The Usage of Digital Media in Primary School

The use of latest technology in education industry is not a new thing. From early AV clubs to today’s media arts, technology continues to creep into education. Knowing this, it would be unfair to give digital media in education fair consideration. After all, digital technology has played a pivotal role in keeping our businesses, governments, and institutions running during the pandemic.  

It has been one of the core technology categories that make up most of our world today. And virtually everyone agrees it helps all of them become more efficient, transparent, and effective. Therefore, it makes no sense to ignore ways in which digital media and platforms could help in learning. Especially in primary school education. If you’re interested in learning about how digital media and platforms can enhance primary school education, read on for more.  

Technology Like Social Media Is Integral to Everyday Use

First things first. Older millennials and boomers may not always look kindly on digital platforms. But the fact of the matter is that the world has changed massively over the past two decades. Conventional ways of doing things have gone right out the window. Instead, technology in the form of hardware and software has become integral to our daily lives. It is far more convenient to pick up and dial Spectrum customer service 866 instead of having to go down to the store to report an outage.   

In discouraging primary school students from using digital technology in classes, you could be restricting their ability to become familiar with this integral technology. This not only serves to inhibit their potential but also stifle new avenues of creativity to explore. Therefore, digital platforms like social media should not only be allowed in primary school learning but actively involved in them.

Class Pages Can Serve as Bulletin Boards to Broadcast Updates

Once you examine existing digital platforms, you may discover several opportunities to leverage to the benefit of your primary classes. Communication, for example, is as important in the classroom as it is in the workplace. However, a student, particularly a primary school student, does not have the focus or concentration a working adult may possess. Therefore, they can and do miss out on important class or homework assignments.  

However, something as simple as a social media page for your class can change this. Most younger kids have access to wireless devices and the know-how to use them. That means they can use them to look at a webpage or even a Facebook page that you create for the class. The closed group can ensure impressionable children remain in a safe virtual space. And they can develop the valuable habit of checking for updates, particularly during the start or end of a school day. You should find it much easier to get your message across.  

Interactive Video Conferencing Can Help with Engagement

Everybody is working remotely these days. So are many teachers. Of course, even college professors struggle to keep remote classrooms engaged. Primary school kids have vibrant and imaginative minds, which is fertile ground for education. Unfortunately, given that their brains are still developing, many primary schoolers have shorter attention spans. This makes it harder for primary schools, teachers, students, and even parents to see significant progress.  

However, modern video conferencing can also double as a learning platform. Especially ones with interactive features like a group chat, AR elements, and even clickable assignments. These may help remote education become far more palatable for a young and curious mind.   

Leverage Commonly Used Apps for Class Activities

Most students already use several common applications. From YouTube Kids to games, smartphone and tablet apps are fairly common among primary school kids. But instead of forcing them away from their kiddie content, why not use the same channels to educate? By approaching students on the platforms (or apps) they prefer, you will likely find them more receptive and willing to learn.  

For example, you could create a Required Watching list similar to required readings. Let kids approach learning things like numbers and algebra in a way that interests them. Using digital media in education, You could even encourage an early habit to research and look for solutions online.  

Encourage Web-Based Homework

Creativity is never easy to teach. But it can be very easy to nurture it, especially in the context of digital technology. The internet is a vast resource of learning and information. It contains just about anything anyone of any age would want to learn. Use the internet and easy access to wireless devices to take homework activities online. Encourage kids to look for ideas for DIY projects, history lessons, and even extracurriculars like Halloween costumes or school events.