Today, it’s no secret that we are well and truly in a tech era. On a daily basis, we see how our society is relying more and more on technology. From the exponential rise in video conferencing during Covid, to the simple fact that most children own a mobile phone by the age of seven – it’s clear technology is here to stay.
As a result, it’s widely accepted that new generations should be learning tech and digital skills from an early age so they can adapt to digitalisation and the novelties that the future holds.
What tech should be taught in schools?
Children who don’t develop technological expertise risk being left behind. Not only this, but technology can help with developing problem-solving skills and logic. One way to teach tech in a fun and engaging way is through coding.
Although coding is often associated with computing, it is actually a valuable exercise for most children. Coding not only helps improve mathematics and writing skills but also teaches valuable life lessons in problem solving and critical thinking.
And luckily teaching coding is easier than you’d think. There are lots of tools on the market to help with coding, so even if you aren’t an expert yourself, you can still teach younger generations valuable lessons.
The benefits of tech skills for children
Aside from the obvious benefit of improving mathematically, tech has many more wide-reaching benefits for children. Take most jobs for example – most roles nowadays require at least some technology skills. In actual fact, according to a recent study, 82% of all jobs in the UK list digital skills as a requirement. Therefore, by teaching these valuable skills from an early age, you’re also setting your child up for success later in life.
As well as good future prospects, having an interest in technology helps children to think critically and problem solve. This inquisitive mindset is invaluable in school and later in life.
Not only this but teaching tech to young girls also helps to equal out the gender bias. Currently, the STEM profession is made up of around 24% women, so there is much more work to be done to get more women into tech. By encouraging the women of the future to learn tech, the hope is that we can work to bridge the gap slowly but surely.
The bottom line…
Although you may not expect your child to be the next Bill Gates, teaching all children tech has its merits. Teaching tech helps to develop an inquisitive, logical mind and therefore helps your child excel. You’ll probably be surprised at how useful teaching skills such as coding are when it comes to your child’s development.
Not only will teaching tech benefit your child’s development, but it will also set future generations up for success. From bridging the gender gap in STEM subjects, to providing a well-rounded CV – there are a million and one reasons schools should be teaching tech.
