LETTERS: Technology can be defined as devices, systems, and techniques produced from scientific knowledge applied for functional reasons. For parents, technology has also been associated with gadgets and entertainment.
That is why some parents are reluctant to expose their children to technology due to the notion that technology can negatively influence their children's minds and attitudes.
Although their arguments could be true, they cannot ignore the benefits that children can reap from the use of technology.
The Covid-19 pandemic has redefined our education system and the concept of teaching and learning. Previously, teachers and students met in person, where students learn together with their friends in the classroom.
However, this pandemic has led to educational innovation where various tools are used, and screen-based activities dominate teaching and learning.
As a result, parents need to keep up with the technology. For example, parents need to assist their young children in setting up computers or laptops used for online classes.
They also need to help their children get involved in the Google Meet or Telegram voice chat initiated by teachers.
Besides that, many materials are shared by teachers through Telegram and WhatsApp groups.
Parents need to access the materials and learn how to take photos of their young children's work and send them to their teachers, audio record or video record their children's voices on particular tasks.
Students are also tasked to complete the online exercise through different tools such as Wordwall, liveworksheet and watch the Youtube channel, which requires parents' help.
From all these experiences, parents are being exposed to the good sides of technology. They also learn how to use technology for educational purposes.
Therefore, teaching and learning during this pandemic should have changed the way parents perceive technology from a mere entertainment tool to an educational tool.
Although this pandemic will end and children will be back in school, parents can continue exploring the various learning platforms available on the internet.
Siti Soraya Lin Abdullah Kamal
Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times