Is edtech learning right for your child? Pros and cons to consider

Let's explore the pros and cons of edtech learning for kids, so that parents can make informed decisions about their child's education.

Digital learning is evolving as quickly as it is growing and has the potential to revolutionize the way we learn and teach. Edtech, or educational technology, is becoming increasingly popular in classrooms and homes alike, with many parents turning to online learning resources to supplement their child's education. EdTech learning can provide students with customized learning experiences, can reach far-off places, provide instant feedback and reward, provide access to quality learning modules in local languages and support classroom learning modules. However, it also has its limitations. Let us explore the pros and cons of ed-tech learning, address the concern that it could be a threat to teachers and kids, and discuss the role of hybrid learning models.

Munira Pardawala, Curriculum Designer, Education Expert and Prerna Jhunjhunwala, Founder, Creative Galileo, shared with HT Lifestyle, some pros and cons of edtech learning for kids, so that parents can make informed decisions about their child's education.

Pros of edtech learning:

1. Engagement boost- Edtech apps captivate learners and keep them engaged because of the way they are designed. Unlike traditional learning methods, educational apps are an excellent way to spark children’s interest in subjects that they might otherwise find boring.

2. Customised learning- Gamification provides a great learning experience that increases children’s engagement. Gamification creates engaging, customized, and fun educational content that fosters a positive attitude toward learning. Kids can learn whenever and wherever they desire with educational learning apps.

3. Understanding their flaws- Through the reward system in games, children quickly recognize their strengths and weaknesses. Receiving immediate praise for answering a question correctly, instils a sense of pride and accomplishment and motivation to learn more. Additionally, educational learning applications are ideal resources for additional learning outside the classroom.

4. Self-learning- It is an excellent way to help students become more self-sufficient. Apps can assist students in learning at their own pace, ensuring that they learn independently and value self-study.

5. Assisting mentors- Teachers can use interactive elements in mobile devices to make learning a more enjoyable and interesting experience for their students. This also allows teachers to experiment with new teaching methods and approaches.

6. Preparing for the future-It is essential to prepare children for success in primary and secondary education to have a solid understanding of common technological devices and their functions given the increasing reliance on technology in our world. It is never too early for young children to begin developing knowledge and skills that they can use in school and in the workplace. In this sense, early exposure to technology is a great way to start laying the groundwork for success.

Cons of edtech learning:

1. Routine disruption- Studies show two or more hours of screen time in the evening can disrupt the melatonin surge needed to fall asleep. Lack of sleep can impact their daily routine and also the much-needed sleep recovery that children go through. It is important to turn off electronic devices one hour prior to sleep time.

2. Making screen time constructive- Screen time must be limited in order to manage a social life. It is essential to moderate "technology time" in order to permit children to interact socially with family and friends in order to mitigate this risk.

3. Poor quality- Students may require assistance in identifying quality sources. On the internet, there are lots of information provided by multiple sources. And because there are no clear guidelines for determining which sites are reliable or not, many students are susceptible to false information.