Using Technology to Vastly Improve Student Learning

Some will preach that using technology with children in and out of the classroom will increase student learning. However, I have witnessed educators employing technology in their classrooms to jump on the trend, but how they were using it was not helping the students. 

 

Just saying you are using technology with kids will not improve their learning if you are not using it smartly. Utilizing the advancements of edtech in savvy and resourceful ways will bring about the improved student learning you seek if you approach it correctly. 

 

Here are simple strategies to incorporate technology in your children’s learning that can be applied in or out of the classroom, meaning both educators and parents can utilize these methods. 

 

Teach Them to Find Information Quickly and Correctly

Do you remember the old days when you had to lug out encyclopedias, blow all the dust off the cover, and then go about searching through the 400 pages inside for the information needed to complete your school report? Now we all have vast knowledge available to us in seconds through our phones or other devices. But you might still use encyclopedias if you don’t know how to access the data. 

 

Don’t just teach students how to use Google. Show them the differences in all search engines. Demonstrate how to adequately type in the information you seek in the search engine. Emphasize that finding the correct content is more challenging than clicking on the search engine’s first link. Highlight the need to use reputable sources and how to attribute the knowledge gained to these sites that the students are using.

 

Adults need help finding credible sources. In fact, many newspapers and other media sources nowadays may be presented as facts, but much of it is actually opinion. All of this takes time to be done. However, if these skills are taught to the children while they are still young, it will save several headaches. 

 

Instant Feedback Through Email and Messenger

In the past, much of a student’s education was spent waiting for answers. Turning in an assignment meant waiting to hear back from the teacher on how they did. Or if a student was working on a project at home and needed a question answered by the educator, they needed more time. With technology today, a student can contact their teacher through email or messenger and receive a reply instantly if the educator is on top of things. 

 

Record Lessons

Whether you are a parent or an educator, recording a short video lesson for the children is an easy way to ensure they remember relevant information. The best part is they can rewatch it at any time needed. If students need help solving specific algebra problems, create a video. And parents, if the children are learning how to do laundry properly and cook dinner, make a few creative videos they can take a look back at. These are easy to do. 

 

Invest in Apps

While plenty of free educational apps are available, you may have to spend a little money to get the best ones out there. But think of it as an investment. Every school subject has thousands of apps available to help students learn. Most of these promising apps will have your child working smartly and quickly to gain valuable information. For instance, if a child struggles with history, numerous apps will break down all the essential aspects of virtually any topic. 

 

Remote Tutoring

A while ago, when you were searching for a tutor, you were stuck with someone that lived close by, whether they knew anything about the subject or not. I remember having a math tutor that knew even less about geometry than I did!

 

Now through remote tutoring, you can find experts in every field that will work around your schedule. Plus, you never even have to leave the house. Through video conferencing and email, professional tutors will have the children learn what they need without wasting valuable time. In fact, iAchieve has some of the top tutors for every grade level and subject. Just reach out to us when you need some assistance!

 

It Is a Work in Progress

This is just the tip of the iceberg when incorporating technology to improve learning. There are countless other ways. And with new technology being developed at such a fast rate, it will be soon that there are new things to add to your bag of edtech tools. 

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