Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Online Learning – Making Online Learning Fun for Kids

Children like to learn new things.  They are programmed that way but that doesn’t mean they will automatically learn everything that you want them to learn. We have to make learning a fun activity so they don’t lose interest after a short time.  One way to do this is through online learning and with the help of computers and the internet learning should be interactive, fun and enjoyable for kids of all ages.

The world today is run by computers; virtually everything that we use has a computer chip inside it, controlling what should move and what should stop at certain points in time and space.  As the trend in education continues, the future of our children is seen to be directly dependent on their ability to learn how to use computers, create programs and applications that take full advantage of the power of the computer to control anything you want them to control. Of course they still need to study reading, writing, math and science and all of these can be studied through online learning programs that complement their knowledge of computers.

Online learning for kids programs however, should also include parents’ cooperation as they need to get more involved in the education of their children.  Such programs should also engage educators and education experts who believe in using computer technology and related tools to increase the children’s understanding of the lessons and thus provide them with a better future.

One of the best uses of computers is to develop learning games for children. Games that teach language and math are particularly beneficial to build the educational foundation that children will definitely need in the future. Game developers can contribute to online learning programs by producing games for children that are not only fun and exciting but also are able to teach essential math and language skills designed specifically for preschool and elementary school children. These kinds of games make learning math and language skills fun and rewarding for children and with the participation of their parents, are great opportunities to spend quality time together.

Online learning provides educational opportunities that used to be denied to those who live in far flung areas. It is now easy to acquire inexpensive computers and internet connection is available almost in every corner of the globe, even in very remote areas.  Because it is web-based, any one with a computer and internet can access the lessons, study, take exams, do their assignment, submit their work and have immediate feedback and results.  It is good to note that where online learning is made available, there is a marked improvement in learning and teaching.  Schools which avail of this opportunity to use new technology with appropriate contents for children benefit as well for they become center for excellence in education. Online learning programs for children are usually designed to be used either at school or at the convenience of their home. With appropriate activities, children can learn basic and advanced lessons to supplement what they have learned in school.

Children are always looking for something that will arouse their interest and are always curious and willing to learn. As their educators, we can take advantage of these natural inclinations and provide them with interactive learning activities and opportunities to improve their math and language skills. With online learning as platform, we can use computer programs to teach them these skills, employing animated graphics to create an exciting learning environment. But even as online learning has its advantages, we should also know how to exercise caution. We should teach our children to be aware of the dangers while reinforcing their confidence in using online resources for learning. We can protect them by teaching the children how to check the facts as not all information they can get online are reliable.  Children should also be warned not to provide any personal information such as email or pictures over the internet, or if actually needed, must first ask the permission of their parents.





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