Entering a traditional classroom, I am often taken aback. I can’t help but wonder: How is this going to prepare our kids to live and work in today’s technology-focused world?
Sitting at their little desks, listening to lectures, memorizing facts in preparation for tests, are we giving them the skills needed to compete in today’s world? Will they feel comfortable using technology? Will they be able to think for themselves, solve problems, innovate? Will they lead, or will they always follow?
There are, of course, natural leaders among us – those who will think for themselves and lead no matter what. But what about the students who need a little push in the right direction in order to reach their full potential? Aren’t we robbing them of vitally important skills when we stick with traditional teaching methods that worked 50 years ago, but may not be the best methods today?
To be ready for today’s world, our children need to feel 100% comfortable using technology. Technology can’t be something they experience once a week in a special computer class. It must be an integral part of the curriculum. Furthermore, students need to learn to be creative, to think independently, to ask questions and to solve them.
Memorizing skills are simply not needed in today’s world. With free, easy access to information, the skills that are needed are not memorizing information but rather knowing where to find it, how to access it, and how to best process it, applying it to solve problems.
Frustrated with the huge disconnect between the traditional classroom and today’s reality, many of our parents have chosen online homeschooling as a way to ensure their child is ready for the future. We encourage you to do the same.
