There is too much homework!
There isn’t enough homework!
This is meaningless homework!
Over the past three decades, homework, a staple of the American public school system, has changed. The evolution comes from shifting pedagogy, the art and science of teaching and the rise of technology.
“The vast changes and constant advances in digital and technology availability, use and accessibility options have dramatically changed how homework looks today. As a student, my homework options were to hand write, use a typewriter and closer to the end of my K-12 experience, I used a computer at home,” says Makia Alexander, assistive technology coordinator in Ann Arbor Public Schools.
Homework has gone from practice worksheets, memorization and repetition to more online work, in-class collaborations and student-led projects. As parents, navigating this new age of schooling can feel overwhelming and unfamiliar from what they knew as students themselves.
“Today, students complete many of their assignments online via their cellphone or Chromebook with all research being conducted at home via the internet which moves at light speed in comparison to the dial-up service I accessed as a student,” Alexander says. “Students can now record video, dictate responses, utilize screen readers as well as other features that ensure access to some students and/or improve workflow for others.”
Still, yet another big homework shakeup is in the works.
Enter Artificial Intelligence. AI is redefining everything that we thought we knew about work, including schoolwork.
Today’s assignments often involve AI-driven educational platforms that adapt to individual learning styles. However, a new digital divide will come from a lack of understanding how AI can enhance learning and how to best integrate it into our children’s learning routines to complement a well-rounded education.
Here are some quick tips to incorporate AI into your child’s learning routines:
Understand the basics of AI
Educate yourself about what artificial intelligence is and how it can assist in education. Keep up to date with the latest developments in AI in education through reputable sources and news articles.
Select reliable AI tools
Research and choose AI-powered educational tools and platforms that align with your child’s needs and curriculum. Get familiar with Khan Academy’s Khanmigo and other tools, including ChatGPT and Duolingo.
Privacy and security
Ensure that the AI tools you select are suitable for your child’s age and grade level. To prioritize your child’s privacy and security when using AI tools, read the privacy policies and terms of service carefully.
Supervise and monitor
Regularly monitor your child’s usage of AI tools to ensure they are using them effectively and not becoming overly reliant on them. Encourage a balanced approach to homework where AI is used as a resource, but your child also learns independently.
Time management
Teach your child effective time management skills to prevent over-reliance on AI tools.
Stay flexible
Be open to adapting your approach as your child’s educational needs change and as AI technology evolves.
Homework Through the Years
A glimpse into the historical evolution of homework offers a unique vantage point from which parents can, not only appreciate its current form, but also adapt how to participate in a child’s educational journey.
The 1990s
The Era of Traditional Homework
Homework was predominantly about practice and repetition. Following Bloom’s Taxonomy, the focus was on knowledge acquisition and comprehension.
Assignments typically involved reading from textbooks, completing worksheets and writing essays by hand at home. This idea was rooted in the belief that repeated practice was the key to mastering content.
The problem: It overlooked diverse learning styles and needs. Even more worrying, resources, like parental support, for some were limited and for others plentiful.
Late 1990s, early 2000s
The Digital Revolution: A New Era in Homework
The time period marked the very beginning of technology becoming part of the educational landscape. Entering the arena with its cheerful chorus of AOL’s “You’ve Got Mail!” was the internet along with personal home computers.
Online encyclopedias, educational websites and digital libraries began to change how students accessed information and completed their homework.
The problem: The “digital divide” became apparent. Not all students had equal access to technology, creating a huge gap in educational opportunities. Educators had to rethink what schooling looked like again.
Today
Personalized and Tech-Integrated Homework
Today, technology plays a central role in a child’s education. Online platforms, educational apps and interactive assignments have become standard.
Some powerful tools, like Khan Academy or IXL, not only make homework more engaging, but they also allow for tailored learning experiences that can meet students where they are.
The benefit: The shift to digital homework facilitates immediate feedback and fosters collaborative learning environments. Students can work on projects in virtual groups, share ideas on discussion forums and access a wide array of multimedia resources to enhance their understanding of concepts.
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