Educational technology Facts for Kids

Educational technology (often called EdTech) is about using computers, software, and ideas about how people learn to make learning easier and better. When people talk about "EdTech," they often mean the companies that create these learning tools.

EdTech uses ideas from many different areas, like how we communicate, how we learn (psychology), how society works (sociology), and how computers and artificial intelligence work. It includes things like learning theories, computer-based training, learning online, and even using mobile phones for learning.

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School settings

Learning in Preschool

Kids in a preschool class

Even very young children in preschool sometimes use electronic devices. Parents often say this is a good experience, but we don't fully know yet how much it helps them learn.

A fun activity in preschool

The right time for a child to start using a phone or computer depends on their age and how much they have developed.

In preschool, technology can be used in many ways. Simple uses include computers, tablets, and audio or video in classrooms. There are also many tools for parents and teachers to help young children use technology or to make lessons more interesting. Some good options for this age are:

Recording what kids create with video or audio.
Showing them how to use the internet safely with kid-friendly websites.
Using special tools to help children with disabilities learn with their friends.
Educational apps and electronic books.
Educational videos.

Many free and paid websites and apps are made just for preschool kids. Examples include Starfall, ABCmouse, and PBS Kids Video. Electronic books let kids keep many stories on one device, mixing reading with new technology. EdTech can also help kids improve their hand-eye coordination, language skills, and focus, and make them more excited to learn. It also lets them experience things they might not otherwise.

To make the most of technology in preschool, it should be used correctly. It should help kids learn new things, involve parents and other adults, and be right for the child's age. This can help kids with disabilities, bilingual children learning new languages, and introduce them to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) topics. It can also show them pictures of different cultures they might not see every day.

Learning in Primary and Secondary School

A teacher showing students how to use a computer program

Online learning is used in many schools, both public and private. Some online learning happens in a regular classroom, while other times students can learn from home or other places. More and more states are using virtual schools for online learning. A Virtual school lets students join live online classes or do lessons at their own pace, as long as they have internet.

Students learning with technology

Online learning is becoming popular for students who might not want to go to a regular school. This could be because of serious allergies, other health issues, or worries about school violence and school bullying. It's also helpful for parents who want to homeschool their children but don't feel they can teach everything themselves.

A student attending an online class during the COVID-19 pandemic

Online learning also helps regular classrooms. Students with special talents or interests that aren't in their school's usual classes can use online tools to learn more or go beyond their grade level. Some online schools connect students with teachers using video calls, creating a digital classroom.

Websites like IXL (for math) and kids' encyclopedias like Kiddle let children learn safely online by themselves.

Private online schools are also available across the country. These offer the benefits of online learning to students in states where public online schools aren't an option. They might also give students more freedom and sometimes let them skip state tests. Some of these schools offer college preparation courses for high school students.

In primary and secondary schools, virtual education often means virtual schools. These are online schools that use new ways to teach and manage classes.

Educational technology can also be a great way to keep gifted students interested if their current classes aren't challenging enough. This can happen through after-school programs or by adding technology to regular lessons. For example, courses using Virtual reality (VR) or 3D printing can give students exciting new ways to learn.

Learning in College and University

People at a conference about education and technology

More and more college students are taking online classes. About one-third of all college students, which is around 6.7 million students, are now enrolled in online courses.

Many colleges and universities now offer online classes. As the cost of online learning goes down, more schools might offer them. Schools also need to hire staff who are good at teaching online and understand both the subject and how to use computers and the internet well. Online education is growing fast, and even advanced degrees like doctorates can now be earned online from top universities.