Learning in the Digital Age: 21st Century Schools
Technology is a dynamic and ever changing medium. It is continually being replaced and updated at an ever-increasing rate. Our students are working with software and devices that few could have dreamed of even five years ago. Although this is an exciting time to be learning in the classroom, it can be very daunting for parents.
At Awbrey Park it is not only our mission to prepare your child for learning in the digital age, but to educate parents on how to support, protect and empower them. In the next few pages I have highlighted a few of the main issues parents and teachers face as we move forward in the digital age.
It is now almost impossible to imagine our lives without technology. As a result it is important for parents and educators to be vigilant in helping our students keep a balanced relationship with technology in their life.
Attention, Multitasking, Addiction
More and more these days we have access to infinite possibilities at our fingertips. Not only is the ease at which we gather information staggering, the ways in which we can have access to it is rapidly multiplying. Where we once were lucky to have one household computer, we can now use our tablets, laptops, music devices and phones, simultaneously, to interact with the outside world.
Although mostly positive, this “ease of access” can also create problems if parents aren’t vigilant in working with their children. Multitasking, although sounding impressive, is rarely effective. With this bombardment of stimulation the attention spans of our students are dramatically affected. As a result of this more and more children, and adults, are becoming addicted to the Internet.
We are now more wired than ever. With this rapid change our children are exposed to a smorgasbord of opportunities. Unfortunately internet / technology overuse has become problematic for many. While most families are able to find a balance within this realm, more and more are suffering from online gaming addiction and communication addiction disorders.
Although most parents are aware of the potential problems facing their families, many are unsure of how to be proactive. Below are some links and practical advice for managing your family’s media usage.
Common Sense Media – Tips, Advice, Solutions
For more information about this important topic please visit netaddiction.com
Engaging Our Students!
Schools are waking up to the fact that the world has sped up in a lot of ways and education has been slow to respond.
Learning in the 21st century schools brings with it some challenges, but through it endless opportunities. As educators and parents we need to reinvent the learning process to become more collaborative and integrated in finding and following our children’s passions.
We have entered a new participatory culture where teachers are beginning recreate a new media literacy.
Sitting in straight rows, memorizing and regurgitating facts are no longer relevant practices in schools or today’s jobs. Schools are changing to meet these needs through teaching and modeling effective team work and collaboration.
The role of teachers and parents, in the 21 century schools, is to support students in the emerging age of global collaboration!
Digital Parenting: Protecting & Empowering Kids
Digital parenting can feel very overwhelming! Rest assured it is not necessary to know every game, website or software.The most important thing is that you have a general understanding of what kids are doing online. Even if they have technical skills you are lacking, what they are lacking is what you possess. Common sense and good judgement!
Click here for information on how to talk with your kids about internet safety.
Technology is a tool and a medium for communication. As parents and teachers it is our job to teach kids how to use it in a way that decreases the risks and challenges involved. At the same time help increase the learning that technology provides.
You must be logged in to post a comment.