Recent research reveals that the UK is leading the way in embracing educational technology. According to the whitepaper Capabilities for Success: What’s Working in EdTech Today, almost two-thirds (64%) of UK schools now embed technology in everyday teaching and learning practises, marking a shift in how teachers approach lessons and how students absorb information. This integration has proven to boost learning outcomes and enrich classroom experiences.
However, the responsibility for incorporating technology into children’s learning doesn’t rest solely with educators. Parents play a role in bridging the gap between classroom tech and at-home educational experiences. The same study found that over half (55%) of UK parents are actively involved in how technology is used in their children’s learning, both in school and at home. This level of engagement is far above the global average of 24%, showing how UK parents are supporting their children’s hybrid or remote learning needs.
In this article, we’ll explore how parents can take advantage of innovative smart technologies to boost educational play for their children.
Emotion-tracking glasses for social-emotional learning
In a previous post, we talked about the importance of helping children identify and express their emotions in positive ways. Tools like our DIY emotional clocks allow kids to articulate their feelings while engaging in fun, educational play. Now, emerging smart technologies are taking this concept to new heights with products like Emteq’s emotion-tracking smart glasses.
These advanced glasses monitor facial expressions and physiological responses to help children understand their own emotions and recognise the emotions of others in real time. Parents can incorporate these emotion-tracking glasses into everyday play to encourage their children to engage with their feelings in an interactive way. For example, kids could wear the glasses while playing social games with their peers or family members, learning to recognise emotional cues and building their social-emotional learning through playful interaction.
Smart glasses for engaging craft sessions
Another exciting tool parents can use to enhance educational play is Ray-Ban’s smart glasses, which are perfect for bringing arts and crafts sessions to life. Craft activities help children develop fine motor skills and spark their imaginations, and parents can now use smart glasses to make these activities even more engaging. These glasses, equipped with high-quality 1080p video recording and immersive audio, allow kids to film their creations as if they were presenting to an audience. This transforms a simple crafting session into a more immersive experience, encouraging creativity and boosting confidence as kids pretend to be craft instructors or vloggers.
Additionally, these glasses boast AI capabilities that can identify objects, translate languages, and even provide facts about plants or landmarks. Parents can leverage this feature during nature walks or museum visits, turning any outing into an educational adventure.
Sensor-equipped toys for outdoor play
As technology becomes more integrated into everyday life, parents face the challenge of getting their kids outside and away from screens. Sensor-equipped toys combine the best of both worlds, encouraging outdoor play while incorporating interactive tech. One such toy is the Smarty JOJO aeroplane from Flycatcher. This clever plane guides kids on missions like mini scavenger hunts. Each play session is different, ensuring that children stay excited and engaged for every new adventure.
The Smarty JOJO also helps preschoolers learn important concepts like colours, shapes, and directions through interactive missions. For instance, after the toy prompts a child to
“Find something red,” they can zoom the plane around until they land on a red object. The plane even recognises if the child’s guess is correct, lighting up and offering words of encouragement.
Whether it’s through emotion-tracking glasses, smart wearables, or sensor-equipped toys, these innovative tools can help parents boost their children’s development in meaningful and exciting ways.
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