The learning environment continues to get more competitive. Every parent wants to see their child succeed in life, so how can you give your child an advantage? Engaging them in technology education early on, can prepare them for life-long success. 
 
Let's face it, technology isn't just a nice to have, it's essential in this day and age. There are no longer digital immigrants being born, only technology natives. "Children introduced to technology at an early age benefit in many areas. It boosts their self-confidence and encourages an open mind, teamwork, and enhanced learning," says Michelle Hershey, COMPUTER EXPLORERS franchisee. 
 
To ensure your child gets the most out of technology-based learning, we've put together some helpful tips:

• Start technology education early: Eighty-four percent of respondents to a survey by the Consumer Federation of America believe children learn more when they use technology and 93 percent believe computer skills are vital. The earlier you expose your child to technology, the more likely they are to embrace it and consider it an integral part of the learning process.
   
  COMPUTER EXPLORERS offers a program for beginners, to prepare them for first grade with specific computer skills, such as keyboarding, word-processing, graphics, multimedia presentations, and even spreadsheets. "The key is to keep the lessons basic for young learners - not overly animated because they will get distracted," says Hershey. "Lessons should be interactive, and most important, fun. By starting technology education early, your child will enter first grade with self confidence and an eagerness to learn."
  
  
• Repetition, repetition, repetition:  After engaging your child in an entry-level technology course, the next step is practice. Just like studying for a spelling test, the more we use information, the better we retain it. You can explain how to use a computer and its tools over and over, but the best way for a young student to learn how to use the mouse, keyboard, or insert a picture of their favorite animal in a presentation, is to do it again and again.
  
  
• Choose a program that motivates your child: From basic mouse control to creating a multimedia presentation, each student is motivated in their own special way. It's important when teaching a child new concepts to create a positive outcome. No, not with ice cream or candy. Rather, when using a computer for the first time, allow them to listen to animal or music sounds, work alongside their friends to accomplish team goals, or something as simple as typing their name to see it on the screen for the first time.
   
  When children are enjoying themselves, they get lost in the learning process. They won't even realize they are learning how to type, follow verbal directions, distinguish between upper and lower case letters, and locate specific tools in different programs. 
  
  
• Continue to stay open-minded: At almost every grade level, the education dynamic changes. The key is to be open-minded and recognize opportunities to learn. Preschoolers love to talk, about anything. Although distracting, if students stay on task, their talking habits can be seen as feedback, rather than a challenge.
   
  The older students get, the more complex their thoughts. It's important to nurture their out-of-the-box thinking by encouraging them to look for alternative ways to accomplish their tasks and goals. One of the most important things to remember about teaching kids, is to listen. Who says the one new thing you learn a day can't come from a five-year-old?
  
  
• Constantly evaluate and improve the learning environment: To keep kids engaged, education programs, particularly technology, need to be innovative.  Parents, teachers, students, and administrators should all share constructive feedback and evaluate how the learning process is working for the child on a regular basis.