Did you know that in the late 90s MOE aimed to have at least 30% of each student’s curriculum time to be dedicated to learning how to use various functions in computer. Versus now, where iPads and Laptops are the norm, education has really changed. In fact, we would say that technology is the one that changed education.
As someone who grew up in the 80s-90s, terms like ‘overhead projectors’ and lessons conducted in the Computer Room are the norm. Now classrooms are retrofitted with LED projectors, touch screen whiteboards. The students are even able to borrow iPads during class. Not to mention, in some schools, there is even campus-wide WiFi! The concept of education has changed and will continue to change in the years to come. Future generations may no longer be required to go to school all 5 days of the week as online learning has proven its efficacy and convenience over traditional classroom learning. Already with recent COVID19 situation inducing the whole nation to go into two months of Stay Home Learning/ Work, is proof enough of the rising dependence of technology in education. Schools and companies are relying on online platforms and video conferencing tools for communication.
With classrooms equipped with so many high-tech gadgets, what more can the future possibly hold? The tech industry has been constantly buzzing about Augmented Reality (AR) being the new world for education. Wearing AR goggles or glasses adds an additional layer of data or image over what we naturally see around us. It immerses the wearer into the environment It could be possible for a student to have a conversation with Thomas Edison about his inventions and thoughts whist sitting in the classroom! Just as we have all adapted from the move from old projector screens to iPads, we need to be open minded towards the changes to come of education.
Interacting through a screen is different from interacting in person. This goes for learning as well. Many parents may feel apprehensive towards the live streaming classes during home based learning (HBL) as they feel that their child is not as receptive towards the class or is unable to effectively absorb all the learning objectives as they would if they were in a classroom setting. Of course, the HBL scheme has many kinks as it was set up in a short period of time. But in the long run, we can expect better technology along with better interactive tools to enhance the feeling of personal interaction and connectedness while apart.
Parents may feel necessary for our children to be exposed to physical human interaction, whether in their tuition or extra-curricular classes. Children who require more guided teaching may prefer having a teacher by their side. Online learning is not for everyone now, but the society and learning environment are ever changing. We need to adapt. We encourage parents to try out different platforms to find one that suits their children’s learning style and engages them in a way that keeps them motivated to continue learning.
We align with Dr. Pak Tee Ng on his ideology that,
The focus is on using technology as a tool for teaching and learning, rather than on technology in itself.
Technology in education can be a blessing or a curse. At LingoAce we recognize the importance of personal connection. It is our mission as an online platform to creatively use these tools given to us to benefit our students and enhance the learning experience for all. In the education industry since 2017, we have evolved to become one of the most trusted online learning platforms for Mandarin learning in Singapore. In our classes, our teachers provide immediate response and feedback to the children’s queries. We believe that learning is not a one-way street, giving the children a chance to voice out opinions is one way of nurturing an inquisitive mind. Our teachers are trained to actively listen and adapt to the child’s own pace of learning and is always there to guide them on areas that they are unsure. The benefits of online platforms is not erasing the need for teachers and students to communicate, it is evolving how we communicated to one another via a screen and how to do so effectively and efficiently.
What are some of the concerns you have as a parent on online learning for your children? Let us know in the comments down below, or share them on our LingoAce Facebook page! Till next time.
At LingoAce, we believe in providing every child a meaningful and memorable experience as they learn because learning Chinese is more than just learning the language. Find out more about how we can be fun and effective in learning the Mandarin Chinese language.
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