Author: Robert Peterson

Have you ever wondered how trending technology will change the way children learn? Read how technology has impacted and improved one of the most popular learning styles for young learners – experiential learning.

 

Technology’s Impact on Experiential Learning for Young Learners

 

What is experiential learning?
Experiential learning is a teaching approach that emphasizes learning through experience and reflection.
It involves hands-on activities, experimentation, and problem-solving. The National Association for the
Education of Young Children (NAEYC) boasts the importance of experiential learning as a part of young
learners’ education with, “learning through purposeful experiences has long been recognized as an
effective approach to teaching children. Pioneers of early education understood the importance of
children making sense of their world through observation and experimentation. Their keen understanding
of how young children learn continues to influence contemporary approaches to early childhood
education.

How does technology impact experiential learning?
Experiential learning, when combined with technology, can become even more powerful, providing
children with new and innovative ways to learn. Here are some ways that technology can enhance
children’s learning experience:
One of the most significant advantages of technology in experiential learning is that it provides young
learners with access to a wide range of resources and tools that can enhance their learning experience.
For instance, digital learning spaces. Using digital spaces to educate can be a great way to enhance
engagement by connecting young learners to experts in their field of study. In addition, digital spaces can
encourage collaboration by creating a forum to share ideas and experiences.

Another way technology is changing experiential learning is through online simulations and games. These
tools can be used to create a fun and engaging learning environment where students can learn through
trial and error. Games and simulations can also be tailored to the specific learning needs of individual
students, making the learning experience more personalized and effective.

Another significant advantage of technology in experiential learning in early education is that it can
provide children with a safe and controlled environment to practice their skills and apply theoretical
knowledge to real-world situations. For instance, virtual reality (VR) technology can simulate real-world
situations and provide children with a safe and controlled environment to practice their skills. According to
a publication by the National Library of Medicine on the use of technology, VR technology can be used in
various fields such as science, math, and language learning, to name a few, to provide children with an
immersive and interactive learning experience. Despite the numerous benefits, technology in experiential
learning in early education also presents its own set of challenges.

One of the biggest challenges is the need for teachers and parents to ensure that children are using
technology in an age-appropriate and safe manner. Moreover, it is essential to ensure that technology is
not a substitute for human interaction and that children have ample opportunities to interact with their
peers and teachers in a real-world setting.

In conclusion, technology has had a significant impact on experiential learning in early education,
transforming the way children learn and experience the world around them. By leveraging the power of
technology in experiential learning, children can develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and
collaboration skills that will prepare them for success in the future.

 

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What can libraries do to help reengage parents in their children’s education? Discover the 6 ways schools engage parents to improve the skills of young learners and how libraries can help parents reinforce what children are learning in the classroom.

 

 

Family Engagement Leads to Early Childhood Success

Family engagement is about the knowledge, values, and actions that enable children to be successful learners. For schools
and libraries, family engagement refers to meaningful partnerships with parents that
provide the opportunity to be active in the learning and development of their children.
Family engagement keeps parents informed – via in-person conversations, e-mails, or
online communication tools – of their young learner’s academic standing. These practices
increase parental involvement in important education-related decisions.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the relationship between schools and parents reinforces learning
and health beyond the classroom. This includes at home, in school, out-of school programs,
and in the community. To increase parent engagement, schools can make a positive
connection with parents, provide a variety of activities and opportunities to engage
parents, and sustain their engagement by addressing common challenges. Through
collaboration with schools, local libraries can host afterschool educational programs for
early learners and their parents.
Family engagement, however, is not a linear process. Each community is unique and must
adapt their own set of best practices. Researchers have identified six types of involvement
that schools can use to engage parents and improve the skills of young learners:
1. Providing parenting support
2. Communicate directly with parents
3. Provide a variety of volunteer opportunities
4. Support learning at home
5. Encourage parents to be part of decision making in schools
6. Collaborate with the community
It is important for educators to encourage family engagement both at school and within the
community. When teachers take the time to understand families’ needs, they invite an opportunity for collaboration. By
welcoming parents and families to events focused on their child’s early learning, educators
build a sense of trust and teamwork with individuals that are critical to early childhood
success. A study discussed in Teaching Young illustrates that these events help to develop a rapport between
educator and the family.

Studies conducted by the Harvard Family Research Project show that family engagement improves academic performance,
increases school attendance, and ultimately increases graduation rates. Furthermore, it
reduces at-risk behaviors and positively impacts attitudes and overall well-being.
Especially in early childhood, active parental involvement in the young learner’s education process helps to build early literacy skills.
Libraries also place a focus on family engagement and have implemented strategies such as Every Child Ready to Read to
support parents in building their child’s early literacy skills. Similarly, 21st Century
Community Learning Centers that provide out-of-school learning and afterschool programs
also play a fundamental role in family engagement. Development of this role includes strategies such as:
• Have an adequate and welcoming space to engage families
• Establish policies and procedures to promote family engagement
• Communicate and build trusting relationships
• Be intentional about staff hiring and training to promote effective staff-family
interactions
• Connect families to each other, to the program staff, to schools, and to other
community institutions
• Help support families and their basic needs

Family engagement results in short-term and long-term academic success for young
learners. From the child’s perspective, it is important to see the collaboration between their
family and the educators in their lives. What types of in school or out of school programs
would you attend in order to have the most impact on your young learner’s early education?

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