SPECIAL SECTION:
education tools and is expected to increase in implementation in U.S.
classrooms by 47.5% in the next three years, according to the Artificial
Intelligence Market in the U.S. Education Sector report. In addition to
AI, other technologies are providing students with the opportunity to
connect with classmates in other countries, giving teachers the ability
to educate a virtual classroom from the comfort of their own home, and
expanding access to applications that were once inaccessible.
Another key focus in education this year is on ensuring that students
feel safe, connected, supported, and challenged through a variety of
different ways. School culture and safety are being addressed and
adapted based on recent school safety concerns across the country.
Teachers, administrators, families, and community groups are putting a
critical focus on social-emotional learning activities to facilitate a better
look into dealing with anger management, conflict resolution, empathy,
and other important life skills. School is often the only place where
social and emotional learning deficiencies can be addressed; therefore
teaching students these invaluable life skills ultimately prepares them
to become active members of society. This is another pivotal point in a
teacher’s role in the classroom.
Teachers continue to play an integral role in the lives of students,
one that cannot be replaced with even the most advanced type of
technology. This isn’t to say that the way we taught even 15 years ago
is suitable. Teachers’ roles are continually changing, and their need to
adapt is critical to students’ success. School administrators must also
support and train educators with the tools and techniques they are
being given to ensure successful integration in the classroom.
SECONDARY EDUCATION
It was recently reported that teenagers spend nine hours a day with
technology. Whether in the form of social media, listening to music,
playing games, or texting with friends, technology plays an integral role
in their lives. Educators have taken note and are now reaching teenagers
where they are spending a majority of their time. Digital tools are
providing teachers with the opportunity to incorporate personalized
learning to students in a way that benefits them. For example, AI is
being used to allow for greater individualized and differentiated learning
to be conducted by teachers. Applications that provide learning and
testing for students can identify opportunities for them to excel, flag
potential gaps in understanding, and provide feedback on learning
progress.
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EDUCATION
One exciting feature that will dramatically enhance
technology capabilities in the classroom is the integration
of 5G technology. Predicted to be ubiquitous by 2020, 5G
technology allows for data speeds almost 1,000 percent faster
than 4G, empowering educators with the ability to provide
a seamless platform for limitless learning. 5G will allow for
applications to run without fail or interruption, download
speeds to increase dramatically, and a significantly greater
number of devices to be able to connect without delays. Just
another exciting way technology is expected to enhance
learning.
EARLY EDUCATION
The next generation is starting to have children. This
generation grew up in the 1980s and early 1990s, when
televisions were “old news” and computers were just starting
to creep into people’s homes. Gen Yers, as they’ve been
named, can still vividly remember the sound of the dial-up
tone as they anticipated the number of emails that would
rush into their inbox once the modem finally connected. For
these new parents, the answer to any question is, and almost
always was, just a click away. These parents are aware of the
benefits of early childhood learning and of the plethora of
options available to them. In addition, shifting demographic
patterns, with an increase in two working parents and single-
parent households, are calling for affordable options for child
care.
As the importance and positive impact that early
childhood education has on toddlers is realized, the demand
for early education options continues to increase and expand
offerings. A few key focus areas have been identified as
important initiatives that will shape the young minds of the
future, including early literacy, technology in the classroom,
and emotional, cognitive, social early learning (ECSEL).
Early literacy teaches children letter recognition, word
sounds, vocabulary, and awareness of storytelling. Each of
these key fundamental elements helps lay the groundwork
for success in reading in the future. Early literacy programs
can also be found at local libraries as a way for parents
to engage their children even if they are not enrolled in a
preschool program.
Technology is something our children must learn
and understand to succeed today. But it is important for
technology in the classroom to be used properly and
not abused. Early childhood educators are combining
technologies with other types of play and hands-on activities
to get the most out of the tools available to them. Such tools
allow for young learners to work cooperatively on learning
activities with the use of technology to enhance their lessons.
ECSEL focuses on teaching children how to understand
and manage emotions to become more confident, resilient,
and understanding, which are all critical to the success of
a young learner. Laying the foundation to build an early
understanding of feelings and emotions allows children
to better recognize emotions in others and how to cope
with them. These valuable life skills add a tremendous
amount of value to a young child’s understanding of healthy
relationships with his/her peers. ■