Some of us resist using technology when teaching our kids today. We don’t want our children sitting on their computers all day long and we want them to learn in a traditional way. However, as long as the technology is being used to actually enhance learning and to teach, it can actually be quite an asset in the classroom and in the home. Learning can be done with classroom furniture, but it can also begin in the home. Here are some gadgets that can enhance student learning for young learners.

LeapReader: LeapFrog: This is a learning and reading tool for kids. Kids can sound out words and read sentences. They can learn to write letters while receiving guidance. There are Learn to Read programs, Learn to Write programs and Learn to Listen programs that all enhance learning for kids from 4-8.

ABC Adventure Elefun: This item is for even younger learners from six months to 3 years approximately. It helps infants to learn their first 100 words including learning colors and other items.

Roll & Learn Activity Suitcase: This suitcase has an activity panel with four light-up piano keys, a phone that you can remove, spinning gears and more. Kids can learn their first words, learn greetings in both English and Spanish, learn about modes of transportation and sing along to more than thirty songs.

These are but a few of the thousands of technology gadgets out there today that are intended to help children of all ages with their learning.

Of course your children need to learn to sit at their classroom desksand pay attention. They learn a great deal in school and this information is handed over in many ways. What many parents don’t realize, however, and wouldn’t necessarily consider is that students can enhance their classroom learning in some creative ways. Driven by today’s technology, there are many podcasts that can keep kids occupied for hours after school while teaching them fascinating information. Here are a few examples.

1. Radiolab: This podcast location looks at some of the world’s most interesting scientific questions. The show is at WNYC from New York City’s Public Radio Station. It lasts for an hour and has 5-6 episodes each season.
2. Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History: If your kid loves history, then this is the place to be. Carlin leads the way with these podcasts as a veteran journalist who is now a podcaster. He tells some of history’s best stories and does so with energy and enthusiasm. It’s actually one of the most downloaded podcasts on iTunes.
3. For students who need some extra assistance after they read a book (not instead of!) they can get the Cliff Notes Cramcast. These free podcasts review some of the information you’ll need from various books for your classes. They are only three to four minutes long and really pack in the information.

Our kids love their computers and use them for all sorts of activities. Why not get them involved in using the computer for something productive by introducing them to podcasts. These can be done from home, or the classroom teacher can be encouraged to show these as the kids sit at their classroom tables and take notes.