By Azra Jivraj of Logiscool

The digital world has become an integral part of our daily lives, and technology continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace. From smartphones and tablets to social media and online gaming, the internet has transformed the way we communicate, learn and interact. While many children are already surrounded by digital devices, numerous studies show that they do not acquire digital literacy-related knowledge through using them and subsequently miss out on valuable skills. At Logiscool we know the importance of children developing the digital literacy skills that prepare them to thrive. Our bespoke curriculum teaches coding in a fun and fully gamified way using programs such as Roblox and Minecraft fit for all levels of ability.

We have put together five digital literacy priorities for your children:

• Navigating the Internet Safely
  With so much information available online, as well as potential dangers, children need to be able to navigate the internet safely. It is vital for them to be able to identify and avoid online risks such as cyberbullying, online scams and inappropriate content, and know what to do when issues arise. In addition to this, as they get older, being able to recognise and evaluate the credibility of online sources, fact-check information and identify misleading content can keep them safe and empower them in the online world.

• Creativity
  Technology offers many opportunities for creativity, whether that is designing websites and apps, or creating digital artwork. Just as children learn the basic skills of drawing and painting in real life, by learning both simple and complex coding languages and understanding creative software programmes, it is possible to unleash creativity so they can new forms of expression and build their confidence in a range of areas.

• Improving Communication
  We live in an increasingly interconnected world and technology offers many ways to communicate; be that instant messaging, email or video calls. While children may not use corporate communication tools such as Microsoft Teams, they will undoubtedly be communicating with peers via the digital universe. Teaching them how to navigate online communication tools means they can keep in touch with others as well as keeping them safe from those in the digital world who might not have their best interests at heart.

• Facilitating Learning
  The pandemic was proof that digital literacy skills are becoming increasingly important for children’s learning and development. By learning how to use technology effectively, children can enhance their educational experience as they are able to access a wealth of educational information and online resources. Educational videos, interactive games and online quizzes are now at children’s fingertips and when these are available to them, great things can happen.

• Preparing for the Future
  Being proficient in technology, and particularly coding, is important for future success due to the rapid advancement of technology and its integration into almost every aspect of work and daily life. If children can acquire digital skills from a young age, we believe they will be better prepared to adapt to new technology and more resilient in the face of technological advancements. Teaching digital literacy to children will provide them with a competitive advantage for their future careers and for the jobs that haven’t even been created yet!

To conclude, digital literacy goes beyond just using an iPad or computer, it involves critical thinking, problem-solving, communication and adaptability skills, and these skills can help children to be better equipped to succeed in their education, careers and personal lives. Learning to code teaches children how to think logically and solve complex problems, as well as preparing for the jobs of the future. It’s essential for parents and educators to prioritize digital literacy in order to set them up for a fulfilling future!

About Logiscool

Logiscool is a global expert in coding and digital literacy education and teaches children around the world to be a part of the technology of the future. The first Logiscool was started in Hungary in January 2014 and is a rapidly expanding international network of fun-based coding and digital literacy schools. The bespoke, tailor-made curriculum is suitable for all ages from 6 to 18 years, and parents can easily follow the progress of their sons and daughters.