Today’s kids have earlier and more frequent interactions with technology than previous generations. They will never know a world without the connective powers of the internet, of cell phones, and of constant communication with the rest of the world. What can today’s children gain from this early access to technology? A lot. Here’s how technology benefits education and a child’s development.
1. Leads to Greater Independence
The informational resources found on the internet and in online libraries offer greater accessibility to early education than was available to previous generations. Kids can complete research projects without stepping into a physical library if they have access to a reliable internet connection. That’s not to say we no longer need books; only that modern kids access books and high-quality information in digital formats.
The advantages of easier access to information extend past the classroom into general knowledge acquisition. When kids learn how to use the internet to answer questions, it encourages them to research further and follow independent trains of thought. This process builds independence and academic confidence and helps develop kids’ interest in new hobbies.
Is technology good for kids all the time? Not at all. It’s important to remember that unsupervised online access can lead kids to upsetting and inappropriate content and expose them to predators or cyberbullies. Parental supervision, coupled with a secure internet connection, helps keep kids safe online.
2. Builds Community and Social Interaction
The internet encourages social connections that help kids learn how to communicate and collaborate. Today’s youth can share interests in technology and other topics through chat rooms and message boards dedicated to specific hobbies, special interests, sports, etc.
Not only does technology connect kids with their friends, but it can also help build strong student-teacher connections. Online educational games and group activities encourage group collaboration in the classroom. According to the National Association for the Education of Young Children, teachers increasingly share visual, video, and audio files of students’ work with parents. This practice opens communication pathways between parents, teachers, and kids, and encourages student confidence and engagement.
As with any hobby or interest, there are also special clubs and camps designed to encourage and enhance kids’ interest in STEM and technology.
3. Encourages Engagement and Imagination
Technology doesn’t just encourage social interaction; it can also subtly inspire students to take a more active role in the classroom. Interactive games foster kids’ desire to complete tasks for short and long-term goals, developing logical reasoning.
Online games require the kind of thinking needed to accomplish short-term goals (such as completing levels in a computer game or getting a higher score) – a critical part of developing mathematical and logical thinking skills. Getting to the next level in a game can prompt children to ask what the next step is – a great learning skill – and help develop perseverance.
The internet can also introduce children to viewpoints, cultures, and worldviews they wouldn’t otherwise be able to access, and help them better empathize with others. In addition to connecting children to other parts of our world, technology can bring fantasy worlds to life, thereby fostering imagination and learning.
4. Develops Core Competencies During Early Education
The benefits of technology on child development include improved hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. Online games, yet again, are a prime example of this, as many depend on quick responses and movement speed. Other computer games encourage attention to detail and the ability to piece together clues to solve a problem. These critical thinking skills are crucial for conducting research, writing literary analyses, and completing other educational and workplace tasks later in life.
Early childhood games can also foster better language skills, helping children learn to read, pronounce words, and understand the intricacies of language by following game instructions.
5. Technological Literacy Translates to Economic Power
Our economy’s reliance on technology grows every day. Developing technical literacy at an early age leads to many advantages down the road. Early exposure to technology helps kids develop the skills they’ll need for high-powered, well-paying jobs. There is a high demand for technology jobs, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting approximately 317,700 new job openings every year through 2034 (a rate much higher than the average for other occupations). The need for technical literacy is also growing in traditionally non-technical fields such as medicine or marketing.
So why is technology good for kids? Children exposed to technology at an early age develop the mental and physical skills needed to succeed in modern life. To give children their best shot at the future, we need to ensure they can take part in online activities no matter where they live—one reason Hughesnet® offers home satellite internet plans for both urban and rural internet access.
Find An Internet Plan That Works For You & Your Family
Parents looking for ways to encourage their kids to use technology safely and effectively can check out our post on helping kids become more internet savvy. Technology moves fast, and will continue to evolve as your children grow. Staying abreast of the latest changes and encouraging internet literacy gives your kids an edge in their education and social lives.
