No matter how we might personally feel about the recent lockdown measures, the result is that the use of digital technology in every aspect of life has progressed rapidly. As teachers, we have quickly become familiar with a range of technologies to set and receive homework, encourage online collaboration and engage our students in interactive learning that progresses their subject understanding. All while meeting the set curriculum goals and objectives. This use of digital technology has transformed how students learn and has provided increased opportunities for interdisciplinary learning and teaching.
With the growth of STEM, interdisciplinary learning has gained renewed strength in education. By offering our students hands-on, real-life experiences that require them to collaborate with others to research and problem-solve to find a solution to a challenge, we are encouraging deeper learning and skill development that will benefit them as learners into the future.
In addition, digital technology has the potential to break down subject silos by providing avenues for formal connections across subjects without the stresses of trying to bring the various areas together artificially. For example, the mathematics teacher working with the humanities and science teachers to develop classroom projects that are authentic because they are cross-disciplined.
Digital curriculum materials also enable teachers to personalize lessons for their students by addressing the content in creative ways. No matter what your teaching style is, combining digital technology with hands-on kits, supplemental print or other resources can increase student engagement and achievement by providing a variety of diverse learning opportunities. This can go a long way towards breaking down educational silos and enable our students to develop real-world skills.
