As parents, many of us have had to fight against our children while they’re immersed in an online game or film on an iPad, tablet , or smartphone. We’ve had a higher chance to catch the interest from Tom Cruise walking the red carpet than our children.
Nowadays, it’s normal for toddlers to use tablets, elementary school students connected to video games and all of us have to endure (or have to endure) the difficulty of dragging your middle schooler from their computer for long enough to have an adequate meal…
Technology is everywhere, and its impact on children is evident, but how can technology help our children learn? Technology is becoming more adaptable, social, and personalised and, as a result it could be an effective teaching tool. In other words, as parents, we must set the boundaries.
Today, software connects children with online communities for learning, keeping track of the progress of children through games and lessons, as well as personalizing the experience for each student.
If your child is in primary school, they’ll likely be already be proficient in technology.
Learning through Technology in the School
School districts are investing more more into technology. No matter if your child’s class is using an interactive Smartboard laptops, laptops, or a different gadget There are three strategies to ensure that technology is utilized effectively.
Young children are fascinated by technology such as iPads and digital cameras. What do early childhood professionals as well as parents should be thinking about before handing out these devices to children?
Let’s start from the beginning: what’s technology in the first year of childhood?
Technology is as easy as a camera recorder DVD player, TV or even more modern technology such as tablets, iPads, and smartphones, which are utilized in schools, child care centers or at your home.
In the past I’ve had teachers tell methat “I don’t do technology.” I ask them if they’ve taken a digital photograph of their students, or played the recorder, tape and DVD or even given students headphones to hear stories.
Teachers have always employed technology. However, today teachers are using extremely efficient tools such as tablets or iPhones in their professional and personal lives.
Technology is merely the tool.
It shouldn’t be utilized in child care or classrooms centers simply because it’s cool, however, teachers are able to do activities that promote the healthy development of children.
Teachers are making use of digital cameras – a less flashy gadget as iPads – in inventive ways to get children involved in their learning. It could be all they require.
However teachers should be able to incorporate technology into their classrooms or the child care center as an issue of social justice.
It isn’t possible to assume that all children have access to technology at home.
Insufficient exposure to digital technology can increase the digital divide – which is the difference between people who have and those who do not have access to digital technology and hamper the school readiness of some children and early achievement.
Like all children must to be taught how to use books during their early reading, they should learn how to utilize technology, which includes opening it, how to use it and how to manage it.
Experts warn that technology is harmful to children.
There are many concerns with children who spend excessive time on screens, especially with the number of screens children will encounter in their lives.
Nowadays, young children are in front of televisions, playing on iPads and iPhones as well as watching their parents snap pictures with digital cameras with it’s own LCD.
It used to be just the television screen.
It was the screen that we dreaded and studied for over 30 years.
As a profession, we are aware of the effect of television on children’s behavior as well as their learning However, we are not aware of the various new devices that are available to children.
The American Academy of Pediatrics discourages the use of screens for children younger than two years old. However, the position statement issued by the NAEYC/Fred R. Rogers adopts a different position.
It states that technology and media shouldn’t be restricted however, what is most important is how it is utilized.
What’s the content?
Are they using it in an a deliberate manner?
Are they developmentally appropriate?
As parents, we have remain aware of negative effects of technology and the impact it has on vocabulary, eyesight and the physical progress of our children. Also, we must be aware of our children’s general development.
My advice for parents and teachers should be to trust in your gut. You are the parent of your child, and if you feel they’ve been on the screen for too long, switch it off.
It’s our job as parents to be aware that your child’s use of computers has been limiting or reducing interaction with other children and push them to explore new avenues. Encourage children to exercise as well as to go outside to play.
It’s also the responsibility of the adult to know the child’s personality, personality, and behavior and figure out the extent to which technology is among the ways that children choose to engage with others.
Also you should cut yourself some slack.
We all know there are more important activities to fill children’s time rather than sit them in front of a television and watch them snooze. However, we also understand that child caregivers must prepare meals, and parents must take the time to wash their hair.
In these situations adults have the responsibility to make technology experience more enjoyable and enjoyable through asking the right questions, and linking the virtual world of a child on screen to the real-world experiences of her.
Learn with technology at home
You’re offering your child a smart screen phone to keep them entertained or your toddler’s favorite time to play on the iPad or tablet Here are eight strategies to ensure that your child’s interactions with technology are educational as well as enjoyable.
Focus on Active Engagement
If your child is occupied with the screen, stop the program, or turn off the commercials. Ask them interesting questions. What did the character think? What was the reason why the main character act that way? What would you have done differently in the same scenario?
Let your child enjoy Repetition The YouTube channel and the DVD are the most important element for young minds that is repetition. Allow your child to watch the same video repeatedly and over again, and then inquire about what he observed after every viewing.
Create it tactile. Contrary to computers which require a mouse in order to move objects displayed on screens tablets, iPads, tablets and smartphones let children manipulate “physical” objects with their fingers.
Practice Problem Solving A new genre of games that will require your child to tackle problems while playing which could help develop the ability to focus and analyze while doing it, but the jury is not yet in the sand on this. There’s no evidence-based research to support the marketing claims of the app’s creators.
Inspire Creation Use technology to create and not just for entertainment. Ask your child to record an account on your iPod or sing songs into your gaming system. Create a completely unique sound with the playback option that slow down and increase the speed of their voice, and then add various background music and beats until they’ve made something that is uniquely their own.
Learn to Use The Game Many games on computers have various levels, and youngsters may not be able to advance or switch levels. In case your child has become stuck on a level that’s becoming too easy, ask him if they know how to advance and assist the child if he’s in need of more challenging experience.
Ask Why Your Child is playing an app or game in the “wrong” way, always pressing the wrong button, as an example you can ask them to explain why. It could be because they are enthralled by the noise it makes when they are unable to answer the answer wrong or they may be confused and aren’t able to determine which of the objects matches number four.
The focus should be on play. Young children should be playing and exploring with technology. It should be considered play instead of focusing on acquiring techniques.
Request Your own log-in Usually school programs have the option of a parent login that will let you monitor your child’s growth. If not, request to review the reports the teacher can access. Also, make sure to check on his progress each week. It’s a great way to allow both of you to be in the same boat about the progress they’ve made.
Ask About Teacher Training Technology is frequently used in classrooms that do not have the proper professional development. If your child’s class uses a whole-class technology that includes Clickers, for instance, as well as an Interactive Smartboard, ask how they are used in the class and what kind of training the teacher has received. As parents you’re interested in knowing whether teachers are well-trained and are putting the latest technology to good use.
Discover Parent Resource One of the most effective ways that technology can aid your child is through helping you understand more about the process of learning.
Smartphones, computers tablets and smartphones aren’t going away However, with just a few tweaks and a little thought it is possible to help your child’s tech-related time be productive enjoyable, educational, and entertaining..
Let’s face it. The majority of children are able to make use of a mouse, launch apps and close them and search the web by the time they reach the age of three.
Once they’ve developed the mental ability, it’s the time to speak and educate your children about the safety of internet use.
Establish clear guidelines and security rules regarding what kinds and media can be used. Also, be sure to monitor and support your child’s usage of technology.
Inform your child not to give out her name, address or any personal information on the internet or through social media.
Discuss with your child what you should do if you see inappropriate content (close the window and notify you) Also, make sure you have a good website filtering and security in place.
Wrapping it Up
Make sure your child is aware that technology is only one of the many tools available to help them learn. Download educational games Read books, or do studies. If your child has questions you can conduct an Internet search to locate the answer.
