Listen to the article:
Technology is part of our everyday life and the classroom is no exception. Studies indicate that technology promotes more involvement and participation. Kids also remember information better, test scores improve, and they gain self-confidence, which motivates them to work harder.
Here are eight ways that technology can boost confidence.
#1 Opportunity to Apply Former Knowledge. Children begin learning how to use technology very early in life and even when they understand only the basics, when they can experience this familiarity in a classroom setting, it comforts them and encourages them to continue to learn.
#2 Makes Learning Enjoyable. Technology can be incorporated into projects, games, and other activities, which can make learning fun. When children are enjoying learning, they experience less frustration and are more apt to try something new.
#3 Provides Interaction. Anything can be learned in theory through reading books and listening to others. However, technology can offer various levels of hands-on learning and the interaction will help kids retain what they learn.
#4 Brings Shy Students Out of Their Shell. The classroom setting can make kids feel pressured, especially if they are shy. When technology is available for use during discussions and assignments, kids have the opportunity to verify answers before speaking in front of a group. This extra tool gives shy kids a boost in confidence while also helping them learn to participate and be more involved in activities.
#5 Expands Access to Resources. Having access to online resources enables kids to investigate and find solutions to questions, which gives them a sense of accomplishment.
#6 Promotes Conversation. When kids are allowed to collaborate with peers and use technology to find solutions to problems, they learn important communication and group participation skills.
#7 Expands Horizons. Online resources enable kids to learn and expand their horizons. This eliminates the limitations that are sometimes imposed in the standard classroom setting. Access to additional resources can help kids reach their full potential at a faster pace if it aligns with their desires.
#8 Fulfills Customization Needs. In the classroom, teachers frequently spend multiple hours developing separate assignments for students who are moving at a different pace then others. However, with technology being incorporated, kids can learn at their own pace and seek online assistance when needed. This prevents kids from becoming frustrated and provides the additional guidance so they will experience the joy of accomplishment; and it benefits teachers as well.
As advancements in the field of technology continue it will be an integral part of our children’s lives; much more than our own. The use of artificial intelligence is already being introduced to classrooms around the world, so the earlier children gain knowledge and understanding of it, the better they will thrive in life. While it is important to set limitations on exposure to technology, it does provide multiple advantages.
Thought Starters:
- Leveraging Familiar Technology in Education: Reflect on how the technology familiar to children can be integrated into the classroom to provide a comfortable and encouraging learning environment. Consider the types of technology your child is already familiar with and how these can be utilized in an educational context to boost their confidence.
- Incorporating Fun and Interactive Learning: Think about how technology can make learning more enjoyable and interactive, and how this approach can reduce frustration and increase a child's willingness to engage in new learning experiences.
- Using Technology to Support Shy Students: Ponder how technology can be used as a tool to help shy students participate more confidently in classroom discussions. Consider ways in which technology can provide these students with the means to verify their answers and feel more secure when contributing to group activities.
- Expanding Access to Diverse Educational Resources: Reflect on the role of online resources in providing children with broader access to information and learning materials. Think about how this access can empower students to explore and find solutions independently, enhancing their sense of achievement and confidence.
- Facilitating Customized and Self-Paced Learning: Contemplate the benefits of technology in allowing students to learn at their own pace and according to their individual needs. Consider how this aspect of technology can prevent frustration and provide additional support, leading to a more fulfilling learning experience and a sense of accomplishment.
Suggested Questions To Ask Your Child:
- What did you learn using technology in school today?
This question encourages the child to share their experiences with technology in the classroom. It aligns with the article's point that technology can make learning more enjoyable and interactive, and asking about it can help the parent gauge how technology is impacting their child's learning and confidence.
- How do you feel when you use technology to help with your schoolwork?
This question aims to understand the child's feelings about using technology for learning. It relates to the article's suggestion that technology can provide comfort and encouragement to children in educational settings, boosting their confidence.
- Can you show me a project or something fun you did with technology at school?
Asking the child to demonstrate a project or activity they completed using technology invites them to showcase their skills and achievements. This approach is in line with the article’s idea that technology helps make learning enjoyable and can boost self-confidence through hands-on experiences.
- Have you found any online resources that help you understand your lessons better?
This question addresses the article’s point about technology expanding access to resources and enabling children to independently investigate and find solutions, which enhances their sense of accomplishment and confidence.
- Do you prefer learning at your own pace with technology, or do you like the traditional way better? Why?
This question seeks the child's preference between technology-assisted self-paced learning and traditional learning methods. It relates to the article's mention of technology fulfilling customization needs and allowing children to learn at their own pace, which can be crucial for their confidence and educational development.
