Tech-Literacy - Why is it the most essential skill children need to have today

1. Tech-Literacy: Why is it the most essential skill children need to have today

2. About Obotz • It is a multi-disciplinary robotics program with a specially designed curriculum to teach young children about robotics. STEM learning is the building blocks of this program allowing children to think scientifically & evolve technically. • The program utilizes hands-on activities to engage a child’s curious mind. Children learn to experiment, innovate & build robotic models & machines throughout the 7 progressive levels of the course. • Children learn to explore the limitless possibilities in their imaginative mind. They build robots, make intelligent circuit connections & build functional models that fosters analytical thinking, creativity & develops children into exceptional problem solvers. • Our practical approach encourages children to implement techniques & tools necessary for building projects. We makeSTEM learning a fun activity that keeps children involved & enables them to encounter challenges. The whole process develops better cognitive abilities & allows children to think outside the box of learning & imagination.

3. Blog • Why does tech literacy matter in today’s world? How is it important for young students? How can you help your children become digitally literate?   • Tech literacy counts as an imperative skill today for future generations to learn. It's as essential as learning grammar and counting numbers. In this blog, we will talk about why tech literacy is important for children and how it can benefit them in the long run.  • Step into any classroom today, and you'll notice a sea of change - chalkboards replaced by smart boards, textbooks by digital resources, and traditional lectures by interactive online learning. Technology is reshaping education. This evolution brings with it an urgent need for tech literacy. But why is this skill so important in education? The answer lies in the simple fact that technology is no longer an add-on or luxury in learning - it's now a fundamental component. 

4. The Increasing Importance of Tech-Literacy in Education  • According to the National Robotics Education Foundation (2020), coding develops confidence and self-efficacy in children, empowering them to solve real-world problems creatively. UNICEF (2023) states that tech literacy helps childrenbecome responsible digital citizens, navigating online environments with critical thinking and awareness.  • Students who are tech-literate have the upper hand. They are easily capable of using online resources for research, using digital tools for interactive learning, and making use of their knowledge of skills of today like robotics and coding classes for kids, giving them an edge in school and the outside world. The job market is filled with roles that require individuals who are tech-literate, making it a must-have skill for future professionals.

5. So, whether your child aspires to be a scientist, an artist, or an entrepreneur, tech literacy will lay the groundwork for their success in every field. It's not just about excelling in school; it's about preparing them for a technology-driven world and creating their value early on, ensuring a bright future for them. It's in our hands, as parents and educators, to ensure that the children aren't left behind in this digital revolution. Just as we teach our children to read, write, and count, we must also equip them with the skills to navigate the digital world with confidence and responsibility. The earlier we start, the better equipped they will be to face the challenges and seize the opportunities that the future holds for them. 

6. The digital age does not demand tech literacy- it necessitates it.  • In today's world, tech is all around us- from ordering a meal to booking a vacation, everything is a click away. The digital age is here, and it's here to stay. So, children today don't just need to understand how to use technology; they need to understand how to create, manipulate, and apply it in a variety of contexts. They need to be equipped to figure out not just today's digital landscape but the one that evolves in the future to be prepared to adapt, create, and succeed in a world that is always evolving with new and innovative technological developments. 

7. Tech literacy also plays a significant role in shaping informed and responsible citizens. We live in an era where nearly all the information we consume is digital. The ability to critically analyze this information, recognize and avoid cyber threats, and understand the ethics of digital behavior are all part of being tech-literate. This broadens their perspective and empowers them to make informed decisions, ensuring they grow into active participants in our digital society. • It is clear then, that tech literacy is not a mere accessory to traditional education, but an essential part of it. 

8. Practical Ways to Support Tech-Literacy Development for Children • Becoming tech-literate can prove to be an exciting journey of discovery for your child. Technical disciplines like coding and robotics are powerful tools that develop creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills in children. Coding for kids initially helps them understand how technology works beyond the screen. It gives them the foundation to create and control technology, rather than just consuming it. Meanwhile, robotics introduces the exciting intersection of technology and the physical world. Children can design, build, and program robots, developing a love for engineering and innovation. 

9. More schools are incorporating coding and robotics into their curriculum, recognizing their value in promoting tech literacy. These platforms aren't just about learning to code or building robots - they're building a generation of innovative problem solvers. Encouraging your child to explore coding and robotics prepares them for future career success and empowers them to shape tomorrow's technology. 

10. As a parent, your role is the most significant one in developing tech literacy in your children- • Encourage a growth mindset towards technology, where failures are seen as opportunities for learning, not as the end.  • Include your child in everyday tech-related tasks, like online shopping or using GPS, to offer them a hands-on, real-world experience.  • Invest in tools that promote active tech engagement, like coding games and robotics kits, instead of things that promote passive tech consumption.  • Enroll them in robotics or coding classes for kids, either in school or through extracurricular programs, to supplement their learning.  • Discuss the potential dangers and benefits of the digital world, ask about what they're learning, and show interest in the projects made by them using their knowledge. 

11. Remember, you don't need to be a tech expert yourself to support your child's tech literacy development. Your guidance, encouragement, and active involvement are the pillars that will boost their confidence and proficiency in navigating the digital world and help them become future leaders and innovators!  Check out our OBotz website to explore a wealth of knowledge and resources to equip your child with 21st-century skills.  OBotz is here to empower your child's future by making essential skills accessible!