Diarmuid Ó Muirgheasa
CEO, Olus Education
Today’s youth (Generation Alpha) are growing up with a unique experience of technology, and schools need an approach which takes account of that.
There’s an assumption that being a ‘digital native’ — growing up surrounded by smartphones and other digital devices — is enough to imbue children with an innate ability to commune with technology. Reality is a little different. Tech has become so intuitive and easy to use that using devices for content or games feels like literal child’s play. Parents may mistake this ease for their child’s genius, but it actually says more about the skilled engineers who designed them that way.
Creators, not consumers
While there’s no doubt about Generation Alpha’s comfort with technology, instilling them with the skills to use tech as a creator rather than a consumer requires a deft touch. Schools that are doing this well can achieve extraordinary things, helping students bring subjects to life with coding, video editing, interactive presentations and more. Crucially, this is less about the technology itself and more about using the right technology in the right way at the right time. Unfortunately, most schools are not given the help they need to achieve these results.
Tech has become so intuitive and easy
to use that using devices for content
or games feels like literal child’s play.
Resources and educator buy-in
There are several key elements required to help school communities embrace technology and use it effectively. Schools need the resources. These include hardware, lesson plans and child-friendly videos, among others. Perhaps less obvious is the vision; we believe this is where the real opportunity lies. The new curriculum will encourage schools to embrace technology, but educators will need to buy into the vision. If technology is seen as another task to be ticked off, we’ll simply be repeating mistakes. If we can collectively imagine a future where technology is a force for good, and students are empowered by it rather than burdened by it, then maybe we can finally achieve that.
Digital learning guidance
Olus Education offers a holistic approach to helping schools with digital learning, including workshops, teacher training and a whole school digital learning portal.
Visit olus.education for more details.
