In today’s technological world, being able to read and write is not enough. It is extremely important for children to be digitally literate to be able to be future-ready. So, what is digital literacy? It is all about understanding and using technology and being aware of its advantages and limitations. It is also about finding the right information from the right source.
Digital literacy is imperative for kids. It is not only about using social media but diving much deeper into internet safety, cyberbullying, ethical use of online resources and so on. Read on to find out ways in which to teach your child how to use digital resources effectively.
If your child is 6 years and below:
Video resources: Videos are a great way to learn English since they can give conversational context to your child’s language and improve their skills. You can find a wide variety of video resources here. The resources are family-friendly, child-friendly and offer a safe learning experience. Don’t forget to make your children watch our very popular Timmy Time on Netflix.
Reading resources: You can check vooks where your kids can read books and also watch video versions of popular stories. It’s a treasure trove of books on topics from colours to food and even things that scare you! Sign up for a free trial and experience the magic.
If your child is from 6 to 10 years: Tech. skills are becoming more important since assignments and homework are now being submitted online. Children are expected to type up a document, carry out research using the search engines, skilfully use the internet etc.
Kids-friendly search engine: You want your child to carry out research on their own. However, you are worried that they might come across some content that is not suitable for them. Try out this safe search engine by Google. It’s a visual online encyclopedia which is perfect for young ones.
Spend constructive time online: Children love using the internet because of the amazing use of imagery and the ease of use. Make the time they spend online worthwhile by using this British Council app/website. There are lots of free online games, videos, stories, and activities for children. It also has articles and videos for parents to help them support their child’s learning.
If your child is from 11 to 17 years: It is important to make teenagers understand that technology is not a replacement for learning, but it is there to enhance our learning. This generation has access to the whole world of information, but they need to learn how to use technology to their advantage.
Online dictionary: We can’t expect our kids to look for the meanings of words in a fat dictionary like we used to. This online dictionary helps you not only to check the meaning but also the pronunciation of a word along with its use in a sentence.
Hone your English while having fun online: LearnEnglish Teens can help improve your English with reading, writing, and listening practice, tips for exams, grammar and vocabulary exercises, games and videos. You can also interact with teenagers from all around the world. This website is curated in the U.K. and has exciting content for teens.
The internet undoubtedly has innumerable advantages, but it comes with its own set of risks. We need to make our children aware of cyberbullying, online predators, inappropriate content, fraud and so on. Google has developed an amazing curriculum for kids. Parents should educate their children about appropriate online behaviour and should take their children seriously if they find anything off or uncomfortable. With keeping some safety measures in mind, encourage your children to be digitally literate and confident online users. It is a great opportunity for an amazing learning experience.
- Snigdha Sinha, Teacher British Council