Sometimes it is hard for parents to see the benefits of technology for teens. After all, when teens spend endless hours playing video games or staring at their smartphones, technology can feel more like a burden than a benefit. However, in today’s challenging world, both during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond, the positive effects of technology on teenagers are significant.
Technology allows teenagers to keep in contact with their family, their friends, and their greater community. Secondly, an impressive array of digital learning tools available now enables teens to take the classroom home and continue to learn, regardless of their environment. Indeed, from websites to phone apps, the types of digital tools available continues to expand.
4 Benefits of Technology for Teens
As one of the world’s leading business-to-business and integrated marketing media companies, Technology Marketing Corporation (TMC) is an expert in understanding the positive effects of technology. In a recently published article, TMC highlights four of the top benefits of technology for teens.
Some of the points made in the article include:
1. Socialization and Relationship Building:
Popular messaging apps and social media platforms connect teenagers with other teenagers. These digital tools allow teens to keep in contact with their friends from school, via online video calls, group messaging, or in sending funny TikToks, many of which have gone viral during the last few months.
2. Problem Solving Skills:
By learning how to use different devices and apps, a teen faces the challenge of new innovations, given the rapid advancement of technology. Such problem solving may include figuring out how to connect a new PlayStation to the television or moving data over from one phone to another. Or even using Google Maps to navigate a new city. As innovative applications and technology advancements develop, a teen applies the rudiments of problem-solving to each new hurdle that will later pay off in the “real world.” For example, when a person works in an office, technological virtuosity is a valuable expertise.
3. Enhanced Education and Digital Learning Tools:
The simple reality is that today’s kids are learning in ways that we would not have imagined when we were growing up. Teens are using the Duolingo app to learn languages, Audible app to listen to books, and Evernote app to take notes from class. Indeed, with smartphone applications, social networking, and interactive websites, new horizons are normative for teenagers. As a result, teenagers quickly become adept with a multitude of different digital learning tools, thus enhancing educational opportunities.
4. Interactive Creativity and Digital Expression:
Transcending colored markers and crayons, smartphone applications and interactive websites offer teens the ability to share their artistic passions far and wide. For example, teens can record a musical performance on YouTube, make a mood board on Pinterest, edit photos on the VSCO app, or learn a new TikTok dance and post it on their account. Using video and sound, teens can access different types of digital tools that help them thrive creatively and easily share their creations. It also offers the opportunity for encouragement and creative feedback.
Digital Learning Tools at Home
During this challenging time, teenagers need to access more opportunities from home than ever before. Thus, the many types of digital learning tools available help turn this goal into a vibrant reality. Even in remote schooling, young people can thrive and grow.
According to Explorance, the leader in modern student journey analytics, some of the benefits of technology for teens in regard to digital learning tools include:
- Allowing teens to access a plethora of information more easily
- Offering support and tutoring aides for teens when needed
- Encouraging collaboration and sharing through social networking
- Adapting to different types of students and kinds of education
- Preparing teens for the future with a working knowledge of technology
- Adding an enjoyment-factor and new diversity to the learning process
10 E-Learning Digital Tools for Students
As virtual learning becomes the standard, many teenagers may need help adjusting to online schooling and motivating themselves to keep up with schoolwork. It is important that teenagers continue to work productively even while at home and completing virtual assignments. Although this may prove difficult given the rise in teen depression and anxiety during this uncertain time. To ensure your student’s success there are many tools that are available to parents. Here is a list of the 10 best e-learning digital tools for students that you can share with your teens.
- MrOwl: Inspire & Collaborate
A social networking and information sharing app based on user interests. - Curious – the game of lifelong learning
A subscription-based learning app that challenges users to watch videos, take quizzes, listen to audio lessons, and read articles. - Finding Home – A Refugee’s Journey
A moving interactive story that shows a teen refugee’s experience. - HowStuffWorks
An app that provides historical information about animals, culture, automobiles, science, etc. - Socratic by Google
A homework help app that uses text-recognition technology. - Yup – Math Tutoring App
A subscription-based tutoring services with live tutors, available 24/7. - Library of Congress Country Studies
An app with books available related to history, culture, geography, and other key topics. - The Learning Network
An app that uses the news of the day from the New York Times to create a blog and other news-related activities that engage teens and tweens. - Pocketcasts
A podcast player, with curated lists and top charts to help find new podcasts. - Instructables
An app for DIY projects, providing step by step instructions for how to make anything.
Moving Forward with Technology
The Internet is a significant resource for information and educational tools, it is simply a matter of knowing what is available. Hopefully you may find the apps and technologies discussed in this article helpful for you and your teen. As always, ensure that you are keeping safety a top priority as your teen experiments with different technologies. Many apps and devices offer parental controls so you can block inappropriate content from view. But also teaching your teen about online safety is important as well. With the right tools and a responsible mindset, there are many benefits of technology for teens.
Ultimately, keeping teens engaged in online learning can be challenging, but it can also be a source of increased harmony in the home as parents get more involved in the day-to-day aspects of a teen’s life. If you are struggling with isolation at home, online learning, or online safety, please reach out to Teen Rehab. We can help you find the right assistance for your family to move forward.
