SPECIAL SECTION:
fundamental principles of community, and although it may look
very different in this day and age, a strong focus is being put on
the importance of creating a safe school culture and tapping into
technology for limitless learning.
In 2019, students, parents, teachers, and administrators are
seeing changes both inside and outside of the classroom. One of the
biggest changes in recent years comes in the form of technology.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to change 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
EDUCATION
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.
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. ■
CHARTIERS VALLEY ❘
FALL 2019
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