The Right Blend of Technology in a Montessori Curriculum
The much admired Montessori method has established its scientifically approved framework since the early 1920s. Schools all over the world follow this curriculum, not just for better academic outcomes but for the child’s personal development too. It is a well-established fact that a Montessori curriculum can give one of the best beginnings for your child and can do wonders to your child’s educational outcome.
The Montessori curriculum propagates a sense of independence, self-esteem and social awareness among children. And this style of learning does not limit itself to a class-room environment but can also be adapted at homes by parents of children who are as young as 1 year of age.
However, lately, there have been more developments in this area and schools have been proactive and progressive in their approach to modern education. New measures have been introduced to make the Montessori curriculum a lot more robust and interactive than it already is.
The need for change has risen and the educational needs of the new age seek futuristic methods in order to pursue their dreams.
Why are schools picking up a new approach?
In this age of incredible inventions, technology is the core part of educational experiences and this experience begins at the early start of a child’s education. One might wonder what a young toddler would gain out of technology in a Montessori setup. But age-appropriate gadgets and virtual classrooms familiarize these children with the use of technology and don’t intimidate them in their higher grades when they have to use it extensively.
Integrating technology increases the student-teacher engagement by at least 10 fold and this is quite imperative for the betterment of the student and the teacher too. The teachers of such schools are given encouragement and opportunity to upgrade their knowledge base and their styles of teaching by introducing innovative methods in education.
Passive learning through textbook theory and single-sided instruction methods are no longer preferred. Instead, new technology is used to empower students and provide them a platform for their creative endeavors.
Moving ahead with the times is the most responsible thing to do, and no student should be left behind in this quest for newer knowledge.
During CBSE school admissions for a Montessori curriculum, it is important to consider these aspects of the school.
What are schools doing to change their methods?
Young children have started using ipads, tablets and smartphones like pros and are often more adept at figuring out new applications and games than their adult counterparts. In order to continue piquing that curiosity, schools are introducing virtual classrooms and labs that have highly interactive learning environments and these virtual journeys inspire these little toddlers to absorb the intricacies of the world around them.
On the contrary, these schools with a Montessori curriculum also understand the true essence of the Montessori method, which is hands-on learning and experimentation in order to improve the five senses.
Therefore, technology is made a part of the curriculum with careful consideration and not overloaded on the minds of these little children. The core objective of the Montessori method still remains but is complemented by innovative learning methods in order for the child to move along with the rest of the world.
Finding a balance between these two worlds should be the aim of the Montessori curriculum.
How does this new approach benefit the child?
The world has been facing a turbulent time due to the unexpected pandemic and technology has played the role of a saviour in these unpredictable times.
Schools have changed their styles of learning methods by integrating technology into its lessons and interactions. Even little children have been adapting to these platforms with ease and inquisitiveness. They now have access to multiple lessons and can explore different concepts through these innovative platforms and this has led to a certain smartness and confidence in young children.
Apart from this, there are finer aspects of using technology among young children. When children learn to maneuver through these gadgets and applications, they are also improving their eye-hand coordination, concentration and fine motor skills.
Even their creativity gets a new platform for output and children are not only limited to their art and craft supplies to hone their creative skills. Schools should help students pick skills that are useful for the future when they grow and pursue careers around the world.
After all, you wouldn’t want your child to be technologically backward in an era where the world speaks this futuristic language.
We recommend taking a campus tour before school admission of your little toddler!
A campus tour is a must for all parents before taking a decision on a prospective school. This gives a clear picture of the facilities offered and the methods used in educating its students.
Though technology is the core of today’s education system, you wouldn’t want to expose your child to hours of screen time in the school but would also want a classroom that follows the Montessori framework by providing activities that nurture their skills. And you would also want technology to be a part of their education in order to bring the right balance between these methods of learning and to keep them abreast of these technologies.
Using technology in a purposeful way for the benefit of the children is definitely encouraged by most parents and schools. But along with this, a well balanced curriculum offers equal weightage to academics, extracurricular activities, social awareness initiatives, environment initiatives in order to fulfil the objective of holistic development in its students. A Montessori curriculum that offers this unique framework is something you can trust.
