Kaua e mate wheke mate ururoa:
Strive for your goals by being strong and resilient like a hammerhead shark.
The swinging pendulum of technology in education has swung back and forth for decades, each swing marked by a new innovation or a renewed appreciation for traditional methods. In Aotearoa New Zealand, schools have embraced technology to enhance learning and engagement, but it’s crucial to find a balance that supports both traditional and digital approaches.
Traditional methods, such as teaching face to face, textbooks, and rote learning, have been used for centuries and have proven effective in imparting foundational knowledge. However, they can be less engaging for some students and may not adequately prepare them for the digital age especially including the exponential rate that AI is permeating all platforms.
On the other hand, technology offers a wealth of opportunities to enhance learning. UNESCO continually challenges us to understad why digital innovation in education is important. UNESCO sees digital innovation as a powerful tool for expanding access to education, improving learning quality, and making education systems more inclusive and resilient. It can help bridge the digital divide, personalize learning experiences, and prepare learners for the digital age. Using technology as part of teaching and learning can make lessons more interactive, personalised, and engaging. Digital tools can also provide students with access to a vast array of information and resources. However, excessive screen time can have negative impacts on students’ health and well-being, and not all students have equal access to technology.
The most effective approach is likely a balanced one that combines the best of both worlds. Traditional methods can provide a solid foundation in core subjects, while technology can be used to supplement and enhance learning especially for collaboration.. It is important to use technology thoughtfully and purposefully, focusing on how it can support learning goals rather than simply replacing traditional methods.
There are several reasons why some schools are pushing back on the use of devices in primary schools:
- Concerns about screen time: Many educators worry about the potential negative impacts of excessive screen time on young children’s development, including issues with sleep, attention span, and social skills.
- Focus on traditional learning: Some argue that devices can distract from traditional learning methods, such as reading books and hands-on activities, which are considered essential for early childhood development.
- Lack of teacher training: Not all teachers have the necessary training and resources to effectively integrate technology into their lessons. This can lead to inconsistent implementation and less effective learning outcomes. For example as a digital babysitter.
- Digital divide: Access to devices and reliable internet can be unequal, creating a digital divide among students. This can exacerbate existing educational inequalities.
- Potential for misuse: Devices can be easily misused for non-educational purposes, such as gaming or social media, which can disrupt the learning environment.
Ultimately, the decision of how to best integrate technology into education should be made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the specific needs of students and teachers. In this day and age when all our planning is digital, implementing media free does have its challenges and teachers end up repurposing the lack of internet with photocopying. Or my favourite one, looking for an old CD player to share songs. Do schools still have them? Like a lot of teachers coming out of college, there is a lack of teachers who do not know how to play an instrument and rely on a CD player if there is no internet.
Overall the integration of technology into education is a complex issue. While technology offers numerous benefits, such as personalised learning and access to vast resources, it’s essential to use it thoughtfully and in moderation. Excessive screen time can have negative impacts on students’ health and well-being. Traditional methods, like face-to-face instruction and textbooks, provide a solid foundation in core subjects. However, they may not be as engaging for all students and may not adequately prepare them for the digital age.
The most effective approach is a balanced one that combines the best of both worlds. Technology should complement, not replace, quality teaching and learning. Technology should be used to enhance traditional learning. Schools need to carefully consider the potential benefits and drawbacks of implementing media free days and on the other hand continue to monitor how much screen time their children are using in classrooms.
My question to you is this: Is your school implementing a media free day? We have had our first day and our children said it was their favourite day of the week. Go figure!
Now as an aside but still part of the swinging pendulum, have you read the latest?
Sonya @VanSchaijik 