THE Journal: Forever Changed – Education Predictions for 2021
Jason Innes, our Director of curriculum, training and product management, is included in THE Journal’s predictions for 2021 K-12 EdTech, where they asked a number of education leaders what they expect — or look forward to — in 2021.
We predict the resurgence of hands-on manipulatives, social-emotional development through engagement with peers, and less screen time for young children in early childhood education:
Early Learners Will Return to Hands-on
Developmentally appropriate learning for young children means concrete experiences with hands-on manipulatives, social-emotional development through engagement with peers, and — of course — less screen time. As the pandemic lifts in 2021, and educators have a chance to re-focus on what works best for each age group, early childhood education will re-center on these important benefits of hands-on learning for young children. In ed tech, a focus on in-person learning will mean choosing tools that support these proven learning styles for young children.
Standards for computer science education have been steadily expanding into pre-K–5, and this move will continue in 2021. Robotics — especially screen-free robotics — will see a resurgence in the early childhood classroom, as robots provide a concrete, hands-on foundation to build upon for early learning.
See all the predictions.
