Now more than ever, modern technology has become a huge part of our lives providing enriching experiences for both business and personal use everyday. Technology is important to a developing child, beyond just periodical use of a mobile game. It exposes them to the ‘digital language’ that runs through the veins of any career in the 21st century.
“Children need access to technology if they want to succeed in the 21st century with so many of the world’s transactions done over the internet” – Massey Professor Mark Brown.
Cognitive Development
Technology has made a lot of things much easier, and naturally it enables us to approach challenges with an analytical mind. Children have the capacity to develop their cognitive skills quickly when playing games that require input of logic and critical thinking, such as mathematical and scientific skills games. Their processing of situations unlocks abilities that can be applied to their schoolwork and eventually their careers. Brain exercises for children are limited to the physical materials they have in front of them, however technology enables exponential growth for creativity that has no boundaries.
Social Interaction Skills and Increased Motivation
As children continue to develop their language skills, they’re able to obtain ideas that equip them with skills for communicating with other people. As part of our Summer Camps, we use technology in a collaborative environment so children get the opportunity to write and solve problems together. Problem solving is a valuable social skill that can be carried throughout life, and children are encouraged to use technology tools to create projects and to share ideas in groups, whilst maintaining social distancing to keep them safe.
Through social collaboration children are encouraged to overcome challenges even outside the screen, while individual tasks can be more engaging thanks to innovative learning methods that technology introduces.
Enhanced Multi-Tasking Ability
Research has shown that that apps and games enhance children’s ability to multitask. Studies by educators at the University of Rochester highlighted that attention, accuracy and ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously increased after playing selected software.
Interactive activities and games require high attention and working memory ability. Skills gained playing apps and games, which require constant situational awareness and strategic decision-making, can then be applied in the same way to real-world scenarios.
Enhanced Relationships Between Teachers and Students
Applying technology successfully into subject areas helps make teaching and learning more meaningful and fun, with the teachers able to interact specifically with individual participants in the classroom.
The successful combination of technology and education requires experience. As a team of industry experts with specialist skills in various technological sectors, we combine knowledge with our passion for teaching. At the heart of any lesson is an experienced teacher
Next Thing Education Camps have put the importance of technology firmly in the spotlight. Focused on helping children develop creativity, independent learning and engineering skills in youth. The lessons that we offer help nurture their interest in the digital world so they can become the inventors of the future! As one of the few technology camp providers in England, our teachers develop interactive courses for students, teaching key computer science and coding skills, whilst allowing them to explore their creativity. Perfect for tech-savvy geniuses or for introducing beginners to the world of STEM education.