SPECIAL SECTION:
EDUCATION
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.
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. ■
HAMPTON ❘ FALL 2019
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