The landscape of education is evolving and while every classroom is undergoing a massive change, technology has been at the forefront of this transformation. Since we live in a world that is dominated by knowledge and information, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education has gained renewed importance.
Moreover, Covid19 has urged educational institutions to rethink the way lessons are being delivered. With the pandemic putting traditional teaching mechanisms on the back foot, students are becoming more open to ‘learning and doing things by themselves.’ One of the most significant benefits of technology in education is that it makes learning more accessible to everyone. Students with learning disabilities can use technology to learn at their own speed. Tech enabled classrooms also provides assistance to visually handicapped in the form of auditory aids. Technology in education allows students to learn in remote areas.
Some of the tools that schools can use for tech first education include:
STEM enabled education
STEM education encompasses more than just academic courses. It provides a skill set that guides our thinking and behavior. Each STEM component contributes in its own way, Science provides students with a thorough awareness of the world around them. It assists them in improving their research and critical skills.
Technology helps students to work in a high-tech workplace.Engineering allows students to improve their problem-solving abilities and apply what they have learned to new tasks. Mathematics allows students to assess data, eliminate errors and make conscious decisions. STEM education brings all these disciplines together in a unified framework, to improve the society through innovation and long term solutions.
Coding and Robotics
As an extension of STEM learning, robotics and Coding has emerged as an essential part of modern learning. When students learn to code, they learn to think in a sequential, logical and problem-solving manner. Most importantly, they have the ability to create whatever they desire. The introduction of coding and robotics curricula in schools aids in the interest of students in block-based coding, which is an excellent stepping stone for individuals interested in pursuing a career in computer programming.
Incorporating this learning in schools could help students develop computational and design thinking skills, while also teaching them how to collaborate with others. The students will find a different way to deal with problems in a more collaborative manner, which will sharpen their problem-solving and learning skills.
In addition to the above, schools can also leverage technology solutions provided by some noted brands, like Google for education etc., which offer state-of-the-art technology network infrastructure, that is customized to meet the teaching needs for schools.
In conclusion, the sooner children are equipped to think and play with tech, the more prepared they will be to not only adjust but to thrive. Also, it would not be too bold to say that in a tech first world, it is only fair that the education not only mirrors this but also leads it, to be able to create a generation that can take this ahead.
This blog appeared as an article in MSN dated 18th April, 2022
Authored by Rohan Parikh, Managing Director – The Green Acres Academy
