We are living in the digital era. Most of our learning happens through technology, which has brought many opportunities.
And this doesn’t have to be exclusive to adults. We can also incorporate technology into our children’s early learning programmes. It amplifies their overall learning experiences. But many parents are worried that too much screen time can hamper their kids’ learning abilities.
This is not entirely true.
So, let’s see how we can integrate technology into early learning effectively without hindering children’s development. The following 8 methods have become popular in recent times.
1. Use Interactive Learning Tools
Technology has become such a dominant part of our lives that it is impossible to separate it completely from your kids. It will happen sooner or later.
Instead, you can try to design your child’s interaction with technology. Many interactive learning tools, such as apps designed especially for children, are available today. These tools can cover various subjects, from math to problem-solving.
Using these tools can stimulate a child’s mind and body as they include engaging visuals, sound effects, and other interactive elements.
2. Introduce Digital Storytelling
Digital Storytelling is an exciting element many preschools in North Sydney are integrating into early learning.
All children grow up listening to stories. It is a powerful learning tool. But if there’s a better version of this is visual storytelling, which is possible with technology.
Teachers can use apps or digital platforms to tell stories using animations, sounds, and other interactive features. This improves a child’s language skills while stimulating their imagination and creativity.
3. Take a Virtual Field Trip
Virtual tours is one of the greatest things about technology. You will find numerous virtual tour websites that take you on a memorable journey to someplace on the other side of the planet. This could be so fascinating for little minds.
Many institutes for early learning in North Sydney take their students on virtual trips to famous museums, zoos, and other historical sites. This experience provides unique learning opportunities, fosters curiosity about other cultures, and broadens children’s mental horizons.
This initiative was tremendously helpful during the Covid pandemic.
4. Use Problem-Solving Tech
Digitalising the entire curriculum and learning requires considering many factors. However, schools and teachers can start taking small steps. For example, you can use tablets for specific learning activities, such as digital art.
Load the devices with educational apps, games, and puzzles that promote cognitive development. It also boosts critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
However, teachers must monitor and guide the student’s interactions with the devices to ensure purposeful learning. Otherwise, it can turn into a distraction.
5. Promote Multimedia Learning
Like regular learning, digital learning cannot always be about the same thing. There must be diversity. This is the only way to keep children engaged throughout the learning time.
For this, you can consider including multiple media types, such as educational games, STEM video tutorials, digital books, interactive websites, virtual reality, etc. However, teachers must thoughtfully select these resources considering the age group and the curriculum goals.
Because if the resources are not age-appropriate, the children could find them disinteresting or confusing. Either of these reactions could hinder the learning process. So, teachers and parents must pay attention to the kind of resources they use.
6. Build Digital Portfolios
This will be incredibly intriguing and rewarding for young children. A digital portfolio of a child document and showcases their achievements, milestones, and the learning process. It can include photos, videos, artwork, personal reflections, certificates, etc.
Building these digital portfolios can help children take ownership of their learning, which can benefit them in the long run. It further boosts their confidence and interest to continue learning.
7. Take on Online Collaborative Projects
One thing that boosts learning interest in children is the competitive spirit. When they interact and work with other children their age, their learning abilities improve. So, preschools can take on some online collaborative projects with other preschools.
You can use any video conferencing tool to host these projects. It could be a shared project or a quiz competition. Interacting with children from other backgrounds, places, and cultures can facilitate a different experience from their classroom learning.
8. Inculcate the Habit of Digital Journaling
Lastly, many preschools in North Sydney encourage their students to form a digital journaling habit, as it allows young children to express their thoughts, ideas, and observations using digital tools.
Children can create digital entries through tablets, computers, or dedicated apps that include text, voice recordings, drawings, or multimedia elements. This journaling habit promotes self-expression, literacy development, critical thinking, and creativity. It allows children to document their learning journey, reflect on experiences, and share their perspectives.
These digital journals can serve as valuable artefacts for children to revisit and reflect on their growth.
Final Thoughts
These are some ways teachers and parents can include technology in their children’s early learning in North Sydney. Choosing your methods based on your child’s age encourages them to participate better.
Learning technological skills can also help your child build further, as technology will only grow bigger and better.
If you are searching for a suitable preschool for your child, try checking out Toy Box Early Learning. It has experienced teachers, well-thought curriculums, and a passion for providing the best learning possibilities for children.
Do set up a consultation with Toy Box before jumping to a conclusion. Hope it helps!
