Subscribe to our blog
Subscribe to our email newsletter for useful tips and valuable resources, sent out every month
august, 2024
Technologies
for Children
for Children
How Digital Tools Can Enhance Learning
Technologies for children is a delicate topic. On the one hand, you want your child to grow up smart, grasping things quickly and ready to conquer the world.
On the other hand, there's the fear that your child will get glued to the screen and forget what books, friends, and outdoor games are. Let’s explore which technologies genuinely help with learning and which ones are better left aside.
Starting with the Basics: Tablets and Computers
Tablets are gadgets that children master faster than adults. They can do things on the screen with their fingers at just one year old that we could only dream of. But it’s important to understand: a tablet should not become the main toy. It’s a tool. To help a child learn letters, numbers, counting, and reading, there are many great applications available.
For example, "Puzzle English for Kids" is an excellent app for preschoolers, combining play and learning. This app helps a child not only learn the basics of English but also associate words with real-life objects, making the learning process engaging and effective.
For older children, apps like "Duolingo" help in learning foreign languages in a playful manner. You simply progress through levels like in a game while picking up words and grammar.
For older children, apps like "Duolingo" help in learning foreign languages in a playful manner. You simply progress through levels like in a game while picking up words and grammar.
Robots and Programming:
Preparing Future IT Professionals
Preparing Future IT Professionals
If you want your child to grow up not just smart but skilled, delve into the world of educational robots and programming. The choices here are vast.
For instance, "Lego Mindstorms" or "Lego Boost" are ideal for an introduction to robotics. First, the child builds a robot, and then learns to program its movements. Programming becomes like a game: what could be better than making your toy move on command?
For older kids, "Scratch" — a simple visual programming language — is a great option. Tasks are solved by dragging and dropping blocks, helping children learn logical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity.
For older kids, "Scratch" — a simple visual programming language — is a great option. Tasks are solved by dragging and dropping blocks, helping children learn logical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity.
Educational Platforms: School on the Couch
Not all children have access to the best schools or courses, but technology opens doors to knowledge that was once available only to the privileged.
"Khan Academy" is one of the best platforms for self-education. It offers numerous free courses in math, science, history, and even art. Suitable for students of all ages.
Another great resource is "Coursera", which offers a wide range of courses that can be useful for older students. Although there isn’t a special version for kids, the platform provides many valuable educational materials.
Another great resource is "Coursera", which offers a wide range of courses that can be useful for older students. Although there isn’t a special version for kids, the platform provides many valuable educational materials.
Virtual Reality: Learning through Immersion
Virtual Reality (VR) is not just for games but also offers excellent educational tools. With VR, a child can "visit" Ancient Egypt, see how planets are arranged, or study human anatomy without leaving home.
For instance, Google Arts & Culture allows virtual tours of various places around the world. If you want your child to fall in love with history or geography, this is a fantastic way to do it.
Safety First
Now, the most important part — safety. Technologies are great in moderation. Too much screen time can lead to poor vision, nervous system issues, and gadget addiction. So it’s crucial to:
- Limit screen timeChildren under 5 should not spend more than an hour a day on screens, and school-age children should take breaks every 30 minutes.
- Set parental controlsMost devices allow you to set content restrictions, usage time limits, and even internet access.
- Teach digital hygieneIt’s important to explain to your child that not everything online is true. Teach them to recognize fake information, avoid talking to strangers, and understand that personal information is not for public sharing.
Technology is not evil. It’s a powerful tool that can help a child learn and grow. The key is to approach it wisely. Choose quality apps and platforms, monitor usage time, and remember that nothing replaces live interaction, books, and outdoor activities. This way, you’ll raise a smart, healthy, and happy child, ready to conquer the world with the most modern knowledge.