Technology has become a major part of students’ lives, changing the way that they prepare for school. It is important to take note of this, and use it to help the students instead of trying to force the old methods of preparing. Here are some of the ways that technology is changing how students prepare for school:
Children are learning their basic knowledge on tablet and phone applications
In the past, parents were responsible for teaching their children to recognize letters and numbers, and anything beyond that was up to early education teachers to introduce. Now, young children and toddlers are learning their letters, numbers, and how to read using apps on cell phones or tablets. Learning apps have games, videos, and activities for the kids to do that introduce them to letters and numbers, and eventually can help the child learn letter and number recognition. More advanced apps help kids learn beginning reading skills.
Technology gives students the tools to get results immediately
With the option to use Google for any question they have, students are able to find information as soon as they begin their search. For figuring out math problems, students can immediately watch a video online that shows step-by-step how to work the problem. When brainstorming topics for a project, a student can type a general category into a web browser and be given a list of ideas. Obtaining sources for research projects is now instantaneous, and searching through a library is unnecessary.
Students can get updated information quickly
Before technology changed the way student’s prepare for school, textbooks were one of the only options for gaining historical information. Sometimes, facts in history change based on new information and textbooks would be incorrect until they could be updated and reprinted. That isn’t an issue anymore because students are able to obtain new information online for a news source. Many times, thanks to the changes in technology, textbooks are downloaded to tablets in the classroom, and the editor of a textbook can update the textbook online, too, instead of having to re-print and ship the new books to the schools.
Students can study for tests online
Teachers can upload videos, graphics, PowerPoint presentations, and other study material for students to access anytime. This offers the students a chance to study and prepare for school with the teacher’s resources any time they want.
Even big practice tests like the MCAT practice test can be taken online, which was impossible before. In the past, an MCAT practice test had to be taken by hand, just like the actual test. Now, students can practice at home.
Research can be completed online
Students no longer have to scour through the books at a library to gain information for a research project. With a simple online search, they can have all the information they need right on the screen. Even if a student is required to use a library, many libraries are online now. In the past, students might have to order a book if the local library didn’t carry it, but now many of those books can be found in the online libraries.
