One thing is clear: the advance of digitalization is not stopping at the kindergarten playground or the school classroom. The question we need to answer is not whether technology should be used in this context, but how and to what extent. After all, the best way to teach children is through play. Digital toys and educational games are becoming increasingly popular and offer new opportunities for children to learn and develop their skills through play. The challenge for children, parents, caregivers and teachers is to make the most of these new opportunities.
In recent years, technology has found its way into the world of toys. Digital toys and educational games are becoming increasingly popular and offer children new ways to learn and develop their skills through play. In this blog article, we take a look at the future of toys and explore how technology will change children's education.
Personalised learning
Providers of digital toys and educational games can tailor their portfolio to meet individual needs. This allows each child to learn at their own pace and better understand their strengths and weaknesses. Online learning platforms already offer personalized learning experiences that are tailored to individual learning progress and incorporate playful elements into the learning experience. These platforms are evolving rapidly and are equipped with the latest technology to make learning even more personalized and effective.
Interactive learning
Technologies such as virtual and augmented reality open up entirely new learning environments for children. They immerse themselves in these worlds and interact with them in a playful way. For example, a virtual trip inside an electric motor allows them to experience its structure and functionality up close. Children can move parts, make electrical connections, and understand the principles of electricity and mechanics.
Connected Toys
Connected toys make it possible to connect children across distances so they can play and learn together even when they are not in the same place. These toys allow children to immerse themselves in virtual worlds, compete in exciting games, or solve challenging problems together. This type of digital play not only increases social interaction, but also fosters collaborative skills. In the future, connected toys will play an even greater role in bringing children together from all corners of the world to share learning experiences, make new friends and learn languages through play.
Gamification
Gamification is the use of playful elements in non-playful contexts. Digital toys and educational games use gamification to make learning easier and more fun for kids. Points, badges, and leaderboards are just a few examples of how gamification motivates kids to achieve more.
Artificial intelligence
AI-powered toys and educational games can help children track their learning progress, receive personalized learning experiences, and increase motivation. AI makes it possible to recognize children's learning speeds and respond accordingly. In the future, we will see even more innovative toys and educational games that take advantage of AI to provide children with an optimal learning experience.
Controversial discussion
The increasing use of technology in education is a controversial issue. Proponents of technological development argue that digital toys and educational games provide new opportunities for children to learn and develop skills through play. They emphasize the benefits of personalized learning, interactive learning environments, and gamification.
Critics, on the other hand, warn of the negative effects of technology on children's development. They criticize the fact that digital toys can impair children's creativity and social skills. They also worry that the increasing use of technology can lead to a dependency on screen devices.
Arguments in favour:
Personalized Learning: Digital toys and educational games can be tailored to each child's individual needs.
Interactive Learning: Digital toys allow children to interact with the world around them and learn new things through play.
Gamification: Gamification can be used to make learning easier and more fun for children.
Motivation: Technology can be used to increase children's motivation and help them achieve their learning goals.
Critics' arguments:
Creativity: Digital toys can inhibit children's creativity by providing them with pre-designed play worlds and play options.
Social skills: Digital toys can affect children's social skills as they spend less time with other children and more time with screen devices.
Screen addiction: Increased use of technology can lead to screen addiction, which can have negative consequences for children's health and development.
Inequality: Access to technology is not equitably distributed, which can lead to inequalities in education.
Conclusion
Digitalization and ongoing technological change are already having a significant impact on our children's education. Digital toys and educational games offer fascinating new ways for children to learn and develop their skills in a fun way. Careful use of these technologies can make a significant contribution to providing children with an optimal learning experience. The debate about the future of toys and the impact of technology on children's education is becoming increasingly important. It is important to consider both the opportunities and challenges of technological developments and to promote a healthy, balanced use of technology in education. A key issue is teaching children digital literacy. It is very important that they take their first digital steps in a protected environment such as school, rather than exploring the vastness of the Internet without guidance. Familiarizing children with technology at an early age and introducing them to the subject in a playful way is a crucial step in equipping them with the necessary skills for the digital world.
Join the discussion!
What do you see as the future of toys? What are the opportunities and challenges for parents and kids? Share your thoughts in the comments!