Digital learning is evolving as quickly as possible and has the potential to revolutionize the way we learn and teach. As Edtech, or educational technology, continues to gain popularity in classrooms and homes alike, many parents are turning to online learning resources to supplement their child’s education. EdTech learning can provide students with customized learning experiences, reach remote locations, provide instant feedback and rewards, provide access to quality learning modules in local languages and support classroom learning modules. However, it also has limitations. Let’s explore the pros and cons of ed-tech learning, address concerns it may pose to teachers and children, and discuss the role of hybrid learning models. (Also read: Tips for parents to detoxify digital addiction in children )
Munira Pardawala, Curriculum Designer, Education Expert and Prerna Jhunjhunwala, Founder, Creative Galileo, HT Lifestyle, share some pros and cons of edtech learning for kids, so that parents can make informed decisions about their child’s education.
Advantages of EdTech Learning:
1. Promote Engagement- Edtech apps captivate learners and keep them engaged the way they are designed. Unlike traditional learning methods, educational apps are a great way to spark children’s interest in subjects they might otherwise find boring.
2. Customized Education- Gamification provides a great learning experience that increases children’s engagement. Gamification creates engaging, customized, and fun educational content that promotes positive attitudes toward learning. Kids can learn whenever and wherever they want with educational learning apps.
3. Understanding their weaknesses- Through the reward system in games, children quickly identify their strengths and weaknesses. Receiving instant praise for answering a question correctly, instills a sense of pride and accomplishment and motivation to learn more. Additionally, educational learning apps are ideal resources for additional learning outside the classroom.
4. Self-learning- This is a great way to help students become more independent. Apps can help students learn at their own pace, ensuring they learn independently and value self-study.
5. Associate Advisors- Teachers can use interactive elements on mobile devices to make learning a more fun and interesting experience for their students. It also allows teachers to experiment with new teaching methods and approaches.
6. Preparing for the future-Given the increasing reliance on technology in our world, a solid understanding of common technological devices and their functions is essential to prepare children for success in primary and secondary education. It’s never too early to start developing knowledge and skills that young children can use in school and the workplace. In this sense, early exposure to technology is the best way to start laying the groundwork for success.
Disadvantages of EdTech Learning:
1. Routine disruption- Studies show that two or more hours of screen time in the evening can disrupt the melatonin surge needed for sleep. Lack of sleep can affect their daily routines and can also affect children’s much-needed sleep recovery. It is important to turn off electronic devices an hour before bedtime.
2. Making Screen Time Creative- Screen time should be limited to manage a social life. Reducing this risk requires moderating “technology time” to allow children to interact socially with family and friends.
3. Poor quality- Students need help identifying quality resources. On the Internet, there is a lot of information provided by many sources. And because there are no clear guidelines for determining which sites are trustworthy or not, many students are susceptible to misinformation.