing, parents are now becoming their children’s teachers which means that flexibility is key. Alongside juggling work, self-isolation and daily tasks, fitting in a rigorous school schedule aren’t going to work. By learning at home, students and parents can be more flexible in creating a schedule that works for them and their needs. Most children tend to work from a schedule in the classroom, so it is important to mirror this at home to avoid confusion and anxiety. When creating a homeschooling schedule, be sure to include family dinners, chores, family projects and break times. Because this is such a unique situation and one which has seemingly sprung up from nowhere, families, students, and teachers have had little time to plan, so a few changes here and there is ok!
Express more creativity
Teachers have been actively encouraging students in recent years to teach students about the new pieces of technology which are becoming increasingly more available. Teachers now have to take on the role of being a researcher, IT person and coder, whilst also using more traditional teaching methods. As students are now moving to home education, this allows for more time to be creative and express their creative side. Parents who are leading home education should encourage students to try things they haven’t previously done or had time to do in the classroom.
If a student is interested in becoming an app developer, for example, then they can use this time at home to learn more about it and the processes involved. For those students who are interested in learning about arts or music, then online videos and tutorials are perfect in place of standard music lessons. Thanks to the internet, no matter what your child is interested in, you’re sure to be able to help them learn and pick up new skills.
It is important to remember that teaching methods aren’t constant and, whenever something new is introduced, we should all collectively try to use it for the advancement of teaching and knowledge.
Tips for home learning
The COVID-19 outbreak has been a confusing time for us all and for parents who now need to learn and adapt at becoming teachers, this can prove even more difficult and stressful. It is important to remember that you don’t need to mirror the procedures set out in school and instead, adapt to creating a schedule that works for everyone.
Acknowledge that children have different needs
Schools are well prepared for teaching children with differing needs, so don’t worry if you find teaching a little challenging in the early days. Whether it’s educational needs or just visual/active learning, each child is different and you just need to find what is right for you.
Downtime is important
Downtime will be absolutely vital in ensuring that both you and your child cope with adapting to this new routine. If you’ve been placed on self-isolation or lockdown, then having time away from learning will be just as important, so make sure that you are spending time away from the space you are teaching. Whether you choose to spend time outside, creating simple crafts or reducing screen time, this will help to reduce friction in the family.
Get crafty
Art is an important part of education and is something that is massively focused on in schools, but it is also important for you to get involved with these crafts too. Set a different art project every week and get everyone in the house involved. For example, you could do an under the sea, nature or history theme based on what you want your children to learn. Use different materials that you find around the house and outdoors, such as jars, plastic packaging, cardboard rolls, fabric cutoffs, and buttons.
Remember, whilst technology won’t replace the whole school experience, thankfully due to technological advancements and developments, students who need to learn from home will be able to closely replicate the same teaching experience that they receive in schools. We all need to try to just do our best, as there is currently no map or timescale for this journey we have all found ourselves on.
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