Can you imagine living without the internet? Can you imagine not being able to enjoy your programs on TV and online? Technology is important. It has become a vital part of our world and living without technology is unheard of. Although it has its challenges, such as cyberbullying, its benefits far outweigh these challenges. It can be a powerful tool to support lifelong learning for our kids if well utilized
Technology enhances problem-solving skills
Lots of technological advancements and breakthroughs today are a result of trial and error. Your kids will learn how to solve problems by asking practical questions and finding a solution. Experimentation is an important element in the tech space. Encourage your kids to learn through curiosity by solving challenges and issues they come across with persistence.
Give them the equipment they need to get started
Your kids will need the right tools to access the education they need for their technological advancement. We are talking about basic hardware they can use to learn content and tech skills. Some of the tech skills marketable today include coding skills, digital design, and other IT-related skills. Buy them a computer, tablet, or smartphone if necessary.
Enroll your kids in tech classes
Luckily, your kids do not need to be enrolled in a physical class to learn coding or other tech skills. You can enroll them in an online class or related workshops where they get to meet other like-minded kids and share insights. There are coding boot camps you could take advantage of as well.
If you want them to go deeper in learning these tech skills you could also hire a tutor online. The advantage of using the internet for such is that you are not limited to one place geographically. You can hire anyone you wish from any part of the world.
Encourage productive use of screen time
There is so much distraction online and your kids can spend countless hours enjoying content that does not add any value to their lives. Help them redirect their energies to learning tech-related content when they go online. Many coding platforms have made it easy, interactive, and convenient for kids to enjoy creating fun projects live as they learn. This ensures they use their time on screens proactively.
Introduce them to coding Games
Besides helping them spend their time proactively, introduce them to coding games to enhance their learning process. These games teach coding basics in a simple and fun way. Some of the best platforms to go to for these games include Tynker and Lightbot. The games will keep your kids preoccupied for hours and help them build their coding skills.
Other tech platforms such as Scratch, Code.org, and the Khan Academy are also useful in teaching coding to kids in a highly interactive manner. Some, like Khan Academy offer training resources for a wide variety of subjects, including STEM subjects. Understanding STEM subjects is a great way to get started with learning how to code. These platforms have curated their content to cater to different age groups.
Set learning goals together
Your kids cannot be proficient in whatever tech skill they want to learn in a day or within a short period. Learning takes time and you need to set realistic goals and expectations with your child. Setting goals helps to keep your child focused on what they are learning.
Whether it is creating a simple application, learning a new programming language, creating a simple game or website or other kinds of digital art needs to be progressive. Break the learning process into actionable stages where they only progress to the next stage after completing the previous one.
Set an example
Kids learn best through observation and copying what we do. If we are not tech-savvy, chances are our kids may not fully appreciate the power of technology and how it affects our lives. They may not be inclined to learn technical skills because they are not inspired.
If you want your kids to be tech-savvy at a young age, lead by example. This does not have to be too involving. Just show them you understand the importance of technology and can aptly interact with technology through the devices you buy or the software you use.
Create Tech-Free Zones
Tech education is important but you also need to give your kids space to unwind and synthesize everything they are learning. It is important to create tech-free spaces inside your house where you do not allow anything that relies on technology to be in this space. This will encourage your kids to go out, enjoy other recreational activities, and find that important balance between education and leisure.
Monitor their online activity
Guide your kids through the activities they explore online to ensure they are not subjected to any form of bullying or harassment as they learn tech skills. Keep them from age-inappropriate content and guide them to make responsible decisions when they go online. Talk to them about cyberbullying so that they can quickly identify such instances if they come across them and report them before they escalate.
Attend Tech Events Together
Attending events where tech discussions and projects happen in real time could be a great motivator for kids who are interested in tech matters. These events are opportunities for them to link up with other peers and expand their network and knowledge on technology matters. Hackathons, conferences, and competitions are held frequently across the state. Check out what is available close to you and plan to visit with your kid. This could be a great way to show your kids you are invested in their technological interests.
Encourage cooperation and teamwork
Tech projects can be hard sometimes and that is why you should encourage the kids to cooperate with family and friends while building tech projects. Collaboration builds teamwork and communication skills that will come in handy in their tech journey.
Get them role models and mentors
Most of us became successful at what we do because we had mentors and people who helped us walk the journey. Expose your kids to roles models in the tech industry as well, so that they may get inspired. These could be well-known people in this space or people within your locality. If possible, find a mentor who will guide them and their learning journey will be seamless and faster.
Celebrate Milestones
Learning tech skills can be challenging, and it’s important to celebrate your child’s accomplishments along the way. Whenever they complete a challenge, acknowledge their hard work. This could be a coding project or a learning milestone. Celebrating keeps them motivated and inspired.
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