We all remember a time when the most high-tech thing in the classroom was a huge old TV that the teacher used to cart in when it was time for some presentations.
Well, that is all a thing of the past and today primary schools are getting more into tech. They need people who can speak both “kid” and, at the same time, handle code with ease.
If you have what it takes to explain things to a grade schooler while still handling your other duties on a tablet, you are more suited to a career in EdTech for primary schools.
So, Why EdTech Matters in Primary Schools?
You know, most kids these days get their hands on a smartphone before they’ve even learned to walk. And many educators know just how important a role tech will have in children’s lives in the coming future.
EdTech gives us a way to teach children in a more fun and interactive way.
DID YOU KNOW?
Digital learning is a great way to prepare students for a more digital future. The usage of EdTech in schools has increased by more than 99% since 2020.
What You’re Getting Into: The Good, the Bad, and the Glitchy
If you’re thinking of starting a career in the EdTech for primary schools, know that you’ll need to play multiple roles. It’s not just about helping kids learn through tech, you’ll be like a caretaker, teacher, IT support staff, and more.
So, if you want to sign up, there are a couple of things that you need to know beforehand.
The Good Stuff
- You’ll be part of a generation that brought great innovations to the education system.
- It’ll never get boring with all the new ways you can teach.
- You get to experience new tech while you play around with kids.
The Not-So-Good Stuff
- Tech can be expensive and many schools have some pretty tight budgets.
- It’ll be a constant fight with the school system to implement changes.
- Many schools still prefer the old way so you’ll need to constantly convince them to make the leap.
- EdTech for primary schools is still in the beginning phase, so it’s on you to prove that kids will actually be learning something instead of just sitting in front of a screen.
How Do You Even Start With EdTech in the First Place?
Getting right into the Ed-tech scene is a pretty tall order for anyone, especially if it’s something new. You’ll be going against a teaching system that has stood unchanged for more than hundreds of years.
Here’s how you can get started:
- Learn About Who You’ll Actually Teach
Before you get straight into it, volunteer and check out your local primary schools to see what you’re actually getting yourself into.
- Learn to Speak the Speak
Children won’t always understand what complex tech stuff means so you need to familiarize yourself with the tech and know how to make it simple for even 5-year-olds to understand.
- Familiarize Yourself With the Tech You’ll Teach
Yes, teaching with tech tools can be fun, but you need to play around and have first-hand experience before you can really teach. Even a simple poster printing machine can confuse kids. So the more you know, the better.
- Network and Share Your Experiences
Hey, you’re not the only one going through this, there are many others out there who are trying to do the same thing. Check out online forums and blog posts and communicate with industry experts before trying something new in the classroom.
What You’ll Be Doing and Where Your Responsibilities Lie?
Teaching children can be a lot of work, especially in the field of EdTech for primary schools. You’ll be handling a lot of other things that are just beyond the scope of simple teaching.
For example, you might need to code an app that will teach fractions to the students or convince them of the principle that the children are not just staring at a screen all day, but actually learning something.
You need to make learning simple and engaging, as well as analyze data to customize a learning plan that will be unique to each student.
What the Future Holds for EdTech for Primary Schools?
As of right now, there’s no saying what the future actually has in store for EdTech in primary schools. With new innovations happening every now and then, you can be sure that the classroom will be a lot different than you used to remember in the coming days.
Things like AI tutors, VR field trips, and the gamification of education materials have made learning a fun and interactive process. Some tools help students who are falling behind or struggling.
This means that no matter what the future holds, it will be a bright and fun one. And if you’re looking for a career in this field, platforms like Higher Hire can help you find your first gig.
Interesting Statistic!
In K-12 education, meaning Kindergarten to Grade 12 in the US or Primary School through to College in the UK (so compulsory education), the EdTech Top 40 reported that each US school district tried out an average of 2,591 EdTech tools over the school year. This means schools were not consistently using the same tools, but continually trying new ones throughout the year to find the best EdTech to suit their needs.
Conclusion
Getting started on a career path in EdTech for primary schools is not for the faint-hearted. You need will, grit, and skills to survive in this field. From explaining complex tech stuff to kids in a simpler way to managing study materials and more, there’s a lot you need to be able to handle.
But, if you’re up for it, EdTech is an awesome way to make a difference by helping young ones be ready for the world that is coming in the future.
