In modern classrooms, digital tools have already become indispensable. Interactive technologies like smart whiteboards and digital textbooks have replaced traditional blackboards and books, to create an engaging and dynamic learning environment.
Digital transformation can pull K-12 education into new learner centered constructs that accelerate learning, address historic inequities and help close historic learning gaps. It will also ensure that schools are prepared the next time a natural disaster or health crisis disrupts in person learning. Educational technology is not like a magic wand or a silver bullet, but it will enable a powerful pedagogy that will be delivered by teachers, the heart and soul of classroom learning.
Digital technologies have transformed entire industries and enterprises, from transportation to agriculture from communications to commerce and even dating and romance! It’s everywhere and in everything. Most of the K-12 learners are locked into the one size fits all approach to teaching and learning that their parents, grandparents and great-grandparents had!
The digital transformation of teaching and learning can provide schools with the means to address historic inequities in educational opportunities and close those learning gaps. I know most of us tend to think every school has the internet and personal learning devices, but in truth, students from privileged, English proficient, non-remedial and white populations get most of the benefits. There are poor school districts and then there are those with money to spend. Large school districts verse small districts and the inequity of the two has to be addressed to level the playing field.
One of the major advantages of technology- based training is that it can be done when and where it’s needed the most. Learners can be more engaged in the pace of their learning. I don’t think institutions fail from lack of vision, it’s more likely because they don’t know how to get from ideas to implementation. There needs to be a framework for building a skills-forward strategy from the ground up, be ready, technically, culturally and organizationally.
Digital tools and online resources provide students with instant access to information beyond traditional textbooks, including academic journals, multi-media content and interactive solutions. Once monotonous and boring, school lessons can be transformed into dynamic and engaging experiences. Online platforms facilitate collaboration and encourages communication among students and teachers. I honestly think by integrating technology into the K-12 curriculum, it will help students develop the essential digital literacy skills. I see positivity in the teamwork and more critical thinking skills which in turn prepares them for future careers in a new tech-driven world. Cost is a huge issue with the newest and latest technology. As stated before, the different school districts are just that….so different. The one thing that stands out for me is that ensuring equitable access to technology and internet is absolutely crucial. The future of learning is new and will constantly change as it grows. There is so much to be discovered and even more to explore. As with anything new, it takes time and effort.
There are pros and cons of both digital learning and hands- on learning. Neither approach is perfect but outcomes of both are worth studying. There’s also blended learning – the combination of digital and hands-on learning. While researching both, I was made aware of the good and bad of each learning method. They both have good and even the bad is not that bad! In digital learning, there is much more flexibility due to the range of online resources. Hands-on learning provides understanding through active participation. I happen to like both of these suggestions. I know that technology can be distracting and there is no one on one, face to face learning. I am more of a hands on kind of person and I like the interaction and the motivation it seems to bring. I know pictures, charts and models are considered old school and outdated, but I think this type of learning keeps the students focused and more motivated to learn. I’ve seen with my own eyes how younger children are sat down with a tablet and left for hours to their own devices. This is from someone in my family. Now that he is older, I and others as well, can see how he affected by this. His academic achievement and level are no where it should be. His attention span is close to zero and just because apps and programs are labeled educational, it doesn’t give that human connection. I tend to lean more to the engagement of physical, hands-on discoveries. I think the realizations about the world around them just ignites their love for learning and wanting to discover more. I know the world wants to go totally digital, but I like the idea of blending the benefits of both digital and hands-on learning. Its like the best of both worlds.
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