Page 134 - EW-December-1-31-2024-merged

Teacher-2-Teacher

Blended learning to shape

future-ready children

A.K. SRIKANTH

N TODAY’S RAPIDLY CHANGING WORLD, THE ed- By blending traditional pedagogies
ucation system requires radical reform. The question
of whether to persist with long-established traditional with latest technology innovations,
Ipedagogies or fully embrace modern technological ad- educators can ensure that children are
vances is often at the centre of education debates. But the
reality is that children need more than just one pedagogy. academically successful and capable of
They need well-rounded education that enables emotional, navigating a challenging new world
social, and intellectual development and tech-driven learn-
ing that equips them with adaptability to thrive in a dy-
namic global environment. builds the foundation for future development. By blending
By blending traditional best teaching-learning practices traditional pedagogies with modern technology, teachers
with modern tech innovations, educators can ensure that can accelerate the cognitive, emotional and social devel-
children are not only academically successful but also ca- opment of children to enable them to flourish within and
pable of navigating a diverse and increasingly challenging beyond classrooms.
world. This balanced approach creates opportunities for Parent-teacher collaboration. Apart from facilitating
students to build essential life skills and prepare for the parent-teacher communication, digital tools enable teach-
complexities of the future. Such blended education is no ers to provide parents with progress milestones, updated
longer a choice; it is a necessity to empower generation next reports and assessments, and enable transparency and
for success in competitive and complex workplaces. clear communication. This helps parents make informed
Value of traditional learning. Traditional pedago- decisions about how best to support children’s learning at
gies remain integral to education because they develop life home. It also enables web-based conferencing and guides
skills critical for youngest children’s development. Activi- parents to access resources such as books and conferences,
ties such as storytelling, group play, and cultural knowledge while facilitating easy interaction between school and home
enable them to develop empathy, manage emotions, laying environments.
the foundation for healthy interactions in adult life. Building resilience and adaptability for the future.
Moreover, traditional pedagogies emphasise physi- Blended learning helps children to develop resilience and
cal play, vital for developing fitness, communication, and adaptiveness. In this VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex
spatial awareness. Engaging with building blocks, puzzles, and ambiguous) age, capability to think analytically, adapt
and outdoor activities encourages children to explore their to new situations, and solve complex problems have become
environment while promoting creativity, problem-solving, critical. Integrating traditional practices with technology
and critical thinking — vital for intellectual development. will enable children to develop important 21st century skills.
Human interaction through communication and coopera- Yet balancing traditional pedagogies with latter-day
tive learning, teaches children to work together and express digital technologies is not without challenges. It’s already
themselves effectively. well-established that excessive exposure to digital devices
Role of modern technology in learning. While tradi- can negatively impact children’s physical and cognitive de-
tional teaching-learning pedagogies are important, modern velopment and adversely affect their posture, eyesight, and
education technology also offers significant benefits. The attention spans. Therefore, it’s essential to balance digital
Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the value of digital learn- screen time with hands-on experiences, physical activity,
ing in maintaining education continuity, with flexibility and and creative exercises to eliminate tech overload and ensure
adaptability. Without their attending physical classrooms, children’s holistic growth and development. Responsible
technology enabled children to continue learning. Since utilisation of digital technologies has become vitally impor-
then, it has become clear that STEAM (science, technology, tant. They enhance learning without replacing the advan-
engineering, art, and math) education is vital to arouse chil- tages of traditional classroom education.
dren’s curiosity and develop critical thinking skills. New- The benefits of blended learning will also empower
age exercises such as digital coding and interactive games teachers. With routine administrative tasks taken care of by
strengthen independent thinking and problem-solving ca- digital devices and AI (artificial intelligence), teachers can
pabilities of children. focus on teaching while learning themselves and reigniting
Modern technology also empowers teachers by providing the joy of teaching and nurturing children.
real-time feedback through digital platforms. This allows By combining traditional pedagogies with modern tech-
teachers to customise lesson plans to meet every child’s nology, school managements have the opportunity to cre-
unique needs and makes the teaching-learning process for ate joyful teaching-learning environments that enable the
teacher and pupil more enjoyable. emotional, social and intellectual development of children.
Early childhood is a formative period for learning, as it (A.K. Srikanth is the Bengaluru-based CEO, KLAY Preschools and Daycare)

134 EDUCATIONWORLD DECEMBER 2024