Technology has made our lives so much easier. It is our entertainment. It is used to purchase products and receive services. We have come to rely on it more and more because of the pandemic.
The digital age has shaped the lives of our children, the current generation. For a long time, they have been exposed to technology devices like tablets, smartphones, and laptops. They spend most of their day in the digital realm. Education has not kept up with the times. Although technology in the classroom has been around for a while, it is not yet being used effectively as an educational tool. This was until the pandemic.
COVID-19 caused many schools to close and parents to stay at home with their children. It was also a reminder of the importance to integrate technology into the classroom. Although the sudden shift to online learning was not easy for students and teachers, it is clear that modern technology can enhance teaching and learning,
adapt to different learning styles, and offer access and support for various educational resources. Technology can also create inclusive learning environments that encourage collaboration between students and teachers. It can also help students learn 21st-century skills and prepare them for real-world situations.
As exciting as this sounds, students still face many challenges when using technology in the classroom. Some were caused by the integration of technology. Some are caused by other factors, such as the pandemic. We will discuss some of the major challenges students face and the ways that they can be overcome with the support of their parents and teachers.
Also read: 28 Teaching Technology Tools: Teachers Can Use to Inspire Classroom Creativity
Skepticism regarding online education
Online learning is a long-standing trend, but It wasn’t considered to be the norm. Both students and educators prefer the traditional classroom method. People were already skeptical about the efficacy of online education before the pandemic. Online learning is more challenging than traditional classroom teaching, which could lead to students being discouraged.
Online learning is less engaging than in-person lectures, which could reduce students’ motivation to learn. Online classes are also not as popular with students because they don’t get to spend time with their peers.It takes time and effort from parents and teachers to overcome skepticism regarding online education. Quality learning experiences go beyond creating engaging lessons.
They also require interaction between students. Innovative teaching methods can increase student interaction by creating a learning environment that is dynamic. Flipped Classroom is a popular method where students prepare for lessons before they start (i.e. Reading the class material. The class then becomes a discussion forum, giving students the opportunity to exchange ideas and have their say.
Changing lessons to suit different learning styles can also increase engagement Which makes it easier to keep students on track with schoolwork. It is also important to make sure students are aware of who they can contact for help and where resources can be found.
Access to the internet is not available
An internet connection is essential for online learning. This isn’t something that all students have at their homes. You might be surprised to learn that not everyone can afford Wi-Fi. It makes it difficult to attend live classes online. This also makes it difficult for students to access educational resources that will help them achieve their academic goals.
Although technological inequalities are not new, they have been highlighted by the pandemic that forced us to move to online learning. Many students don’t have the right equipment, such as tablets or laptops, to help them in their classes.
Although many districts were able to provide devices to students, the majority were not able to give them internet access. RAND Corporation published a report last summer that found that only 45% percent of teachers were able to confirm that their districts had provided Wi-Fi hotspots for students.
Distractions
Students aren’t new to the idea of going online. Students practically live in the digital realm. That world is vast and full of distractions, something that children would rather spend their time doing than listening to the teachers in class. Students are allowed to use their electronic devices in class, which is practically mandatory. They can visit websites and play online games while the teacher speaks.
Online learning isn’t just about digital distractions. There are many distractions that can be brought to your home. Toys, beds, pets, family members, etc. All of these can cause a student to lose focus in class. Experts recommend parents create a study space where students can stay while taking online classes. This will reduce distractions at home.
Parents can also block the use of apps on their mobile devices to distract their children from digital distractions. To help their child study, they can place the study area close to where they work at night.
Inaccessible website
Accessibility is one of the greatest challenges students face when they use technology. Accessibility should be a top priority for all students. This includes those with disabilities as well as those who are low in literacy. Websites must also be compatible with assistive technology such as screen readers. Students with hearing and visual impairments can use text alternatives to audio and visual content to access the same content as their peers. Students with slow internet can also see the content immediately, without having to wait for audio or video to load.
Schools must ensure that their platform, website, and other learning materials comply with ADA standards in order to provide equal learning opportunities for students. It is possible to ensure that no student is left behind by checking the web accessibility standards and changes.
Also read: The Future Of Education And Technology
Students of the Future
Although schools are opening their doors slowly, the integration of modern technology in education will not stop. Technology in the classroom and outside of it will allow students to learn in new ways, gain a deeper understanding of complex ideas, as well as give them opportunities to apply their knowledge in fun and engaging ways. We need to ensure that students can overcome the current challenges in order to make this happen.
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