Beyond Technology "How-To": Teaching "Why"

If a child only experiences a computer as something to play games on, they may get to be quick with the mouse or fast on the keyboard, but they are not really learning to use technology as a meaningful skill. However, when a child is given an age-appropriate way to apply technology skills to find information, communicate and share ideas, and solve problems – you begin to unlock a child’s true potential to use technology to learn.

Imagine Tomorrow’s philosophy on learning is powerful because it centers on the idea that kids learn best when they have a purpose. Too many websites and computer software programs have kids clicking through games for no reason other than to get to the next level or earn more points. Even an educational activity that teaches a skill like letters or numbers loses its potential when it is delivered in isolation and without a purpose. This is why Imagine Tomorrow thoughtfully builds each lesson around a story that teaches children to use a new technology skill to solve a funny, child-friendly problem. We give them a reason WHY.

Technology is going to keep changing throughout their lifetime. If you teach children more than just how, but really give them an understanding of WHY, they will continue to be able to adapt and apply their skills to whatever type of technology they are using.

To Change Education, Start Young

I attended and participated in the Symposium for Social Change in New York City. The roundtable discussion on education was a great exchange of ideas--all with the common goal of improving education to meet the demand for better educated children equipped with the 21st century skills they will need.

The main point I wanted to make was that education reform needs to start at the beginning--at the youngest age possible. The focus needs to include changing the environment from the earliest point onward. This means delivering the latest technology and educational offerings to children starting at the preschool level. Young children are eager learners filled with curiosity about the world around them. Building a foundation of skills at the earliest stages sets them on a path for ongoing successes throughout their education.

My experience with my company has served as an ongoing case study over the past two decades. I have seen an enormous number of children who had the opportunity to learn through the Imagine Tomorrow program (www.imaginetomorrow.com) at a very young age, move on to accomplish great things as older students and young adults. It is this proof that the program not only positively impacts them at the early stages, but that it leads to later successes--that continues to inspire our dedication to reaching more and more young children.