5 tips for digital learning

Modern-day technologies have transformed the way we live, work and communicate. Specifically, they’ve also had a profound impact on how kids learn. Digital tools and devices are replacing outdated teaching methods in the classroom and at home, providing kids with an extra platform to further their learning and quench that thirst for knowledge.

Rather than viewing digital devices as a distraction, parents should find innovative and creative ways to incorporate them into their child’s education to support and enhance learning at home.

 Learning gets digital

With tech becoming increasingly integrated within our daily lives, it’s no surprise that it’s being relied on more and more in the classroom. Whether they are watching online tutorials, using an interactive whiteboard or completing internet-based tasks, the more kids use tech, the more confident they’ll become – helping to set them up for a competitive, digital future.

From the classroom to the home

Digital devices allow learning to extend beyond the confines of the classroom and as a result, will benefit your child’s education. So, to maximise the educational potential of these devices, here are five handy hints:

1.De-clutter devices

A cluttered desktop equals a cluttered mind, so spend some time clearing up your tech so your kid has a clean slate to work on come the start of the school year. Get rid of old apps and programmes and create lesson-specific folders they can store their work in, which will help them to stay focused and organised.

2.Use tech together

A great way to (subtly) keep an eye on your what your kids are doing is to use the tech together. For instance, if they have a piece of Maths homework to complete, sit down and work through it with them. Offering your support and showing interest by asking questions on the subject will help to reinforce all that they’ve learned.

3.Make the most of apps

As the saying goes, ‘There’s an app for that!’ There’s an abundance of educational apps out there, from subject-based apps to tools which enable kids to do things such as manage their homework schedules or plan essays. Think back to last year – was there anything your child struggled with? If so, research apps that could help them this year and get downloading!

4.Learn from them

Whether parents like to admit it or not, kids know an awful lot about tech and can certainly teach us a thing or two. So if you have any questions about the devices or apps your child’s using, ask them for a demonstration. Doing this will also help you to make sure that every app your child has is safe and appropriate for their age.

If you’re a little worried about security, you can always download a parental-control app that will limit your little one’s access to certain websites, apps or features within those apps, for instance.

5.Set ground rules

Before heading back to school, make sure you have a chat with your little one about what the devices should and should not be used for – write the rules on paper if you think it’ll help.

It’s also a good idea to set out times when the tech can be used. We all need to give our brains and eyes a break from those glaring screens, so be sure to enjoy a ‘digital detox’ together each night. Tech shouldn’t be used just before bedtime, as it can interrupt sleeping patterns.

Whether your child is using your smartphone to research essay ideas or their portable keyboard and mouse to complete homework, make sure their tech never runs out of charge with GP Batteries. We stock a wide range of quality single-use and rechargeable batteries, as well as chargers and PowerBanks.