Ways Educators Can Use Technology Positively for Brain Function
The most effective way educators can use technology to help with brain function is using a blended learning approach. A blended learning approach is when the classroom has a “... combination of varying amounts of online and offline course delivery” (Agrawal, 2020). This allows children to have the best of both worlds by getting educated with technology and real-life experiences. When giving children both online and offline experiences, they will be able to strengthen different skills such as sleep patterns, attention span, problem-solving, and self-regulation skills. There is so much technology around us, and there is no way to get around this. Children should be taught how to use technology in appropriate ways that will benefit them. Educators can also find different websites and applications that will help improve these skills.
Coding is a great way to teach children problem-solving as they have to figure out how to tell their computer how to perform tasks. When children code, their cognition will be used, and they will be faced with challenges throughout their tasks that will make them think critically (Dodge, 2022).
Setting boundaries, timers, and goals will help with self-regulation. It gives students the ability to use devices but allows them to understand that there is time to use the device and time to be away from devices. Using technology for mindfulness, such as putting on yoga for the students to follow and using classroom management tools such as bouncyballs.org, are effective ways educators can use technology positively to help with brain function.
Using technology in ways that will teach students fun ways that they do not realize they are learning are ways educators can support children’s brain function with technology. Overall, technology is a great tool to help students succeed, but it needs to be used in conjunction with real-life experiences. A balance between online and offline is vital for children to develop their best.
