In the last two decades technology has become a major cornerstone in education as a whole. Technological tools are used in classrooms and workforce training sectors, and also used by home educators and/or self-educators. There are various digital platforms that learners seek out to gain new skills.
In particular, technology has proven itself to be very useful regarding children’s education. Technology helps to keep children engaged and also prepares them for their future as an effective adult in the 21st century Digital Age. Navigating our way into the future requires a strong technological foundation; therefore education should not lag behind in offering these core skills. It’s important for children to have an educational foundation that gives them the tools to be productive, effective, and competent adults in society, as well as give them the foundational skills they need to learn and engage in all human endeavors.
As you search for educational technology tools on the Internet, you’ll find that the options are virtually endless. Listed below are some that are particularly geared towards young and school-age children.
Scratch
Computer programing is a transferable skill because it teaches the brain strategies for problem solving, designing projects, and communicating ideas. The Lifelong Kindergarten Group at the MIT Media Lab developed a program called Scratch to foster this concept. Scratch (scratch.mit.edu) is a free digital platform that teaches young people computer programing in a fun, interactive way. The program is designed for children aged 8-16, but is used globally by people of all ages. Scratch nurtures the learners and leaders of tomorrow by “help[ing] young people learn to think creatively, reason systematically, and work collaboratively—essential skills for life in the 21st century”. Scratch is a must-have educational technology tool for today’s learners.
YouTube
YouTube is a large digital platform that uses video and audio for various entertainment purposes; one of which is as an educational supplement. Children of today especially love YouTube videos because they are colorful, fun, and grab their full attention with ease. “Finger Family Songs Nursery Rhymes” is a child favorite. Finger Family characters use songs and nursery rhymes to teach young children various topics such as colors, numbers, and the alphabet.
For older children that are interested in science, a great YouTube video for them is “100 Amazing Science Experiments and Tricks That You Can do at Home Part 2”. Featured on the HooplaKidzLab channel, this video introduces young learners to scientific concepts that they can take a hands-on role in. HooplaKidzLab videos have over 73m views and offer hours of scientific fun.
A responsible adult should monitor YouTube usage, but when used properly it can be an excellent educational technology tool.
ABC Mouse
ABC Mouse is an award winning digital program that offers a full online curriculum for young learners. This program is designed for learners aged 2-8 or grades preschool through 2nd grade. ABC Mouse uses animated activities to teach specific learning topics, fun interactive games, to teach core educational subjects such as reading & language arts, mathematics, science & social studies, and arts & colors. The curriculum also features over 450 books and stories, songs, puzzles, and printables. ABC Mouse is a must-have educational technology tool, and highly recommended by parents and educators, alike.
Starfall
Starfall is another online curriculum for pre-k, kindergarten, 1st & 2nd grade, special education, homeschool, and English language development (ELD, ELL, ESL). This digital platform is an aged-based educational technology tool that teaches young learners the alphabet, phonics, reading, science, social studies, and mathematics. The site also features tools like customizable and downloadable printouts to add to the learning experience.