EDUCATION
SPECIAL SECTION:
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. ■
WEST JEFFERSON HILLS
❘
FALL 2019
33