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Technological advancement has affected everything so far. Hospitals have robots that dispense medicine in pharmacies and perform both routine and experimental surgical procedures on patients. Entrepreneurs run the whole business from their laptops on special programs. The military runs entire operations without a single foot soldier. So it was only a matter of time before education joined.
This doesn’t have to be a bad thing. But, unfortunately, technology is often perceived as the dangerous ‘other’ that warps minds, especially when it comes to children with developing brains. Instead of demonizing tech, we should embrace the changes.
Technology and Home Learning.
This last year has turned everything we know upside down—families and friendship groups we isolated to keep as many people as safe as possible. The social distancing measures have had a significant impact on everybody, especially children and their learning.
School isn’t just for academic education but for social development and creative expression in a safe environment. Children learn so much more than exam prep in the classroom.
Without technology, children and their learning would have suffered much more than they did. With a computer in almost every home, they have continued their education. Video call apps like Zoom have become the unofficial sponsor of the pandemic and home learning. Children could continue their teamwork, solo work, and social interaction thanks to the magic of tech.
Social Media and Online Games.
With the rise of online influencers comes the surge of interest in replicating their content. Streamers, gamers, and vloggers have the potential to make millions from playing video games online and showing a large audience. Children, in turn, want to do the same. Whether that is becoming a streamer or simply asking to own the game, online influencers act like a giant advertisement disguised as entertainment.
These games help encourage more than money. Games that look violent, confusing, or overwhelming can help improve hand-eye coordination, communication with online teammates, and quick problem-solving.
These effects are recognized by many authorities, including the military, who began hiring gamers to fly drones and test experimental tech based on online games.
Screen Time is Down Time.
With the recent changes in socialization, we have had to adapt to something different. We can’t interact with people in the way we usually do. These measures have been particularly hard on children, with their social skills development coming to an abrupt halt.
Screen time with online games is their way of reconnecting with each other differently.
Educational Games.
There is a way to develop technological advancements further to continue children’s education. Companies like WhiteHat Jr and others work to create educational games for children. Websites hosted by schools like MyMaths have games that develop mathematical ability, Professor Layton Adventures encourage logical problem solving and Minecraft building develops creativity. Choose Your Adventure games to show that decisions have consequences and change the outcome positively or negatively based on a small choice.
Give children a fictional world, and they can make it into something adults admire.
