By Sonny Oboson | Tech Editor –
Children are growing up in a digital world, so technology is embedded in their lives. Toy laptops, mobile phones, and keyboards are available for children to explore and incorporate into their play. They may notice cameras, DVDs, electronic keyboards, CDs, computers, iPads, TV, and mobile phones in use around them, and because young children are curious and want to make sense of their world, they are eager to become involved. Children need to understand when these technologies are used and for what purposes, so using them together, talking about what you are doing, answering questions, and following your child’s interests will support their understanding.
Many technologies are really good to work with together: taking photographs together, finding websites on a laptop, experimenting with electronic keyboards, and trying out the functions on mobile phones can be fun activities that give children a sense of the possibilities of the media as well as an introduction to the competencies they will need to develop as citizens of the 21st century. Adult participation is key to developing children’s understanding of the role these technologies play in their everyday lives and to supporting their confidence as users. There have been some concerns that young children spend too much time with this digital artifact, but this doesn’t have to be at the expense of books, toys, imaginative games, and other forms of play.
Kids Coding Program – Black4tech, Source.
Children are not passive in making sense of the range of media they encounter. Very few children sit quietly when they watch TV; instead, they do other things such as talking about the program, singing, dancing, playing alongside, talking to the characters, or chatting about other things. Children often like to play while watching, or they act out the stories they have seen afterward, sometimes using props like blankets or brooms and dressing-up clothes. Having these materials available, encouraging their use, and contributing your own ideas while taking the lead from the child will help to develop their story-making and imagination.
There is evidence that three- to five-year-olds gain very little from using a computer without adult participation. You can encourage children to become familiar with children’s websites, stories, and games that enhance meaning through sound, movement, and color. These interactive activities are fun, give children a sense of control with adult support, and show them that reading on a screen is not a passive activity. Make a habit of always accompanying your child online from the very beginning to keep them safe – it makes it more fun for your child and reinforces that internet use is a shared activity. Once they are a little older and more independent, and even if you know they are using safe websites that you’ve saved shortcuts for, always make sure the laptop, tablet, or computer is in a family room when your child is using it.
It is often surprising how quickly quite young children learn to use a keyboard. Giving them time and space to practice this independently and to learn from siblings, while keeping a watchful eye, will help them rehearse what they know and try out new interactive strategies. Start with simple activities on the CBeebies website that use just the spacebar or any key on the keyboard, and then let them progress at their own pace. It is also important to show the under-fives that they have control and can log out or switch off if they feel uncomfortable, as preparation for staying safe as independent internet users.
Technology is often used in families for the opportunities it offers for enhanced communication. Children see phones used by people around them, on TV programs, and in photos. Many children have toy mobiles or pick up adults’ phones to engage in role-play. You’ll probably recognize your tone of voice and body language in these imaginary conversations.
Many families use online technology such as Skype to create family bonds by communicating with relatives who live far away. If children are involved in these encounters right from the start, they will become accustomed to spending time with people in this way and can learn how this distinctive form of communication is valued by their family. Consequently, they are likely to want to participate in different ways as they grow. They will learn a lot about where to position themselves to be seen on camera and how to initiate and sustain a conversation where non-verbal cues are not so obvious, and interactions can be interrupted. These encounters can give bilingual children the opportunity to use a less familiar language with grandparents or relatives living in other countries. Evidence shows that once children understand the possibilities, they can use online technologies for their own purposes, such as sharing books on screen, acting out stories, dancing, singing, and even playing Hide-and-Seek. Requests such as ‘Can I carry grandma and grandpa to my bedroom?’ reveal their understanding that this is different from face-to-face interactions with family members who are present.
With support, children often become adept at using computers and phones, and even the under-twos can copy adults around them by using touch-sensitive screens. As children grow, they can swipe the screen to view favorite photos or short family videos, adjust the volume, and select the icon to play interactive games and songs. These activities are typically repeated and habitually returned to, as familiar books are often revisited. Having an adult or older sibling encourage them and watch and praise as they become more independent, asking and answering questions, and commenting on what they are doing will help their investigations and support their understanding.
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This article, previously published on Heartmenders Magazine website, has been updated and republished with an enhanced new title.
Sonny Oboson is the man behind the brand MRWEBBS Online, a dynamic IT professional. He has a degree in Business Management from the University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria. He is also a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer, certified by NIIT Nigeria. He has an Advanced Diploma in Systems/Network Engineering and an international certification, MCITP. He is the CEO of Sonnywebs International, based in Nigeria, with an NY office. Email him at mrwebbs2@gmail.com. He was one of the editors who supported Heartmenders Magazine at its 2014 founding.