What do you think about technology for children? When we think of the gifts that Santa Claus brings, Smartphones, wearables, video games, computers and other types of devices or objects related to technology come to mind. In this case, we want to propose another way through which children can approach technology: Creating, designing and programming toys by themselves.
From the Zemsania Group, As experts in technology and ICT solutions, we believe that the best way to bring technology to children is to let them discover it at their own pace. For this reason, the Christmas special article this year we want to dedicate it to all those games and applications so that girls and boys can take their first steps in the world of programming in a creative and didactic way. Do you want to know what kind of technology for children Santa Claus can bring this year? Keep reading until the end!
Technology for children: Lights and shadows
As we read a few days ago, smartwatches for primary school children have been banned in Germany because they had an embedded monitoring function. Through these devices, parents not only controlled everything their children said and did, but also what their teachers said. This function of absolute control on minors, in addition to being an invasion of their privacy, can allow hackers to eventually access information about these children using a security breach in these devices.
Technology by itself should not be an impediment to the proper development of children, but we should consider how this technology is used and for what purpose. Instead of thinking about the use of new devices for the benefit of adults' control of minors, we should dedicate our efforts to children learning to use new technologies by themselves. Only if they are involved and aware of all the possibilities of this type of technologies, they will be able to understand them and learn to use them correctly.
In this way, in addition to ensuring that they appreciate the benefits and shortcomings of technology from an early age, they will improve their creativity and other essential skills. The point is not to teach them what we consider necessary from a flattering point of view, but to encourage their curiosity about the technology that they themselves will have to reinvent in a few years. The most important thing, at the end of the day, is that they develop a conscious and critical opinion, far from the eventual control that the use of new technologies by minors could entail.
Here's how Santa Claus can teach your kids to program
Robots to assemble and program
Programming a robot at the age of 5? Although it may seem like science fiction, there are many companies that already have small robots for sale that any 5-year-old can start programming. The Codi-Oruga, for example, allows children to assemble the segments of the caterpillar and decide which path the toy will take. Obviously, this is a very simple process designed for children as young as 3 years old, but it allows a first initiation to problem solving.
On the other hand, BQ has created Zowi, a robot that can be combined with a free app that allows you to program it. This small robot has ultrasound sensors, can overcome obstacles and responds to nearby sounds. In addition, it can be disassembled to see how it works inside. For slightly more experienced users there are also the LEGO robots, which can be assembled, programmed and controlled with a fairly demanding level of difficulty. Once assembled, they can be controlled through the app for mobile and tablet.
Halfway between games with robots and programming through applications, we find Dash, which allows to take the first steps in computational thinking. This robot is controlled thanks to the available apps (at the moment, 5 free applications) with which you can control the light, sound and movement of the robot, design circuits, solve missions and challenges, and create musical pieces that the robot can play with a xylophone. Even though it is not the same as programming with Scratch, is very similar.
Apps for Smartphone and Tablet
One of the best ways to learn to program are mobile and tablet apps, where children will have the feeling of playing any video game. There are many different types of apps, both in English and Spanish for iOS and Android. One example is Run Marco, in which you have to guide the protagonist of the story through code to overcome various challenges. Another highly recommended app is Lightbot one hour coding, where puzzles have to be solved by applying programming concepts, which are learned through very simple tutorials.
Another application that is based on solving puzzles is Tynker, where blocks of code must be dragged to pass to the next level. In this way, the youngest can learn the basics of JavaScript and Python in a very intuitive and dynamic way. Finally, we can also mention Scratch Jr, a programming language through which children from 5 to 7 years old can program their own stories and interactive games.
Board games to learn programming
Not only can programming be learned through new technologies, but traditional board games can also be a great educational source. One of the best-known games for learning programming is Robot Turtles, a board game for the whole family that was born from a crowdfunding project. Another of the most famous board games about programming in the world is Code Monkey Island (although it is currently out of stock on Amazon). In this case, the game aims to show the basics of computer science to children, wants to encourage strategic thinking and adaptability.
Create video games
Video games, apart from being a source of fun, can also become the best excuse to learn to program. There are countless games whose objective is for the little ones to create their own adventures, such as the Super Mario Maker, which, thanks to its editor, allows children to design their own levels. For the most nostalgic who want to bring their children closer to classic video games, M.U.G.E.N, with which they can create classic video games like Street Fighter or Mortal Kombat, or M.U.G.E.N., are especially recommended. Solarus, which emulates older editions of The Legend of Zelda.
FabLabs for 3D printing
Although it is not strictly about programming, it could also be interesting for the little ones to explore their creativity and also learn some first notions of 3D modeling. Thanks to workshops held in FabLabs in many different cities, children can create their own toys thanks to 3D printing workshops. Some examples of the places where this type of activity can be accessed are the workshop The Makers of Madrid or the Poblenou Urban District of Barcelona.