Books Vs Computers, And Tablets
“Books Are Valuable — But Technology Expands How Children Learn.”
Technology and Learning: Expanding Beyond the Book
Books Are Important. Technology Opens a
Bigger World.
Books have always been an important part of a child's education. They help children develop vocabulary, imagination, concentration, and reading skills.
But today's children have access to something previous generations never had: the ability to combine reading with interactive technology.
Computers and tablets can turn learning from simply reading about something into seeing it, hearing it, exploring it, creating with it, and experiencing it.
At IMPACTT Academy, we believe technology should not replace books. It should expand what children can do with what they learn from books.
Dinosaurs In A Book
Dinaosaurs And Technology
1. Technology Can Make Learning Interactive
A book can explain how a volcano works. A computer or tablet can allow a child to watch a volcano erupt, see an animation of what is happening underground, and explore additional information.
Instead of simply reading:
“Volcanoes erupt when pressure builds beneath the Earth's surface.”
A child can:
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Read about volcanoes
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Watch a volcanic eruption
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See an animated diagram
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Explore photographs
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Listen to an explanation
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Answer interactive questions
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Complete a worksheet
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Create a project about volcanoes
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Technology can turn information into an interactive learning experience.
2. Children Can See and Hear What They Are Learning
Some children understand concepts more easily when they can see or hear them.
A tablet or computer can combine:
Words + Pictures + Audio + Video + Animation + Interaction
For example, while learning to read, a child can see a word, hear the word pronounced, see it used in a sentence, and then practice reading it.
This gives children multiple ways to connect with the material.
3. Technology Gives Children Access to a World of Information
A physical book contains a limited amount of information.
A computer or tablet can connect children to an enormous collection of educational resources.
A child studying animals could move from a book about lions to:
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Videos of lions in the wild
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Maps showing where lions live
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Information about their habitats
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Wildlife photographs
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Scientific explanations
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Animal sounds
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Interactive activities
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One question can lead to an entire journey of discovery.
4. Technology Can Help Make Learning More Personalized
Every child learns differently.
Some children need more practice. Others are ready to move ahead.
Digital learning platforms can provide activities at different levels and allow children to practice skills repeatedly.
A child who is struggling with a reading skill can spend additional time practicing it, while another child can move forward to more challenging material.
Technology can help create a learning experience that is more responsive to the individual child.
