For many years the go to method for learning, is a teacher stood Infront of a classroom filled with children talking about science, maths or English, but according to key education statistics from BESA (British Educational Suppliers Association), the use of technology in education is on the rise with the primary schools having over 75 computers disposable to students as well as the average secondary school having 386 computers.
The benefits of technology in the classroom
Technology different methods of teaching which cater to each child’s learning styles. Students are more likely to retain information through e-learning and educational games as it is considered a new and exciting method of teaching as opposed to copying whatever is written on a whiteboard.
Accessible technology at school can also provide equal education to a wider variety of students, mainly those who are less likely to have technology at home as opposed to those from more privileged backgrounds, not to mention global learning, personalized content, personal development and empowering children with certain disabilities.
However, despite 90% of teachers saying that technology should have an active role in education, many schools have objections towards the inclusion of technology as a main method of learning.
Why isn’t technology used more in classrooms?
Over 75% of teachers saw budget limitations as the biggest challenge facing the enhancement of technological integration in the classroom. Furthermore, online tools such as Google Cloud include the necessity for funds to train teachers, as they need the knowledge on the tool just as much as the students do in order to teach effectively.
Many teachers believe that computers and tablets can distract children away from learning, however studies suggest that technology encourages independent learning, creates as more interactive and engaged learning environment.
Moreover, more teachers have observed that an increased number of students are more inclined to help one another when struggling with a set task. It is unquestionable that there are more advances being made in the world of technology every day and children should become accustomed to utilizing these resources in order to have an increased chance of succeeding in the working world.
Technology and children at home
Unfortunately, many children across the UK do not have access to technology at home such as tablets, laptops or computers, this in turn can impede their learning skills. Through the covid-19 lockdown, in 2019, almost 50% of children in the UK were unable to attend school due to being high risk or simply because of the lockdown rulings. These forced thousands of children to continue their learning from home regardless if they have access to technology or not, almost guaranteeing the inconsistency of each child’s education and therefore missing out on crucial earning opportunities.
Equally, according to the Children’s Society research, the sentiment of feeling secluded at home has become a greater problem, another reason for children to have home access to computers or laptops so ensure their connection to other children in their class.
What can be done?
The link between education and technology are becoming ever more relevant every day. There are many charities who work towards helping disadvantaged children gain more personalised education through the donation and distribution of technological devices to help those children get the education and integration that they need and deserve.
Donating unwanted electronics that you no longer use can benefit children around the UK by just giving them the tools they need to keep up with their peers or to complete their schoolwork from home.
