Implementing Touch Screen Learning In Schools

By Adriana Noton

New technological advancements in information technology are finding their way into the field of education and presenting ways in which to engage learners more effectively. Touch screen learning is one such innovation, not yet widely available in all schools but assisting learners with disabilities as well as providing basic learning tools for babies, toddlers and young children.

Examples of touchscreen devices include handheld gaming systems, ATM’s, smartphones and directories in shopping malls and tourism offices. They are basically electronic display areas which are responsive to touch, either by the human hand or finger or by digital pens used to select small icons and on-screen options.

What the functionality of these displays entails for the end-user, is that these devices can be accessed and interacted with in a more direct way than via external means such as a keyboard or mouse. For this reason, it has proven to be more user-friendly and easy to understand for people who have difficulty using conventional computerized devices. Visually, it is more stimulating and may even serve to decrease time lags for those waiting in line to make payments, buy tickets or access basic information especially with regards to banking. In addition, it is a technology being used to simplify education and make it more accessible to all kinds of learners.

Touchscreen technology has functioned very well in helping learners with disabilities to develop much-needed skills. Case studies tell of cerebral palsy learners who learn to hold their heads up and improve muscle tone in their arms and hands. Additionally, games teaching math and literacy skills provide fun-filled and valuable education.

In another example, a quadriplegic student was assisted by a similar innovation that enabled him to communicate by means of a computer. The student made use of an on-screen keyboard, selecting the required letter by highlighting it and then pressing a button.

Foundational education for babies and toddlers is also improving in leaps and bounds due to technological products of this nature. Because today’s children are able to relate to computerized devices and advanced technology easier than ever before, new products on the market automatically cater for these needs. Teams of forward-thinking designers are recognizing the pivotal role that technology plays in the development of babies, when implemented through the use of creative and innovative touchscreen devices.

Tablet PC’s are being introduced into the classroom in many states, although lack of funds still remains a challenge for those schools who do not have the capacity to afford them. These PC’s are custom-made for their purpose in schools, and are therefore durable, flexible and relatively lower priced than the average PC targeted at mainstream consumers, although at the moment, its implementation in schools is on a trial basis. Many are optimistic that its user-friendly nature will lead to easy training systems and better, more direct ways of using technology.

Gradually, just as this technology has been implemented in society in various ways, it is evident that its use in schools may become more prevalent. Touch screen learning is proving to be a way in which to engage not only learners with disabilities, but also learners who find it easy to relate, engage with and use this technology in all spheres of life, including for educational purposes.

About the Author: The Vinci touch screen for toddlers is not just an iPad for toddlers, but a new approach to early learning through the use of specially designed apps and advanced technology.

Source: isnare.com

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