Digital Scribbles: Why All Kids Should Be Tech Savvy
Flickr By: Lucélia Ribeiro
Lots of first-time mothers are often against the idea of exposing their children to technology, believing that it’s a lazy way of parenting and that screen time will slow a child’s cognitive development. However, those with more experience know that sometimes if you want to get things done, the only way is to give your child your iPad, phone or any device where they can happily press buttons or play games. Our relationship with the technology itself is also changing; communication has become less stilted while our world has never seemed smaller.
Flickr By: Eric
Kiddy Coders
These days, more and more jobs are involving computers from programming, coding and social media management to video editing, design layout, and image manipulation skills. By saying you won’t allow your kids to use technology you could be damaging their future prospects.
Already, there are numerous kids coding classes encouraging eight, and nine-year-olds to develop learning based Apps, VR concepts, and simple games as well as expanding their horizons through interactive play. Kids are even making movies, and uploading them to YouTube while IT facilities are now more important than ever before, even kindergartens now feature bespoke computer labs and tablet-based learning sessions.
Flickr By: reynermedia
Virtual Communication
One of the most common beliefs is that social media and technology is hindering our ability to communicate effectively. However, the closer truth might be that it’s just changing how we’re talking to each other. For instance, studies show that by facetiming relatives with your child regularly they’re more likely to remember people’s faces. Video calling also helps children who aren’t big talkers communicate by letting them instantly point, or show someone what they mean instead of trying to find the words and getting frustrated. Have they gotten bored?
Grab the latest version of ShowBox from here so kids can queue, watch on mute and stream their favorite shows while you’re on the phone or iPad. Multiple window technology means no longer having hang up before you can watch movies.
Flickr By: Rick & Brenda Beerhorst
Two Is Better Than One
However, we’re not saying to shove a tablet in their hands and leave your kids to play by themselves. True, children learn by doing, but they also benefit hugely from guided interaction. Why not play the game with them? There is an enormous range of educational apps out there including spelling, counting and writing games and we guarantee they’ll appreciate your help. Technology also helps flag what your child’s excelling in and what could be improved much faster than say reading their homework.
Flickr By: Steven Depolo
It Works In IRL Too!
Tech skills are extremely versatile and can often be applied to real world situations. For example, a shopping game could help kids learn about money, buying food and where items are kept in the real world. A virtual spelling helper will improve not just spelling but grammar too while learning how to count objects digitally improves their math skills when it comes to simple sums. The easiest way for children to learn is when they don’t realize they’re learning in the first place! Brightly colored objects, sounds and lights as well as cool digital stickers and virtual trophies all distract them from the fact that they’re essentially studying!
You must be logged in to post a comment.