View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Waylon Lewis & Friends (@walkthetalkshow) on Jan 15, 2019 at 8:24pm PST

In less than one generation, how we navigate daily life has changed in the digital age—have we forgotten about changing education too?

Recently, I read an article about parents who work in high-tech who are raising their kids in a tech-free home.

Then I stumbled upon this infographic (shown at the end of the article).

I’ve struggled to keep up with the smartphone and app changes myself and can’t even imagine what it would be like growing up now on social media, and with so much information at our fingertips.

This also makes me worry about our education programs and how much online and on-screen time students have now versus developing social skills, team building opportunities, creative outlets, and the chance to move their bodies in physical education classes.

While I think technology certainly has its positive advantages, we can all agree it’s only going to continue to rapidly progress, therefore, we must be willing to adapt, keep up with tech trends, be flexible, and be ready for the coming changes.

This applies to education, too.

According to research, the global EdTech scene is expected to grow to $93.6 billion by 2020. And 75 percent of teachers believe digital learning content in education will completely replace printed textbooks by 2026.

With the rise of students using digital education apps, we have to wonder whether the future of learning is being tainted or accelerated. Are students actually learning good skills, staying engaged, and developing their minds and intelligence?

We don’t know what the future holds, but we can be mindful and aware of the current tech trends coming, and how they will impact the education system.

As we become more digitally connected and glued to our screens, it’s going to be vital that we integrate more balance that will help kids and adults stay sane in this ever-expanding digital era.

Personality is developed in childhood, and it’s imperative that kids are able to have a healthy social upbringing to succeed in life. Our youth will need resources and education to stay mentally and emotionally well. Classes that offer education beyond a screen will be even more critical.

Children also need role models, positive influences, and creative outlets to help them become functional adults in society. Rather than being guided by Google, or encouraged to stare at screens all day, it will be essential for new generations to take a digital “time out.”

Physically moving their bodies and working out, participating as part of a sports team, and having human connection is necessary for early childhood development. We should encourage activities in school beyond the digital devices. Allowing children to have a well-rounded education while developing good health and well-being practices will benefit the next generation—and all of society.

A need for increased education in positive psychology, education about mental and emotional health, and classes that cover health related topics are also necessary.

We must also better inform and teach our kids about more controversial subjects like having healthy relationships—including dating and sex. This will help them develop a positive relationship with themselves and others.

In the future, I also hope see more schools developing wellness programs that offer yoga and meditation classes.

Offering mindfulness courses and teaching kids healthy and positive ways to respond (not react) to inner and outer annoyances, can at least give them the resources and options they will need to navigate life in healthy ways.

We need to actively support those school systems that can educate the total child, not just focusing the ability to pass standardized tests.

If we cannot change the future of technology, we must set forth now to improve education so that it helps our youth develop in positive ways to lead a successful life.