Ways to Support Your Child’s Learning with Educational Technology

Traditional methods of learning weren’t really questioned much up until 2020. That is when the pandemic hit. It fundamentally transformed the way students were taught all around the world. Gradually, students have pushed aside their coursebooks and pens and embraced digital methods of learning.

However, research has suggested that children tend to learn more when adults take an active and intentional role in digital intervention within education. Without an adult to guide them through tech usage, it is easy for growing minds to get lost.

Here are a few ways learning through educational technology can be supported by parents;

The Concept of Scaffolding

Vygotskian learning theory stresses heavily on the concept of guiding without providing all the answers. It analyzes moments when children explore the world and look for answers to tough questions as well as how a parent allows them to deal with their confusions.

Instead of providing your child all the answers, let them get curious. Apply this concept to digital learning and help your child explore EdTech devices. For example, you could sit with your child as they work on a math problem within an interactive game. When they get stuck, you could encourage them by asking questions like, “What do you notice?” or “What step could come next?”

You can teach your child to plan, monitor, and evaluate their own work by showing them how they can get to the answers themselves. Model problem-solving strategies while using digital learning platforms instead of giving them all the answers.

Building Structure Through Routines

The best environments for learning are ones that are the most consistent. They are simple yet powerful setups. Research from the pandemic stressed upon the fact that children that relied on predictable schedules and designated workspaces engaged much more deeply with digital lessons than others.

Structure doesn’t mean rigid planning. Parents can benefit from small steps such as setting up a regular Pomodoro timer for online work and giving your child regular short breaks. It could also mean having a digital space in your home (and also a space that is a tech-free zone).

Children value rhythm and pushing small digital learning platforms into their ongoing routine reduces the mental load and helps them embrace digital learning,

Letting Your Children Lead

Parental guidance is always important, but research also suggests that adults benefit the most from listening to their children and learning how they prefer to learn as well as adapting to that feedback.

Children are often more flexible learners and tend to interact with digital interfaces much better than adults. It allows them to explain how a platform works as well as process that material much more deeply as they teach it to another person.

Invite your child to demonstrate a favorite app, walk you through how they solved a tough problem, or simply support them if they request for a specific digital learning tool. If your child is a visual learner for instance, they may rely on a visual representation of every concept. Invest in high-quality poster printers and allow them to design concepts and print them in a way that helps them absorb the material much better.

Disclaimer: The Protection of Privacy

Children’s apps as well as digital learning devices have continued to grow. We can use far more complicated applications than ever before, and our children have easy access to all of them. All they need to do is click a button.

Parents face a rising challenge of distinguishing between high-quality EdTech and distractions with questionable privacy practices.

Parental support should also involve playing an active role of a content filter and curator. You could prioritize apps that are in line with the school’s curriculum or ask your child’s educators for advice. Always make sure you review privacy policies and research the app before you invest in it.

The Future is Now

Supporting your child’s learning with EdTech doesn’t mean helping them master every platform out there. It should involve the kind of support that makes your child curious and explorative. Let them lead you to their interests instead of being overly suggestive. Filter content where needed but also know where to step back and give them ownership.

These strategies can help you use EdTech as a tool to create a positive learning environment for your child at home. It can also give you the confidence you need to step out of your comfort zone and embrace new ways of learning.