My elementary school age child detests opening a paper book. Reading is not his favorite subject and challenges him. But, the presence of digital media in the class room has transformed his dislike of reading a paper book, into an adventure through interactive computer stories and games. He also enjoys reading on the kindle and listening to electronic stories on the computer. Electronic devices were once considered a luxury, but children born in the 21st century view them as basic tools of survival. I recall helping him with a research paper last year. The school library had limited information on his selected subject, his quickly goggled his topic, read the information, and completed the assignment with photographs, then listed all sources from the Internet.
Some may argue that the dependence and move toward digital media is causing children to forget their basic writing skills, and that younger children cannot determine truth in material from the World Wide Web. There are some who will note that some historic documents are not found on the web; and contend elementary school age children have not been taught patriotism and do not have a full understanding of our country’s history. For every objection to the use of digital media; there are ten students who have improved their skill set thanks to digital media tools and devices.
As a parent of a child in a rural elementary school, I must applaud the school for their efforts to provide a diverse learning environment that includes a large component influenced by digital media. From the smart board with the digital response system, to the document camera that displays assignments; elementary age students are becoming more engaged in the classroom. Time and paper are conserved, as several schools transition into environmentally friendly institutions, kindles are replacing textbooks and video lessons are being integrated into the curriculum. Laptops and ipads are replacing extremely heavy backpacks and daily planners are being fazed into electronic calendars.
I have an older female child who is now a junior in college. When in elementary school, my daughter brought home every piece of paper that her teacher gave her, some days, I felt she brought home someone else’s papers and notes. I knew all of her activity dates and deadlines in elementary school and was able to plan attendance at school functions. Fast-forward thirteen years past the birth of my son to his entrance into elementary school. I do not receive many notes from his teachers nor did I receive the printed notices that were sent on Friday. Some will tell you that many little boys do not bring home notes from the teacher! Activities pass, lunch room balances increase and you become the parent who missed a class function or did not return a signed document. It’s enough to make you question yourself and seek other avenues for information. Thanks to email in the class room and automated parent notification systems, I am an aware and involved parent! I can read the Friday note on the school’s website; I receive automated notices on my phone and in my email and can now check his cafeteria balance and make online deposits into his account. I can effectively communicate through email with his teacher to monitor his grades, activities and with the school nurse to inquire about his health.
Recently, my son missed the early bus to his after school provider. I received a call from a concerned friend who thought I forgot to pick him up in the car rider lane, offering to bring him to me. In past years, this would have been a major safety concern. The school district uses a finger scan device on his school bus to keep better track of attendance. With the challenges and mandates placed on schools and educators; keeping track of students is a job in itself, especially when you factor in miles of dirt roads. This digital system is a valuable tool that provides real-time data on attendance! When he did not get on the afternoon bus, the system automatically notified the school’s office staff who verified and redirected the bus to return to the school. As I was dialing the office, the bus driver was calling to verify his return to pick up my son.
Digital media’s influence in elementary schools has a positive impact on students and allows parents to remain in constant contact with teachers and faculty. It also provides an opportunity for parents to remain engaged in their child’s education and safety through the day.
Donna Green
dig2000
Recently I acquired custody of my 13 year old grandson who has a learning disability. Through email, texting and the parent portal I have been able to keep in constant contact with his teachers. This has help tremendously with keeping up on his prgress and where he needs additional help at home.
ReplyDeleteI also purchased him a Kindle ereader that has text to speech capabilities which has helped with his reading handicap.
That's so cool about the finger print scanner on the bus! It made me think of that poor little 5 year old girl that fell asleep on the school bus & spent the weekend on the bus scared & too little to get out on her own. This would have helped. Glad it's out now.
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