The Place of Technology in Child-centred Learning Process

Understanding child-centred learning?

A child-centered approach in learning encourages school children to take initiatives for their own learning, as opposed to the conventional system where the teacher directs learning as a boss.

In child-centered approach, a teacher's job is much more supervisory. The teacher, rather than drawing his plans to impose on the children, now draws his plans from the learners' initiatives.

This approach of learning is not actually taking away classroom leadership from the teacher, as many of its critics would want us believe, it rather makes the learner the central figure in lesson preparation and delivery.

Below are basic features of a child-centered learning environment:

1) High degree of students' engagement
2) Support for every learner group
3) Support for team work and collaboration.
4) Personalized learning for each child
5) Support for students learning at their own pace
6) Emphasis on skill development rather than mastery of subject
7) Multiple forms of assessment, feedback and learning demonstration
8) Distant learning support

Basic Classroom Technology for today's education

On a foundational level, every 21st century educator is expected to know how to use the following basic technology tools for today's classroom

• Video lesson creation
• Microsoft tools for animations and designs
• Google tools for file sharing, video-conferencing, custom autogradable worksheets for assessment, students' database, file storage etc

How basic technology tools support child-centered learning

Video Lesson creation

Teachers who can create videos for their lessons can indirectly be in charge. What they do is to send the video lessons across to the children before or after the classroom delivery.

One thing this video lesson will achieve is to create enthusiasm for learning in the children, which is one of the basic factors needed by children to learn.

Secondly, it helps each child to learn at his or her own pace, thereby reemphasizing learning.

Thirdly, when video lessons are sent before the main class delivery, it becomes a tool to help the children prepare adequately for class time; and bet me, the class will be highly engaging.

Microsoft Tools for animation & designs
With certain Microsoft tools such as Microsoft Word and Microsoft PowerPoint, teachers can teach with as well as teach their students how to create animation videos.

School children can also learn and apply simple designs with these tools in their classroom engagement and assessment reporting.

Think of animation videos, hyperlinking of files, storyboards etc- all these can be created using simple Microsoft tools. And nothing engages the kids much more than learning with these tools.

Google Tools
I have written extensively on how teachers can manipulate simple Google tools such as Google Mail, Google Drive, Google Forms, Google Hangout etc in creating a free-flowing classroom that gives room for children exploration.

Read this post on Effective use of Google tools for e-learning experience in schools

One thing every educator of 21st century must understand is this: our learners are of digital natives; hence the one and only way to reach them in terms of disseminating knowledge is through digital means. Thank goodness, technology has given us that leverage to explore.

It is both reckless and senseless to see educators who are still resisting technology in their class.

In running with technology, you can only save cost and time; thereby becoming more effective as well as profiting more. Ultimately, our learners gain the more.

Recommended Reading:

Preparing the next African generation through digital literacy integration

9 Powerful Google Tools for education and marketing

The challenge of technology-driven education in Africa

The 5 Ultimate needs of 21st century teachers in Africa

The basic digital tools for e-learning takeoff in African schools