Technology is a huge part of our lives, whether we like it or not. Unless we reclude ourselves far away in the woods, we are exposed to technology one way or another. It is better to accept it and teach our kids how to use technology for their benefit and protect themselves from online threats. Overall, having tech skills is a huge asset and it’s better to start acquiring them early in life. This article discusses why technology skills are essential for kids.
Tech Savviness is a Must
Knowing about tech isn’t a hobby anymore; people in all professions need to be tech-savvy. You need basic tech knowledge to use a computer, search the Internet, manage a database, and do basic troubleshooting. No matter what your kid wants to be when they grow up, tech skills will always come handy.
Your kids can learn basic tech skills and then go on to acquire more advanced ones. Keep in mind that technology is disrupting many traditional jobs. Learning tech skills is a good bet because the careers of the future are likely to be tech-related.
Problem-solving Skills
Learning tech skills helps kids develop a problem-solving mindset. Kids learn to overcome obstacles and persevere until they reach their goal. They don’t even have to learn a programming language for this; something as simple as playing videogames can help them develop problem-solving skills and an analytical mindset.
Videogames have a set of rules and obstacles that players must overcome. Kids learn to apply different strategies until they discover the most efficient one to beat the game. This transfers well to real-life situations where people have to think carefully about the best solution to a problem instead of simply stressing about it.
Learning from Mistakes
The beauty of technology is that learning to use it is a process of trial and error. Most people don’t use a manual to learn how to use their new smartphone; they navigate through all the futures and apps to know what they do. The process is the same with any technology.
This is even more so with technical skills like programming languages. Learning programming is all about making mistakes until you finally get it right. By honing their tech skills, kids learn not to get discouraged by their mistakes. Instead, they learn that making mistakes is the best way to learn new things.
Improving the Learning Process
Technology isn’t about replacing humans; it is about making our lives easier. Far from hindering it, being tech-savvy enhances the learning experience. There are already many tools that help kids learn at any time of the year and from any location.
New technologies allow kids to learn online through videos, games and interactive homework. They can even learn on their own and research the topics they are interested in. All these benefits can quickly turn sour without proper parental supervision. Tech skills improve the learning experience but only if the right guidance is in place.
Entrepreneurial Mindset
One of the best parts of learning tech skills is that it gives kids more independence to explore and let their creative side run wild. This creativity —combined with problem-solving, analytical and perseverance skills—are the foundation of an entrepreneurial mindset.
Many have become millionaires before even turning 18 using their tech skills. Also, even if your kid doesn’t become the next Mark Zuckerberg, learning tech skills will still help them improve their resume when they start looking for jobs.
How to start?
Nowadays, kids are almost born with a smartphone or tablet attached to their hands. But they should learn other useful tech skills besides games and how to watch Youtube videos. They will probably need them during their education and career, and starting from a young age can make a big difference. Some skills that aren’t highly technical, but that everyone should know are:
Office and Google Suite
Microsoft Office and Google Suite are some of the most useful office software out there. They allow users to make, edit and design documents, presentations and spreadsheets. While Microsoft Office is based on the operating system of the device, Google Suite is based on the cloud.
This software is used throughout the education system, starting from primary school. An expertly crafted PowerPoint presentation can go a long way in getting a person the promotion they want. Teach your kids this skill to improve their education and give them more opportunities in the future.
Social Media
Social media has many applications besides interacting with friends. It also comes with many risks. Educating a young mind on everything a social media platform is and its power is essential to protect them. The earlier they learn about social media’s pros and cons, the better.
Safety
Online safety is a huge issue nowadays, especially when it comes to kids, who can be easily manipulated and scammed. There is also the problem of cyberbullying, which becomes more common as more kids have access to technology. Then there are also common cyber threats like viruses, ransomware, phishing and stalkers.
By teaching kids from a young age about these threats, they will be safer. They can learn about antiviruses, VPNs and how much information to share on the web.
In Summary
These skills are pretty basic and are a must for anyone. Although online security is essential, most people don’t give it the importance that it deserves. Your kids can also learn more advanced skills if they show an interest.
Many educational institutions offer coding bootcamps for kids. These courses introduce programming languages in a child-friendly way. Overall, having your kid learn tech skills can only improve their lives and safeguard their future.
