As technology advances, we begin to grow into the ‘brighter future’ while keeping in sync with the pace of modern scientific knowledge. People have beliefs that modern society would make lives of the latest generation more simple, unchallenged and straightforward. Yet we still have concerns about it. We know that now technology is very powerful, and we cannot even imagine what 30 years into the future will look like. So how can schools try to teach students to adapt to the life of technology,and make them into someone that the future society would need? Those that will be successful and happy in the future? Today we will learn about how schools can equip students for a tech-driven future and the advantages and disadvantages.

A survey conducted by the online ‘EdTech Magazine’ found that use of technology in schools worldwide continues to grow, with 48 percent of students reporting they use a desktop computer in the classroom. 42 percent use smartphones, 33 percent use interactive whiteboards and 20 percent use tablets. Still,many schools and guardians disagree with tech and do not want their children to participate in it. So, what digital skills do students need?

Digital literacy curriculum should encompass basic computer literacy, advanced skills, and fostering digital creativity. Your students’ existing skills and grades will help determine how you teach digital literacy. Basic digital skills include typing, file management, and using productivity software. Students should also learn how to write emails, save files, use search engines effectively, learn to be aware/protect yourself online and most importantly, to use your digital devices correctly. 

Lots of parents are worried about techs,thinking it refers directly to social media. Students are on their phones and laptops all day, not only because of the digitalisation of our school system, but they also simply cannot stay away from it. But in school, we are and should try to address to our students the use of technology and how not to be ‘controlled’ by it. Schools do acknowledge that there are lots of disagreements in using tech and science,for we do admit that there are lots of risks. Yet the truth is that it is essential for students to recognize that success is through effort, and we should embrace technology and the challenges it gives us to continuously develop our skills.

Now in school, there are not just the subjects that we are familiar with but also coding, computing science and classes to emphasize digital safety. Schools also prepare their children for a tech-driven future by building a foundation for classroom technology, integrating digital tools into learning, emphasizing the use of digital devices, thinking critically and solving problems through digital learning and even using AI for fun. Technology provides handy tools and opportunities for students, teachers, and parents. Children enjoy information and personalized content from all over. It even adds fun to learning! Additionally, tech can lead our students to personalized developments, for example putting things on your calendar, checking your emails, doing research, communicating with each other and knowledge transfer. In FIS, we have Canvas for assignments, Daily Bulletin for upcoming news and student portal in which you have your own account and your personal information inside. It could also improve your ATL skills (research, communication,critical thinking and self-management). I have had a personal experience with this, when my sister and I made a private google slide presentation and added all our tests, upcoming events, homework, activities etc. inside. We found that it is a good way to keep track of things and very creative and entertaining!

There is a large amount of information online, and students could even read articles, watch videos, listen to podcasts and learn by themselves on the internet, where there is a colorful world with varieties of opportunities for our youngsters. 

But of course there are disadvantages to technology in classrooms, and schools are working on it to make it as little as possible. Parents’ first concerns are that as technology begins to develop, so many things now do not need as much work,time or energy to achieve. Without knowing and having the ability to control themselves, the young ones can be attracted by the simple but easily satisfied world of social media, scrolling through screens endlessly and effortlessly. Research has also found that long times exposed to blue light from digital devices can harm our children, both physically, mentally and emotionally. Students could lose sleep, have long-term spine/ neck issues, separate themselves from social interactions… As a student, I can admit that digital usage is surely a big impact to our mental health and wellbeing. But, what we need to learn is not trying to avoid it, but to teach and support our students to cope with the internet. Here is my personal example. I do not use social media that often, but when I use my phone for a very long time, I end up feeling dizzy, tired, with no appetite and sometimes I even feel regret for why I was on my phone for so long. So, I always have a question in mind.Why would we be attracted to the internet? Firstly, social media seems like a very simple structure, where people post varieties of short videos and the only thing you have to do is to scroll down. Unlike long movies, these short videos give us a short timed satisfaction because films take up hours, but in Tiktok, where you could look at a variety of different videos in one hour. Unfortunately, the quick boost of happiness will soon go away and you will feel tired, sad, or even angry. So, how can we prevent internet addiction? There are lot’s of studies and resources on the internet about this, yet somehow I find them not always applying to my case. I prepared some strategies that I think are easy to achieve, fun and would really help you. Yet everyone will vary on their strategies due to their own hobbies and time. 

Strategies for living a healthier life:

• According to your hobbies, do things that you are interested in during your free time.Start a random project, or create a show,ect.
• Use the internet as a tool, not as somewhere to play games or watch videos!
• Go out and enjoy the sunshine on a beautiful day, interact with nature, go for a walk…
• Attend parties, make new friends, socialize.
• When you want to watch short videos, choose a movie instead.
• Create a schedule or download healthy apps to set a time limit.
• Start and end your day off without social media.

I have already tried those for you and they are very efficient (sspecially the second tip)! Try to organize yourself and use the internet safely, correctly and healthily. But also give yourself time and reflect on it!

Nowadays, in this fast-paced, highly developed modern society and with all those new, curious minds, preparing our students means more than teaching them 21st-century skills. It’s about giving them the tools to navigate everyday life, from appropriate ways to communicate information to understanding and adapting technology. Schools should teach us how to connect and interact within our advancing world. I believe that is why and how schools can and should equip students for a tech-driven future.