By: Matthew Constant, Ed. D.
1. Digital Tutor.
When kids don’t understand their primary teacher’s delivery, they need to know there are other resources out there. The online space now has a YouTube video for almost any concept. Be resourceful for your kids. Help them find others around the world that can deliver that problematic concept in a different way. Parents no longer need to feel responsible for providing that different perspective.
2. Reinforcements Abound.
Do you think kids need more practice on a concept? The digital space and the app stores are wonderful places to help kids practice concept mastery. From learning new languages to multiplication facts to expert spellers, there’s now an app that can help. All it takes is typing what you’re looking for in the search bar.
3. Get Creative.
Allow kids to use technology to their advantage. When the ever-maddening comment of “I’m bored” creeps in, counter that with “Go make a video about your favorite basketball move”, or “Show the world your newest song you just wrote”. Parents, you don’t need to be experts on how kids are to do these things. Just tell them to do it. They will figure it out. No longer will you need fancy video cameras or high-powered computers. A smartphone with a recorder can handle just about anything. Let the kids do the work!
4. Seek help.
No need to feel lost or misinformed. There are plenty of human resources to help you, as a parent, understand how to help your child with technology. Attend your child’s PTO, back-to-school, and parent involvement activities. The Owensboro Daviess County Public Library offers plenty of digital assistance for parents as well. Oftentimes, the school’s Youth Service Centers provide ongoing educational opportunities for parents. Make the initial effort to get yourself informed.
5. Career Counseling.
Help your kids leverage the technology to help them figure out a career path. No longer is there a need to physically visit a place of business nor see how that particular machine operates. With virtual field trips, YouTube videos, Skype videoconferencing, and other digital helps the family can have nearly the same experience from the comfort of the couch using the digital device’s built-in camera.
6. Learning Partner.
Parents can be the biggest difference in student academic success. Become partners in your child’s learning. Use the digital tools to stay in good communication with the school. With online gradebook apps, email, and individual teacher web pages, parents have the ability to have real-time data to provide the home help connection. Take advantage of these systems!