When we talk about technology, it is assumed that we are referring to screen time on mobiles or IPADS and laptops. But the real role of technology is here to assist pre-primary children to learn better and develop their creativity.
Only watching games, cartoons and movies is not a learning method. So, kids who are handed mobile phones every time they are irritated, bored or misbehaving are given those as distractions. This is not always healthy and can lead to many issues such as addiction to screen time, and lack of focus to what’s happening around them.
When toddlers view a screen, they don’t really understand what they are seeing. But when we present pre-primary kids with simple visuals that they can absorb, it goes into their minds as information.
Technology Learning Tools For Children
Video game-based learning
Game-based platforms can be used by teachers and parents to teach young children to solve simple puzzles, find solutions and such. Kids like those as they appear more fun and lively than books.
Electronic story books
Electronic books are interactive and move as a child reads them. Letters and images jump up to get noticed and even change colour. Concepts such as feeling cold, changing colour or saying ‘hello’ become clearer when the child sees it visually in a book, rather than being forced to imagine it, without knowing what it is.
Craft applications
Self paced learning adventures or building things via apps can be used by teachers to develop learning skills, by making each progressively harder. This helps children to problem solve, think creatively, and ask questions.
Scientific video content
Difficult STEM subjects such as Science and Engineering can be taught to young children via high quality videos made by world famous scientists and inventors. Never before have we had access to such cutting edge visuals and children can be drawn to the most boring subjects, if depicted in well shot or photographed footage.
Online teaching platforms
Many teachers have turned to online teaching platforms, during the lockdown, that are much easier than teaching from physical textbooks, across Zoom! You can upload lesson plans, assignments, films and images to teach curriculum subjects such as English, History and Geography, via a two way interactive medium that supports multi-person participation.
Electronic Walls and Whiteboards
These are large screens that can be drawn on with electronic pens. One can combine images from the internet onto the screens or video effects, at advanced stages. These drawings can be animated and moving.
Feedback-based websites
There are many websites on the internet that teach reading, singing, or Maths through interactive lessons, much like a game. There are levels, symbols and sounds that correct, guide and motivate your students to learn.
It is in Grade 3 that students begin to develop cognitive, social and language skills using technology as that’s when their minds understand the difference between video and the real world.