By definition, being tech savvy means that a person is pretty proficient in using modern high tech devices. These devices may range from tablets and iPads to desktop computers, laptops, smartphones and more. Today’s youth use modern gadgets for several purposes.
Cell phones aid in communication by helping kids stay in touch with their parents. Computers are used in education as well as for socializing with friends via email and social media sites.
Being technology savvy gives young people an edge in getting ahead in modern society. Most kids are capable of learning tech skills at a very young age. Many primary and secondary schools incorporate tech training in their curriculum. High school tech training programs are designed to help teens establish their future careers.
What Does Tech Savvy Mean? What does Savvy Mean?
Many young people would define tech-savvy as being good in texting, social media and online gaming. Tech savviness entails much more than that. The word “savvy” alone means to have a good understanding or practical knowledge of a subject.
In other words, knowing the tips and tricks of the trade. Therefore, an excellent way to define “tech savvy” would be having the ability and skill to use technology productively and effectively. For the average young person, this may include:
- developing computer skills that will give them an edge in establishing a promising career
- Learning Internet skills enables them to find, evaluate and use online data to meet their needs. Such skills may include sending and receiving emails, using search engines to research data, creating a web page, graphic design, uploading and downloading files, online networking via social sites and more.
- learning how to use a smartphone for online and verbal communications
- learning how to use a tablet or other high tech devices
Understanding the meaning of tech-savvy gives parents a better idea of how to help their kids develop these skills. Parents don’t need to invest tons of money in high tech devices for their kids to learn technology.
Many young children cannot even handle the responsibility of owning a tablet, computer or smartphone of their own. As most schools incorporate tech training in their curriculum, kids have the opportunity to learn technology in a supervised, structured environment.
Advantages of Tech Training
Greater productivity is one of the most significant advantages of learning technology. By creating a task list on their laptops and cell phones, young businessmen and women can stay on top of their busy schedules to not forget necessary appointments or dates.
Meetings and conferences with colleagues or clients can easily be held online to avoid wasting time and money on travel.
By learning tech skills, children and teens can receive their education online, consumers can shop online, and people can view news online to keep abreast of what’s happening in the world. Tech training opens the door for people to take advantage of all that computers have to offer.
Using Technology in the Classroom
When used correctly, technology can be of tremendous value in the classroom. Dominic Norrish, Director of Technology at United Learning, a group of UK independent schools, points out five areas in which technology can play an essential role in a student’s academic studies:
- Boosting motivation to learn
- Empowering self-learning efforts by giving kids greater control over their studies
- Providing greater access to tools that can enhance studies
- Educating kids on how to use high tech gadgets effectively
- Demonstrating the right way to incorporate technology into the classroom. Who should not use technology to replace learning methods that are already effective but rather modify or redefine learning techniques to enhance the learning process?
By experimenting with various means of using technology in the classroom, teachers can develop effective strategies that will benefit students and faculty alike. More than likely, these strategies will combine traditional learning with technology to get the best results.
Early Learning and Technology
Technology is an extensive yet fascinating field for young children to learn. When teaching this subject, education technology expert, Eric Smith suggests that teachers keep in mind these three aspects of technology training:
- Learning how to use technology
- Learning with technology and
- Learning about technology
1. Use of technology: With the advent of the iPad and its touch screen capabilities, young children can easily use a computerized device without a mouse. This was a giant leap forward for the use of technology in the early learning classroom. Through touch screen tablets and laptops, pre-school children can quickly learn the reading, math and science concepts on their early learning curriculum.
2. Learning with technology: It’s no secret that children learn much faster with technology than without. Computers and tablets allow kids to learn at their own pace in a varied way. Some kids learn faster with tutorials, while others prefer videos, pictures or games. By using computers, teachers can personalize their students’ academic curriculum to provide greater motivation to learn.
3. Learning about technology: Learning about technology is just as crucial as using technology as a learning tool. It’s good for children to have a general understanding of how technology is evolving and changing the world in which they live.
As children transition into tweens and teens, they will gain a greater perspective of the role technology plays in their lives and will play in their future. Although many adults in society today have little understanding of the tech-savvy meaning, the next generation cannot afford to be ignorant of the technological advances to come.
The Risks of Teaching Technology to Young Children
Having a proper balance between technology and traditional education is a must for young children. Too much technology poses the risk of kids missing out on their childhood development.
According to Ofcom – the communications regulator system for the UK – tablets are readily available to approximately four out of every 10 children in the country, ages 3-4 years old. Over a third of UK children between the ages of 5 and 15 own their tablets. These figures indicate the value parents give to these devices.
Psychiatrist Richard Graham, the founder of the first Technology Addiction Service in the UK, cautions parents about the dangers of giving young children full reign in the use of electronic devices. He advises parents to set boundaries on tablet and computer use to not become the norm in a child’s life.
As children become addicted to digital devices, they lose interest in outdoor activities and traditional play. Kids learn communication and social skills by interacting with others their age. Fresh air and exercise also help kids develop more robust, healthier bodies and hone their motor skills.
Too much computer or tablet time can adversely affect a child’s physical development, resulting in weight gain and physical problems.in her book The Big Disconnect, clinical psychologist Catherine Steiner-Adair outlined her perspective on the early years of learning and technology in her blog post titled “Tech is killing childhood.” According to Dr Steiner-Adiar, “much of the development of children in this stage depends on children’s need to make connections with their peers and with the world that is beyond.
They want to be part of the crowd be noticed, stand out. older, smarter, cooler. If computers have become an alternative playground to our kids We must inquire what they are doing with, who they are interacting with there and what are they learning.”
Can Be Tech Savvy Protect Kids from Cyber Bullying?
In a relatively new study, researchers from the Internet Institute at the University of Oxford discovered that letting young people regulate their Internet usage for personal, academic or social reasons can help them become more resilient to cyberbullying attacks. Having a good perspective of digital technology can also help young people develop greater resilience to online negativity.
Today’s youth need resilience for their personal growth and development and help foster constructive online behaviour. Supportive parents play an essential role in helping young people use the Internet wisely to learn new skills, express their views, and develop social ties.
Instead of these findings, researchers feel society should focus more on the positive aspects of the Internet instead of its many risks. It may not be possible for society to control every aspect of Internet usage. Still, it can arm our younger generation with the skills they require to make better decisions concerning their online lives.
