Teach with Tech: Using Technology for Play and Learning Development

Using technology within playtime can be very beneficial for your child’s learning and their development.  Technology can boost children’s imagination, making their playtime and learning a lot more enjoyable.

The correct technology and devices will assist in your child’s learning and allow them to develop many skills, such as critical thinking, problem solving, fine motor skills, planning, creative thinking, and coordination.

With this in mind, let us take a look at a few ways you can use technology for children’s play and learning development, and how to do it effectively.

Have a screen time limit

When introducing and using technology with your children, whether it be for entertainment or learning purposes, it should be used with caution, and done in a controlled manner. As an adult you should supervise children to ensure they are safe, and make sure they aren’t spending too much time on screens. It is critical that youngsters also engage in a variety of other diverse activities, particularly those that take place outside and with others.

Learning tool

Effective use of technology will allow children to develop essential life skills. Children can utilise technology to discover new skills and talents, explore possibilities, play pretend, and actively participate in enjoyable and sometimes challenging tasks. Young ones can learn about technology itself through playing with it, or even use technology to learn about almost anything, as there is a huge array of information accessible on the internet.

Children can even play and learn through the use of gadgets and electric toys, such as kids ride on Lamborghini’s, which could allow them to improve their gross motor skills, or interactive puzzle games to enhance problem solving .

Increase the access to learning opportunities

Technology can expand access to learning exponentially, especially when used effectively, and with good direction and support from adults. To learn, children must have a teacher. This could be a parent, guardian, carer or even a school teacher. However, with the advancements in technology nowadays, children can access learning resources online and through applications. They could watch videos, play interactive games, enjoy learning games and apps, and access an infinite amount of other learning activities and opportunities.

Social interaction

The internet is the largest platform for social connections, and although it can be full of dangers, children can build crucial social and communication skills through the use of this technology. Children can play interactive games with other children (when safeguarded properly) which can enable them to collaborate and communicate more effectively.

Develop an understanding of the uses of technology

Parents and guardians should grasp the differences between passive and active technology usage in order to know how to use technology responsibly with young children.

Passive technology usage happens when youngsters consume material without having to apply any contemplation, creativity, or active engagement, such as watching a television programme, or using a tablet. When children use devices and applications to engage in meaningful learning or storytelling experiences, this is known as active usage.

Conclusion

Overall, there are a variety of learning opportunities that technology can bring to the table, helping children to develop and hone essential skills. When used in an effective, safe, and controlled manner, technology can be used for a variety of play and learning development activities.