All Hallow's Blog
Technology in Education: Reasons Parents Should Embrace Digital Learning
1st November 2023
Many parents think carefully about the role of technology in their child’s learning, because it is so different today from when parents were at school. Digital learning can create anxiety about the online safety of children, as well as concerns about socialisation and so on.
However, research has shown that with a holistic approach, there are significant benefits of digital learning and the use of technology in education. When schools and parents promote positive use of technology, children stand to gain significantly from their digital learning, both today, and in the future.
What Are The Benefits Of Digital Learning?
There are a huge number of reasons that online learning is great for children. Let’s take a look:
The personalisation that digital learning facilitates means that children can jump ahead when they are thriving, or access different ways of understanding if the initial lesson didn’t make sense to them. This flexibility is beneficial for all pupils, but particularly for children who are considered neurodiverse, or those who have disabilities or sensory issues. Learning in an accessible way benefits all pupils.
There are better ways to cement learning when technology is integrated into the lessons. Video, audio, and interactive activities can reinforce offline teaching and activities, and allow children to become problem solvers, who can take ownership of their learning journey.
As digital natives, learning online can be much more fun – remember the chalkboard and how dull that could be? The excitement around digital activities means children are much more likely to engage with their learning, and achieve greater success.
We all have access to all the information we could ever want – and for children, this means they can indulge further in the subjects that really interest them, on a schedule that suits them. Like adults, children can be productive at different times of the day, and with digital learning, they can access lessons and information to enhance their learning when it suits them.
The 24/7 access means children can catch up when they need to. Maybe the child missed a point, didn’t understand for some reason, or they missed lessons due to illness; whatever the reason, children can revisit the lesson and maintain their progression.
Digital learning can improve language skills too. Messaging the teacher can be faster, and allow children to ask questions when they think of them, without the anxiety around putting their hand up in class, and it allows teachers to manage answering those questions more effectively too.
Ultimately, your child’s education will lead them to a job they love. Tech skills will always be in demand, and so digital learning is an essential part of their education.
But there are significant benefits for teachers and parents supporting children, there are significant benefits too.
- Improved access to factual information, such as government guidance, safeguarding information, and assessment requirements
- Being able to answer those wild and wonderful questions from pupils
- The ability to deliver more engaging lessons, and increase parental engagement
- Offers increased flexibility and inclusivity
- Schools have access to infinite resources, allowing for better time investment and planning
- Enhanced support for, and understanding of pupil progression
- Better mental and emotional support can be provided, for a more harmonious learning experience
There are many more benefits on an individual, subject-specific level – but we’ll save those for another post.
How Can Parents Support Digital Learning At Home?
Online learning doesn’t replace the classroom, or traditional homework, but is rather a positive addition. Most children thrive with routine, and building good homework habits saves the “it is due tomorrow” panic, and results in greater success. Generally, children will already know what they need to do for homework, and how to access it. There will be clear instructions, so it will be easy for you to help them if they need it, so setting up a comfortable place for them to study with their PC or tablet, where they can concentrate is the main thing, and if necessary, where you can monitor their progress too.
Helping them to set their goals each week, and making plans to achieve them – as well as recognising and celebrating them – can be a great way to bond with them, and to understand their learning journey. This can also support time management skill development, and can help you manage their screen time effectively.
The biggest thing most children need help with is their feelings around online learning. Children may need to let out frustration or to share their excitement about a new topic. Ongoing conversations, and sharing their experience is essential, and allows you to help keep them safe when they are online.
Finally, exhibiting positive learning behaviour can help children to see learning as a good thing, and as learning as an ongoing process. Demonstrating how you continue to learn regularly, and sharing what you learn with them (even if they don’t understand the details!) can help you to build enthusiasm for learning.
Online Learning At All Hallows
As you’d expect, we use extensive digital resources at All Hallows, and parents have access to the school portal from the parents’ area of our website. We welcome discussions, and questions about online learning, and you are invited to get in touch, whether your child is already studying with us, or you’re considering our school for your child in the future.
Listen to the latest podcast
Episode 22
Get to know our Head of Digital Learning, Chris Pope
18th January 2024