Elementary or primary schools lay the groundwork for children’s future education by fostering knowledge acquisition. They introduce students to important subjects like mathematics, science, language, history, geography, and music. At the same time, they focus on the development of essential skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and team bonding.
Most elementary schools these days make classes exciting and learning environments inclusive by implementing educational technologies (edtech). In addition to personalizing learning experiences, edtech schools help students understand topics deeply and improve digital competence. However, schools delivering primary education these days implement various edtech tools.
They support self-paced learning by implementing learning management systems (LMSs). Likewise, they create opportunities for students to learn from home by implementing online classroom software. Also, they enable students to access digital learning content in various formats and languages by integrating the LMS and online classroom software with digital libraries. We are discussing the benefits of a digital library for elementary schools.
10 Important Benefits of a Digital Library for Elementary Schools
- Provide Up-to-Date Information
Most education boards do not revise and update textbooks every year. Hence, textbooks become outdated in a short amount of time in the age of technological innovations. For instance, many textbooks still describe Pluto as a planet instead of a dwarf planet. A digital library enables students to access up-to-date information about a wide range of topics. Also, leading digital library software replaces older editions of eBooks with the latest editions without any delay.
- Deliver Multi-Format Content
Conventional libraries allow students to consume content primarily in the form of print books. Also, students can read a print book only if it is available at the library. However digital library software enables students to understand a topic by accessing digital learning content in various formats – eBooks, journals, video, audio, and quizzes. At the same time, each student can access the content in his preferred way without any restrictions.
- Support Visual and Auditory Learning
Several studies have highlighted how visual auditory learning fosters deep understanding and knowledge retention. Elementary schools support visual learning by communicating ideas using images, graphics, charts, and maps. Likewise, they drive auditory learning by making students listen to lectures. A digital library helps primary schools support visual and auditory learning by providing multimedia content like audio and video. Hence, it becomes easier for schools to support visual and auditory learning without investing in extra resources.
- Share Curated Content
A digital library is designed as a repository of off-the-shelf content. The software enables users to access a wide array of licensed eBooks from authors across regions. In addition, new-age digital library software shares curated content with students. They use artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to collect relevant and insightful information about a topic or concept from various sources. The curated content shared by the software helps elementary school students understand complex concepts clearly and deeply.
- Motivate Students to Read
Leading digital library platforms feature intuitive search interfaces. Students can use the search interface to access additional information about a topic. Also, they can gather additional information by accessing relevant content in various formats. The feature will motivate and encourage them to read more. Hence, it becomes easier for primary schools to promote a love for reading and convert students into capable readers.
- Gamify Learning Experiences
Several studies have highlighted the effectiveness of improving knowledge acquisition, retention, and applications. Most elementary schools gamify students’ learning experiences using techniques like stories, challenges, competition, and feedback. Leading digital library software comes with built-in gamification features. They help schools foster learner engagement and improve learning experiences by providing popular gamification features like badges, coins, and scorecards.
- Boost Remote Learning
Many primary schools allow students to acquire knowledge from home by supporting remote learning. The remote learning strategy makes it essential for them to ensure that each student can access digital learning content in his preferred way. A digital library helps them overcome this challenge by providing learning content in various formats. At the same time, an elementary school can boost remote learning by integrating the cloud-based digital library with virtual classroom software or a learning management system.
- Comply with Next-Generation Learning Standards
Next-generation learning standards require elementary schools to prioritize soft skill development over content memorization. Schools comply with these standards by fostering important skills like team bonding, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Also, they comply with emerging standards by familiarizing students with commonly used technologies. Access to digital libraries helps schools boost the technical proficiency of young students.
- Curb Costs
An elementary school can build a digital library without investing in physical infrastructure and hiring skilled staff. Also, it need not purchase and preserve multiple copies of print books. It can avail of a cloud-based digital library based on pay-as-you-use subscription plans. In addition, the cloud-based software can be customized and scaled on demand according to the emerging learning needs of the school. Hence, digital library software helps primary schools curb upfront and ongoing costs.
- Achieve Sustainability
Sustainability is currently one of the hottest trends across industries. Like colleges and universities, elementary schools are adopting eco-friendly practices, conserving energy, and reducing plastic pollution. However, conventional libraries impact sustainability by procuring print books and journals. Digital libraries, on the other hand, help elementary schools achieve sustainability by replacing print books with multimedia content.
Conclusion
Many elementary schools allow students to access mobile devices on campus for learning purposes. Likewise, most primary school children have access to smartphones regularly at home. The steady increase in the percentage of young children accessing mobile devices makes it essential for elementary schools to deliver digital learning content in various formats.
A digital library for elementary schools enables students to access a repository of off-the-shelf content. Also, a student can use the software to access digital learning content in various formats – eBooks, videos, audio, and quizzes. At the same time, an elementary can build a unified learning platform by integrating cloud-based learning management systems, online classroom software, and digital library software.