4 Ways Technology Stands to Improve Education for Kids

Technology is playing a bigger role in education at all levels, from elementary through to higher education, and all around the world. This progress is often attributed to the pandemic these days, but as Forbes noted in a 2020 piece, online learning and related technologies have actually been on the rise for some time now.

While traditional teaching methods are still very much needed, the introduction of technology has provided many tools to enhance the efficiency of learning. So, focusing on early childhood in particular, how is technology set to improve education for our kids?

1. Flexibility in Learning

The most effective learning methods vary between children, and with access to tech devices and learning software, different methods can be explored and applied more readily. Some children may be more visually stimulated than others, making video learning a helpful option; others may do better with learning games or other active practices mechanisms.

Students also learn at different paces. Those who pick things up very quickly have the option to find more challenging activities to supplement their knowledge, while others can spend time getting the practice they need. These choices have not often been available in traditional classroom environments. But with tech-driven learning, whether in person or remotely, teachers can better adjust methods according to how their pupils respond.

2. Efficacy of Teaching Methods

Another significant application of technology in early education that is emerging in certain parts of the world is the use of compiled data and research to improve teaching. With the implementation of data-driven education systems, tech capable of gathering and sorting information can help to drive educators’ strategies and produce more effective teaching methods.

Applying this idea primarily to underserved or underprivileged areas, New Globe has seen that such data-driven systems have doubled the rate of numeracy and significantly improved fluency in young students.

3. Online Libraries & Resources

With the number of online resources now available, teachers can take advantage of materials and tools to present virtually unlimited information to students.

One of the main things we strive to do at SmartClass4Kids is provide an array of quizzes and worksheets that students (as well as parents and instructors) can pick and choose from according to their needs. This speaks to how online libraries of educational materials can ultimately help to tailor education more to students’ needs, preferences, and levels.

4. Financial Benefits

Tech devices and software do come at a price, but the overall investment will save money in the future. For one thing, electronic media saves costs on materials for schools and parents alike. This is something that a U.S. News article pointed out with regard to older students, but parents of young pupils will know that it applies to children as well. Between books, workbooks, pens and crayons, and so on, even early childhood education involves a lot of “extra” costs.

Some of these are eliminated when classes and activities take place virtually –– either remotely or through shared tech devices (like child-approved reading tablets) in classrooms.

While it has rightly been pointed out that a full transition to remote, digital education is less than ideal for young students, it is also clear that the EdTech era comes with meaningful benefits. Flexible teaching, data-driven curriculums, online resources, and cut costs may all be part of near-future early childhood education –– and they don’t have to come at the expense of in-class interaction.