Information Age Education

A great deal of coverage is given to the issue of online safety and protecting children from the less desirable elements of the internet. Just as important, but less talked about, is the value of teaching your children how to use the internet as a learning and research environment, providing them with the tools needed to take advantage of this new technology and to succeed in the academic and economic environment of the future.

For younger children, a number of public and privately-funded groups have examined the best practices and opportunities for early childhood education in classroom settings and at home. Perhaps the best-known organization of its type, the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) sponsors conferences and workshops devoted to the use of internet technology in teaching young children research and learning skills. In 1996, the NAEYC released a position paper entitled “Technology and Young Children” in which they outlined various best practices for deciding on the appropriate boundaries and uses of online technology in educating children between the ages of three and eight years. While these standards continue to evolve, the NAEYC in cooperation with PBS have created some suggestions for parents to use at home as their child explores the internet.

By encouraging children to discuss the activities they are pursuing online, parents can keep open lines of communication and ensure that their child is getting the most out of these educational experiences. The internet offers many creative outlets for preschool and elementary-school-aged children, from writing stories to creating unique works of art online; steer your child toward these sorts of opportunities. Encouraging your child to try new things (properly researched and chosen in advance, of course) can help open up new vistas and build self-confidence and adaptability in younger children. For families with more than one child, allowing friendly competition between siblings can promote more active engagement and avoids the passive, solitary stereotype of internet use that can isolate children from social interaction. Perhaps most importantly, limit the amount of time children spend online during these early, formative years. Internet time should never be a substitute for active play and exercise. Children who are physically fit often do better in school and extracurricular activities, so ensure that a healthy balance is maintained for your children.

For older children and teenagers, the internet offers unique opportunities for research and learning. Google provides quick, easy access to more information and data than a typical library, and does so anywhere there is an available network connection. For parents, the key to teaching teens how to better use the online resources available to them is to foster critical thinking skills. While there is an incredible wealth of information available, not all of that information is of equal quality or accuracy. Teens who are taught the difference between reliable sources and possible misinformation are more likely to do well with the unique advantages of this technology. Additionally, parents can provide access to free or paid sites that offer tutoring and homework help; while these vary widely in quality, such sites can be especially helpful to teens struggling with certain classes or concepts.

The internet can be a valuable teaching tool for children, but parents must be their guides and teachers in discovering the many learning opportunities available. The best advice for parents is to remain involved in your child’s online life, assisting them with research and educational websites while ensuring that the available entertainment options are wholesome and worthwhile as well.