Delhi for kids: In surf-or-sink world kids must byte

Updated on: Thursday, February 16, 2012

There's an unmistakable curiosity in Sakshi's eyes as she effortlessly explores her brother's iPad. She sits rapt as she navigates from one feature to another - camera, games, even the internet - oblivious to anything else. At just two years old, she is the epitome of a generation that seems to be defined by technology.

"She can barely put on her shoes, but is a pro at handling gadgets. She opens the YouTube page on the iPad and asks me to find videos of her favourite nursery rhymes, animals and cartoons ," says her mother. She adds that her five-year-old son, who has a Wii gaming console, Apple desktop and a music system, is the final authority on technology at home.

With children today more comfortable using tablets than textbooks, they're definitely a step ahead of their technologically-challenged parents. And often they're the ones telling their parents which email server to use, what phone to buy, and even giving a lesson or two on how to use it.

Shalini Mehra, a homemaker , recalls the time the internet was a completely unknown territory to her. "I would ask my children to teach me Google," she says. But after a few lessons with her son on his laptop, she now has her own email ID, uses Skype frequently and searches for recipes online.

There is enough literature that suggests technology can impede a child's development - from SMS language destroying language skills to external hardware affecting memory to lack of outdoor exposure caused by hours spent on computers and video games - but there is no denying its potential when used correctly.

"I don't encourage my son to be online for too long, but I understand the internet has its uses. My son takes trivia quizzes and IQ tests online, reads up on topics that interest him and watches documentaries," says the mother of a nine-year-old .

Many schools have also embraced technology in teaching, understanding that it isn't just a necessary life skill now, but also changes how students learn. GD Goenka World School follows a research-based curriculum involving smart classrooms with projectors and screens, Wi-Fi and laptops for students . "Technology enables learning to be individualized , allowing students to work at their own pace using different resources," says Sunanda Sandhir, principal, middle school, Pathways, Noida.

Technology is central at some schools like Pathways Group of Institutions - students can submit assignments via email; online learning management systems allow teachers to upload assignments and monitor students' progress; and students blog, make movies and podcasts, and deliver digital presentations; Google Maps is used in geography lessons; students create programmes such as an online voting system to use during school elections.

"Students from Class VI used Skype to attend lessons on population by a professor from Houston. We used Adobe Connect to enable our teachers to be a part of a professional-development workshop , also conducted in Houston , and even primary school students made e-pals in New Jersey," says Sandhir.

To ensure maximum benefit to students from available technology during school hours, there are firewalls and monitoring systems that block access to social networking sites and campaigns to promote awareness on internet dangers.

(Some names have been changed)

E-benefits

Instant, easy access to information, which gives exposure to kids

Kids develop the ability to handle complicated technology

Can connect with people having similar interests. Less pressure to conform

Video games enhance motor skills and keep mind agile

Interactive games help children to learn how to read, write and do simple math

Times of India

Delhi for kids: In surf-or-sink world kids must byte

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