Adapting to the Modern Classroom

February 26, 2020

Parents need to adapt their understanding of the modern classroom

Times are changing and so are the ways children learn. It is easy to see that in our digital world traditional textbooks and classes are not keeping children engaged anymore. They get bored and lose interest in paying attention to what is happening inside the classroom. Children are always attracted by new things; in this case technological breakthroughs, and are more than willing to learn when they are stimulated. So, in a world where the child is surrounded by technology and digital media, it is somewhat unnatural to expect them to still want to learn in the old ways. Therefore, parents should be prepared to understand how the modern classroom functions, in order to provide the best support to their children.

Kids learning with the use of a tablet in a classroom with the supervision of a female teacher

For a parent, it may be hard to understand the child’s powerful attraction to technology and digitalization. Things were so different when they were young, with none of the present-day technologies available. While it is true that spending too much time on the Internet and devices can have a damaging effect on behaviour, when it comes to learning, appropriate technology provides the best means for education. The resources of the Internet represent an inexhaustible and extremely rich source of information. This accessibility of information stirs the interest of children and young people to do their own research on various subjects. With such a great variety of information available constantly there may be no need to visit the library or search through paper books for the information needed. Using a computer or mobile device through appropriate channels can get all the information the child needs to target their interests and in the shortest time possible.

Kids using tablets in a classroom

In school, teachers noticed that they got much better responses from children when they intertwined digital technologies with face-to-face communication and traditional teaching methods. Digital teaching technologies have the power to capture the attention of children, while, at the same time, making them more receptive to what the teacher has to say. The present generation of children enjoys active learning and prefers to be challenged and engaged during the learning process. This is a development from older methods of passive learning where they just sat back and listened to the lesson presented by their teacher. While a parent would really like to see his or her children read paper books, if the child shows any signs of interest in reading, researching, and learning, even if it involves using technology, then the parent should encourage this behaviour. Of course, it is always in the power of the parent to limit the use of the Internet and devices at home, so that the child has a balanced childhood.

The modern classroom is adapting to reflect the way things are changing in the wider world, but also from a desire to make school and education better for future generations. Our children are brighter and smarter and feel the need to be challenged in order to learn, and appropriate technology can make all of this happen. When used correctly, technology can contribute to the development of well-prepared young adults who have everything they need to embrace life and their future careers in the best prepared way.

A young boy and his female teacher learning in a classroom with the use of a tablet.

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