They are one lucky bunch! I refer to the present generation of tech savvy kids. They can click, tap, touch and swipe their way into learning and mastering skills ranging from multiplication to organizing and keeping track of their school schedules.
Welcome to the age of digital learning.
Our kids are learning so differently now. They have a wider spread to choose from. Besides the traditional methods, they are also using digital media to learn. With digital learning on the rise, researchers are curious about its impact on kids and learning. Many questions are popping up on their minds. What is the impact of technology and media on learning? Can children multi-task effectively? And does digital medium help or hurt learning and cognition?
While research in this area has just begun, one thing seems apparent. Digital learning is great since it can accommodate many types of learners. If your child learns better through audio visual cues, then the richness of digital media is a blessing. Smart phones, iPad, iPod touch, computer software, and virtual classrooms are all opening up a whole other world of options that never existed before.
If you?re a hip tech savvy parent and have a youngster, you know what I mean. Consider how the iPod touch has revolutionized learning. The iTunes store has excellent apps that teach concepts in a fun and very interactive setting. It’s likely that you?ve already explored some of these amazing products.
But as parents, you?re probably worried as to where all this is headed towards.
If you are concerned that your child will no longer cherish the feel of paper and enjoy the turn of a page, think a bit differently. Why must we fret that digital learning is going replace traditional tools? Instead why not see the learning table expanding its spread? Why not see digital medium as another option alongside books and other traditional methods rather than as a replacement?
This perspective will make sense when we are exploring multiple ways to teach concepts. Certain skills are best learned through interaction and immediate feedback. Apps and software provide this instant feedback, practice and more of self-directed learning which is particularly helpful for the reluctant learner.
Apps for the iPad and iPod are a great way for your child to learn and practice concepts and skills. Learn pre-reading skills, math skills or even practice telling time. The possibilities are endless. Developers and educational consultants are collaborating to come up with tools that will benefit your child.
We at Punflay, realizing the educational potential of the digital medium, have made it our vision to bring out educationally enhancing products for children. Take for example our latest offering- ABC Numbers HD – it combines pre-reading skills as well as basic number sense to help kids who are just starting preschool. Our Mathomatix: Number Sense is for the slightly older child; the app aims to reinforce basic number sense concepts in a very fun way.
We have been bringing to the table engaging apps which are value driven and aid the parents in teaching kids with a medium that is fascinating and involving.
Try an educational app with your child along with traditional pic???ture books and worksheets to round off the learning experience. Your child will be a winner!
Note: Do care to connect with us on Facebook.com/Punflay and follow us @punflaykids and share your thoughts on how digital medium and learning can go hand in hand.
This is a guest post, written by Punflay. I did receive compensation for posting this. Click here to view my full acknowledgment policy.
