Do you ever think sometimes about the parts of the internet that used to exist that don’t anymore? As a teenager, I had AIM and a Xanga that I put so much energy into. Even the cell phones that existed when I was a teenager have changed – do you remember T9 typing? And we can’t forget floppy disks!
In technology, it can feel like things become obsolete so fast. So if things in technology are always changing, how can we help our kids learn tech skills that won’t just become outdated by the time they are adults?
You can’t ignore that technology skills are crucial to learn! But I get it, teaching them can be a bit intimidating, especially if you feel that your own technology skills are a little outdated. So how can you give your kids a strong technology education?
This post is a sponsored post – that means I was paid for my time working on this project and I received free access to the product. However, all opinions are my own.
Have Teachers that Focus on Foundations in Technology Education
Technologies may be changing all the time – but the foundations and principles of technology remain pretty consistent. Finding teachers that focus on teaching core skills rather than chasing after everything new and shiny is so important for kids who are just learning technology skills. Having a solid foundation will help them to pivot as new technologies are created.
The classes at MYTEK LAB share these principles. With a focus on giving your kids strong foundation skills, your kids will be well equipped to go onto further tech pursuits or deeper into a special tech area of interest.
All the teachers at MYTEK LAB are experts in technology – and it shows! Classes lead by experts can help build that solid foundation.
Plus, technology education foundations can be a great way to start creating an independently responsible learner!
Explore Different Technologies
Imagine pouring all your energy into one style of technology and then it becomes obsolete. What then? Instead, a better path is to learn about and have a general exposure to many different kinds. When this happens, then your child has an excellent springboard from which to go deeper into different technology and to adapt to future technologies.
My oldest son is enrolled in Information Technology I with MYTEK LAB and I am so pleased at the variety of things he will spend the year learning. This list includes things like:
- 2D Game Art
- Web Design
- Programming
- VR Development
- 3D Modeling for 3D Printing
- Robotics
- and more!
After this year, he won’t be an expert on technology, but he will have been exposed to many different kinds which will give him a broader base from which to build on then if he had only been exposed to a single kind.
Don’t Overcomplicate It
We can’t expect our kids to go deep into a new technology right away. Instead, we need to support them as they learn steps along the way. Starting simple and then building on it is the key.
As I said in an early section, foundations are the key. They play a large part in not overcomplicating technology education!
Additionally, don’t feel like you have to learn everything at once! That’s one of the benefits of taking a class with MYTEK LAB – they will learn a lot, but it won’t be all at once. Instead, they will learn it in a sequence that makes sense and builds.
Plus, they offer options to keep it less complicated for your family. You can choose between live classes or Flex Pace! Live classes can be really motivating and exciting to some students – my son absolutely enjoys the live classes. But maybe your schedule really isn’t going to work to do live classes. Live classes are recorded in case you miss some, but Flex Pace is another awesome option to do it in a way that simplifies things for your family.
Make Sure Safety is a Key Focus in Online Education
I don’t think I have to tell you that the internet can be a dark and scary place. And choosing to give your kids access to the internet can be intimidating.
Learning safety skills right off the bat will follow your child through their interactions with technology. Don’t wait until after something unsafe happens to your child on the internet. To the extent that is possible, try to proactively teach your kids internet safety skills.
I love that MYTEK LAB absolutely focuses on safety. In their first class, they laid out the rules and expectations so clearly to get everyone on the same page. I could tell from those rules and expectations that safety was a priority.
Plus, MYTEK LAB has their own platform where they can access the tech tools they need for their classes. You don’t have to worry about your child going to a different site and stumbling upon something. By the way, MYTEK LAB offers free accounts where kids can use these tools even if they aren’t currently taking a class! You as the parent have the ability to add these student accounts under your account.
Don’t Forget to Have Fun
Teaching technology skills can feel intimidating. That’s why it’s important to remember to have fun. Technology offers kids a chance to create and design things based on their own interests and to share those with others. It offers so many chances for creativity too.
When my son finished his first class with MYTEK LAB I asked him what he thought. He did a little happy dance. The classes were interactive and got them working on projects the very first day – even though they were also going through all the important start of course information. Mr. Mytek even said that dances were a way to communicate information that kids were having a good time – so I guess my son took that to heart!
MYTEK LAB is generously offering a discount! New families can contact Jacky (Mrs. MYTEK) at jsouders@myteklab.com for a discounted monthly rate of $15 dollars off of the monthly rate. Normally $49 a month, discounted down to $34 a month! This is awesome considering that they are weekly live classes.
Teaching technology skills that don’t become outdated doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Just follow the principles outlined in this post and you’ll be off to a great start. Check out the classes at MYTEK LAB today!
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