{"id":158000000230,"date":"2019-10-10T07:50:52","date_gmt":"2019-10-10T07:50:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kidsrkids.com\/waterford-lakes\/?p=158000000230"},"modified":"2019-10-16T07:57:33","modified_gmt":"2019-10-16T07:57:33","slug":"integrating-technology-in-school-education-when-is-it-developmentally-appropriate-and-how-to-ensure-its-appropriateness","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kidsrkids.com\/waterford-lakes\/2019\/10\/10\/integrating-technology-in-school-education-when-is-it-developmentally-appropriate-and-how-to-ensure-its-appropriateness\/","title":{"rendered":"Integrating Technology in School Education: When is it Developmentally Appropriate and How to Ensure its Appropriateness?"},"content":{"rendered":"

From the time of birth until eight years of age, children reach a number of developmental milestones that set the foundation for their adult life. From language to social, emotional and intellectual development, every encounter and activity\u2014 use of technology being one\u2014offers a unique learning experience.<\/p>\n

The advancements in recent years have encouraged computer learning in children at ages as early as just a few months. Educational technology has become the key driver of enriched academic learning<\/u><\/a>\u00a0and intelligent tutoring<\/u><\/a>. But does it have a place in preschool and school curriculum? Let\u2019s take a look!<\/p>\n

Technology and Early Childhood Education<\/b><\/strong><\/h2>\n

Researchers, educators and policymakers; everyone\u2019s interested in redefining the early childhood curriculum for streamlined and effective learning programs. How technology fits in the equation depends on the end goals and objectives that early childhood education is hoping to achieve.<\/p>\n

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To figure out whether technology and computers are developmentally appropriate, we need to keep in mind a multitude of factors; learning style is one of them.<\/p>\n

Research shows that children aged three and above need a variety of experiences<\/u><\/a>\u00a0to broaden their understanding and learn appropriate behaviors. With traditional teacher-directed learning losing its efficacy, it\u2019s important to be open to new approaches especially for children born in the digital era.<\/p>\n

An important argument against the integration of technology in early childhood education is the danger of various other developmental needs not met. Physical and sensory play, exploration, interest in arts and music is at risk of being compromised, but what many fail to consider is the strategic implementation of technology in the curriculum.<\/p>\n

Modern early childhood curriculums are being designed to promote educational technology just as much as practical life skills or play-based learning. The purpose is to improve children\u2019s educational development rather than teaching them the use of technology and risking a decline in other developmental areas.<\/p>\n

Technology and School Education<\/b><\/strong><\/h2>\n

At elementary and middle school level, educational technology serves a different purpose. It offers tailored learning experience in an immersive environment while minimizing classroom time.<\/p>\n

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Students can use technology to learn advanced problem-solving skills, adapt to new learning models and perform science experiments through cloud access<\/u><\/a>.<\/p>\n

Technology is especially imperative for STEM learning, particularly in fields of math and science<\/u><\/a>. Mathematic apps and software have proven to increase student\u2019s knowledge of math problems and achievement in the field.<\/u><\/a><\/p>\n

The ability to positively impact learning stems from the right use of technology. Let\u2019s take a look at few techniques that can make for the effective integration of technology in school education.<\/p>\n