Building strong foundations: How technology is improving core skills in early education
By Vedant Hamirwasia, Director, ODA Class
The skills children learn in the early years of their lives are fundamental in shaping their future. Learning core skills such as literacy, numeracy, and communication is crucial in developing their cognitive abilities, thus preparing them to navigate academic challenges and the ones they will encounter in the world outside of their classroom.
In India, more than 50% of children in class V and 30% in class VII could not read a class II text. This highlights how limited access to quality education, particularly during the early years of schooling, can contribute to learning gaps that require focused attention and strategic intervention. Digital learning tools, though, have taken it upon themselves to eliminate this learning loss and make quality education accessible to all, regardless of their socioeconomic background or location.
Technology-Driven Cognitive Development
Technology has introduced a variety of apps and platforms designed to make learning more interactive and mentally stimulating. Educational games, for example, allow children to engage with content in an exciting way. These tools focus on building fundamental skills like logic, sequencing, and spatial awareness, while also ensuring the learning process remains enjoyable. Similarly, reading exercises based on voice recognition improve listening and pronunciation skills.
The AR VR-based exercises, involving sorting shapes and recognising patterns, allow the children to learn and polish their maths concepts with the help of visuals. Counting and solving simple maths problems through images improves their logical reasoning ability. Additionally, as children progress in lessons, AI-based systems analyse their pace and tune the classes according to the children’s needs.
Building social, emotional, and communication skills
Technology is playing a transformative role in developing both language and social-emotional skills in early education. Interactive storytelling, language apps, and read-aloud e-books are enhancing children’s communication abilities by improving reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. At the same time, collaborative platforms and games promote emotional intelligence by encouraging empathy, teamwork, and positive behaviour. By integrating these technological tools with traditional teaching methods, educators can nurture well-rounded, communicative, and emotionally resilient learners.
Promoting creativity and imagination
Technology is proving to be an incredible medium for promoting creativity. From digital drawing apps to coding platforms designed for children, these tools allow young learners to express themselves in ways that traditional classroom materials may not. Moreover, technology provides access to endless resources for artistic inspiration, whether it’s through creating digital art, composing music on apps, or experimenting with video creation. This not only develops their creative thinking but also introduces them to the concept of multimedia expression, a skill that will be increasingly important in their future academic and professional lives.
Breaking financial and geographical barriers
Since virtual classrooms do not require expensive infrastructure, online courses come at a much lower cost than any other traditional alternative. Thus, ensuring that every child gets a chance to learn and thrive in this process regardless of his socio-economic status or geographical location. This is particularly beneficial in rural areas, where traditional educational resources, including skilled teachers, may be scarce. This shift in access to education does not just represent a simple change in educational availability; on the contrary, it represents a critical move toward a more just world for all learners.
Conclusion
Advanced technologies like AI, AR, VR, and robotics have already changed the learning process. Immersive experiences allow children to explore complex concepts through visual, hands-on activities, enhancing their retention capacity. The infusion of technology has also eliminated the problem of accessibility and affordability, preparing children for an increasingly tech-driven workforce, and opening doors to new employment opportunities. The integration of these tools will empower learners to adapt, innovate, and succeed in the rapidly evolving global and technology driven economy.
