The global market for EdTech was valued at USD 106.46 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach USD 467,263.92 million by 2027. As we head closer to the year 2027, we seem to be moving closer towards even more revolutionary tech-based advancements within the education industry.  

Yet, parents might have been left behind in this move. Getting parents to invest in technological platforms for learning (be it for themselves or their children) has proven challenging. Some parents might have had a negative school experience relating to tech, making them resistant to these classroom reforms, coupled with the media-led narrative that ‘screen time’ is bad … a completely subjective argument that should be challenged in our tech-driven modern world.

We are past the urgency of the pandemic now. Yet, even today, parents struggle to balance technologically advanced curriculums and traditional methods. Here are some tips for parents of children in primary schools who may need help navigating technological updates.

1. Limiting Distractions

One of the biggest struggles parents might face when assisting their children with technology is trying to keep their children’s attention focused on their schoolwork. It is important to limit their use of technology other than what is required to complete their work, at least until their schoolwork is done.

You can also allow your child to play on a device during a pre-planned break and set in advance. However, you must ensure they only have a limited amount of time before they return to work.

2. Nurture Your Learning Space

Quite often, adults have a designated area of the home, which they rely on when they need office work done. It is essential to create a space similar to that for your child. Your children can achieve their best work if they receive an environment that is conducive to it.

For example, the place where they do their artwork could be situated near a window or even outdoors where they can be closer to nature. For more focused work, they could have a study in the house with ample lighting and soundproof walls to support focus.  

3. Breaks are Important

It is important to take regular breaks when teaching your child, especially when dealing with technology for long periods. Routines and schedules are always important to children at school, which you must uphold at home as well.

Set regular alarms that take you away from technology after long periods spent in front of a screen. Moreover, they should be encouraged to spend enough time outdoors. Around lunchtime, encourage them to get up, get some fresh air, or get involved in any activity that gets them moving.

4. Traditional Methods vs. Technology

Whilst it’s important to embrace technology, spending too much time on the screen isn’t great for anyone – a balance is necessary. Too much screen time can adversely impact young brains, so you must mix it up. It is likely that your children might gravitate towards the screen and want to do everything through tech assistance. However, it’s important to remember to be active too – remember all those old school games we played as kids?

Make it fun for them! Print out anything you can by visiting your child’s school (if they have printers). You can also invest in a poster printer machine for your home so you can help your child learn through interactive posters. Children are more often than not visual learners and exposing them to bright, instructional posters allows them to view difficult concepts in a much more creative light.

5. Keep in Touch with Parents and Teachers

Stay in touch with the teachers at school and have regular meet-ups with parents so you can learn from them. The more you communicate with parents at school, the better access to the learnings they might have accumulated when navigating educational technology with their children at home!

If you are facing regular issues with EdTech and cannot help your child get through homework that requires some understanding of technology, reach out to your child’s teacher. Ask them for the curriculum and prepare in advance! You can form a study group with the parents or even take a few courses online if that’s more your style.

Time to Put Your Learnings to Work

Have you gathered enough information to help you support your child through their primary years as they get exposed to the latest advancements in EdTech? Stay involved and don’t forget to speak to your child. That is the best source of information you have for daily updates on the newest applications and software they might be exposed to and ones you may also learn from!