S.T.E.A.M stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math.
By incorporating hands-on activities into our children's curriculum, it will help them to improve skills like:
Creativity
Critical Thinking
Independent Thinking
Brainstorming
Problem-solving
Teamwork
In today's digitally-driven world, it's no secret that technology has become an integral part of our lives. From smartphones and tablets to laptops and smart home devices. We are surrounded by technology! For children growing up in this digital age, digital literacy has never been more important. In this post, we will explore the significance of digital literacy for children and why it is essential for their future success.
Our world is becoming more digital by the day, which is why teaching our children to become digitally Intelligent is crucial.
Digital skills consist of principles like clear and concise communication, conducting online transactions, problem-solving, and being safe and legal while online. The World Economic Forum has a great article that outlines the type of skills that we should be teaching our children. Here is how they break down some important digital skills to have:
The ability to create and manage one’s online identity and reputation. This includes an awareness of one's online persona and management of the short-term and long-term impact of one's online presence.
The ability to use digital devices and media, including the mastery of control to achieve a healthy balance between life online and offline.
The ability to manage risks online (e.g. cyberbullying, grooming, radicalization) as well as problematic content (e.g. violence and obscenity), and to avoid and limit these risks.
The ability to detect cyber threats (e.g., hacking, scams, malware), understand best practices, and ,use suitable security tools for data protection.
Digital emotional intelligence:
The ability to be empathetic and build good relationships with others online.
The ability to communicate and collaborate with others using digital technologies and media.
The ability to find, evaluate, utilize, share and create content as well as to be competent in computational thinking.
The ability to understand and uphold personal and legal rights, including the rights to privacy, intellectual property, freedom of speech, and protection from hate speech.
While Digital Skills refer to the ability to perform specific tasks and actions, Digital Literacy encompasses a broader set of competencies, including understanding, analyzing, and navigating the complexities of the digital landscape.
Children need to learn how to operate computers, tablets, and other digital devices. This includes understanding hardware components, using software, and navigating user interfaces.
Teaching children about online safety is crucial. They should understand how to protect their personal information, recognize and avoid online threats, and use privacy settings on social media and websites.
In the age of information overload, children must learn how to evaluate the credibility of online sources, distinguish between fact and opinion, and conduct effective online research.
Digital literacy also involves teaching children how to communicate effectively using digital tools, such as email, instant messaging, and video conferencing.
Introducing children to coding and programming concepts helps them understand how technology works and nurtures problem-solving and logical thinking skills.
As parents and teachers, it is up to us to teach our children about the digital world, whether it be through a laptop, tablet, or phone. The cyber-world is a vast area where they can learn and be creative, but It is our responsibility to keep them safe while they learn and explore it.