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Imagine a young child, eyes wide with wonder, standing before a puzzle they’ve never seen before. The pieces lie scattered before them, each varying in shape and colour. Their curiosity drives them to pick up the first piece, inspecting it carefully. Without instructions, they intuitively begin fitting the pieces together, uncertain of the final result but confident they’ll figure it out.Â
Similarly, technology today acts as an unseen guide, providing children with tools to explore and learn in previously unimaginable ways. Just as a child experiment with puzzle pieces, technology opens a vast landscape of resources, encouraging them to satisfy their innate curiosity. Instead of relying solely on traditional methods, kids now use tablets, apps, and platforms designed to make learning interactive and dynamic.Â
With each click and interaction, they transform questions into answers and challenges into opportunities. This mix of curiosity and technology doesn’t just improve learning, but it reshapes how children approach achievement itself. What once seemed like an unclear goal becomes a series of manageable steps, driven by the desire to understand, create, and succeed.
With each click and interaction, they transform questions into answers and challenges into opportunities.
The power of a goal
I recently witnessed this firsthand with my son, Isaac, who is fundraising for an expedition to Peru. He needs to raise ÂŁ6,000, which is a daunting challenge for a 14-year-old. Yet, he gave me a lesson of how perseverance, adaptability, and technology can make tough goals achievable.Â
Having a clear target transformed his mindset. The initial reaction was panic: “How do I even start?” But instead of feeling overwhelmed, Isaac turned to digital tools to make his dreams come true. He set up a GoFundMe page to share regular updates and created a SumUp store for selling items online.
Using technology to acquire new skills
Initially too shy to sell in person, my son built an online shop linked to a QR code. This simple tech solution eased his anxiety while streamlining the process, making it efficient and automated. Along the way, it also built his confidence and resilience.Â
What stood out, however, was his natural inclination to use digital tools beyond the basics. He created posters, built a website, and simplified payment collection across multiple channels. Within weeks, he was tracking sales, identifying best-selling items, and adjusting his approach based on real-time data. For example, he quickly realised that sweet cones, not chocolates, were the Valentine’s Day favourite—prompting him to update his website and inventory on the fly.Â
Without even realising it, Isaac was developing key entrepreneurial skills: marketing, financial management (budgeting and forecasting), and problem-solving. Technology was literally shaping his ability to think strategically and adapt to changing circumstances.Â
Balancing parental support and independence
Of course, it wasn’t an easy walk. When it came time to take his Valentine’s Day shop to school, nerves kicked in. There was an actual tug-of-war with the box of treats. But with a bit of encouragement, he followed through. The result? He raised ÂŁ70 in a single day, surpassing his weekly target and earning a well-deserved break for half term.Â
This moment underscored the delicate balance between parental support and independence. While I provided guidance, the real progress came from Isaac having the autonomy to experiment, make decisions, and learn from experience. Technology amplified his efforts but never replaced the need for personal initiative.
Lessons learned beyond the classroom
My son’s experience highlights an essential truth: learning doesn’t just happen in the classroom. When children pursue real-world goals with the right tools, they develop invaluable skills that traditional education often overlooks.Â
Technology, when used wisely, becomes more than entertainment. It’s a gateway to problem-solving, creativity, and independence. Whether setting up an online store, using social media, or analytics to track progress, digital tools empower young minds to take charge of their ambitions.
When children pursue real-world goals with the right tools, they develop invaluable skills that traditional education often overlooks.
Interestingly, the approach of my son mirrors how we tackle challenges in the professional world. We identify a problem, choose the right tools, adapt to obstacles, and measure success. The principles remain the same whether launching a product, developing a digital strategy, or managing a large-scale project. The key is equipping people—whether students or seasoned professionals—with the mindset and resources to execute their ideas effectively.
Encouraging the next generation
As a parent, it’s rewarding to watch my son develop these skills. But more importantly, it reinforces my belief in the power of technology as a tool for growth and achievement. When children have a clear goal and the autonomy to figure out how to reach it, they become more engaged, resilient, and proactive.Â
So, how can we better support kids on this journey? By providing opportunities to solve real-world problems, access to technology that enables them, and just enough guidance to navigate roadblocks.Â
Ultimately, it’s about fostering curiosity, creativity, communication, and confidence – skills that will serve them well beyond any single project or fundraiser. If a 14-year-old can use technology to raise thousands of pounds for an ambitious goal, imagine what they could achieve with even greater challenges and opportunities.
