How Wonderdal Is Utilising Technology In The Classroom For Enhanced Learning

Parenting and educating in the digital age – It can seem rather daunting. “Isla, hold still please, mommy wants to take a picture for Facebook!”.

Social feeds, we all have them. But right now, we aren’t talking about that part of the digital space. The real focus is on what role technology plays when it comes to educating our little ones. Let’s just say the good old blackboard and chalk combination has some serious competition in the classroom these days…

Let’s not get side-tracked here by the word technology (even though it can seem a little intimidating) – it isn’t simply about phones, tablets and computers. Technology, when used correctly, is a super tool for educators and parents alike. We’re here to share information and point you in the right direction, so take a sip of coffee mom and let’s dive in!

Wonderdal’s approach is one of learning through a combination of technology as well as physical education resources, making it one of a kind , and a first in South Africa as an Interactive Edutainment Centre For Kids, aged between 5-13 years .  The emphasis is always on FUN and PLAY. Wonderdal offers edutainment facilities for day visitors, as well as visiting schools

Incorporating technology into the classroom has been noted to:

• Improve engagement

• Improve knowledge retention 
• Encourage individual learning

Save this link for some additional reading on the benefits of technology in the classroom.

So how exactly is Wonderdal able to utilise technology within its Learning Zones?

Edutainment as a form of learning

There’s no secret formula when it comes to education. But make it enjoyable and make it FUN and its sure to stick! Wonderdal has all bases covered in this department.

Good old traditional classroom skills are encouraged but the use of new and added technologies play a big role in the Wonderdal approach. We aren’t saying one should simply stick a tablet in front of the little ones and expect a technological revolution. Nope! Wonderdal has carefully curated SEVEN learning zones, designed in collaboration with educational consultants and edutech developers.

These Learning Zones create unique areas that are interactive and nurturing towards creativity and curiosity *insert fun day out here!*

Research has shown that mixing both education with play entertainment results in better learning for children. And combining new knowledge and skills is key.

What are the SEVEN interactive Learning Zones? And how is technology being used to engage in children in an educational, fun manner? 

Wonderdal is all about the encouragement of free play. Children are guided to visit each of the Seven Interactive Learning Zones within their own time and according to a relaxed sequence.

1. Tinker Workshops 

Child-safe electricity circuits,  marble runs and wind-tunnels all focus on exploring different forms of energy. Exciting, we know! The little learner’s newly acquired knowledge is then put to a brain test through an interactive quiz station!

Areas of learning include:

• Energy Types: Wind, Kinetic and Electric

• Recycling
• Modelling and construction

Incorporated Technology within the Tinker Workshops:

• Child-safe electric circuitry for: Fine motor and sensory co-ordination
• A marble and wind tunnel: to explore different forms of energy

2. Tree Of Light 

If learning about light and sound could always be this magical! Learners can generate light and sound displays through the use of a hand-crank energy game. Another simple, yet effective use of technology that is interactive, fun and exciting.

Areas of learning include:

• Natural Sciences and Technology

• Perceptual motor development 
• Spatial orientation

 Incorporated Technology within the Tree Of Light:

• Little adventurers make use of a hand-crank energy game to: generate an impressive light and sound display.

3. Wonder Garden

Learning about plants and their growth processes through technology? Absolutely! This Wonderdal garden is one with a difference. Not only does our garden embrace technology but is absolutely dependent on it as the plants can only grow when you interact with them. A virtual Wonder Garden where junior gardeners can enjoy a fully immersive gardening experience and learn how plants grow from seeds.

Don’t be surprised if your little one requests space in your home garden to grow their own lettuce or herbs! 

Areas of learning include:

• Photosynthesis and biodiversity
• Plant growth and process
• Visual literacy

Incorporated Technology within the Wonder Garden:

• Children receive integrated bracelets when entering Wonderdal.
• These bracelets are linked to their respective age groups, ensuring age-appropriate questions and learning are asked after every station is experienced.

 Don’t delay, book a spot for your kiddo’s now. Click here to book a spot online now.

4. Health Kitchen

Did somebody say cooking for the future? We did!

A virtual kitchen where little adventurers process, cook, bake and blend different foods. The emphasis is on the discovery of how to develop a healthy and balanced meal. *We see plenty of delicious meals in your future*

Areas of learning include:

• Different types of food necessary for growth and health 

• Food as stored energy

• Food processing 

Incorporated Technology within the Health Kitchen:

• A virtual kitchen where: adventurers cook, bake and blend different foods to discover the benefits of a balanced and healthy meal.

5. Story Cave 

Think podcasts are just for adults? Think again. Sometimes getting cosy in a little nook with an entertaining podcast is just the thing to really let the information sink in.

Wonderdal’s Story Cave is a space where explorers can listen to podcasts to their heart’s content. Life adventures and challenges of the Amuki (the friendly, quirky, and highly intelligent creatures that call Wonderdal home) and the clever way they tackle these challenges are told in fun fables for kids to listen to.

An available library of over 700 books, spanning a range of topics and ages is the balance between traditional learning and technology.

Areas of learning include:

• Development of self in society 

• Five sense and their uses 
• Ecosystem and biodiversity

Incorporated Technology within the Story Cave:

• Podcast Nooks
• Interactive Quiz Station: to put their newly acquired knowledge to the test with age-appropriate questions

For a collection of kid’s educational podcasts, click here.

6. Brain Teaser Island

An assortment of brain teaser games that tickle young minds, while developing problem-solving, creative thinking, and fine motor skills. These little islands are actually rest stops, with no technology included at this point to give little minds a chance to rest.

Areas of learning include:

• Problem-solving

• Fine and gross motor skills

• Spatial orientation

Incorporated Technology within Brain Teaser Island:

• Technology-integrated brain teaser games to really get those little minds into problem-solving gear!

Find additional fun brain teaser games and apps for little learners here.

7. Wildlands 

It’s not all fun and technology just INSIDE the classroom. The Wildlands is an innovative outside play area that encourages free play. Technology combined with a fresh air play space – what could be better?

Areas of learning include:

• Perceptual motor development
• Taking Risks

Incorporated Technology within the Wildlands:

• Innovative Play area to: challenge physical aptitude

See moms and dads, we told you that understanding the world of education and technology doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Wonderdal not only makes the leap from traditional to new learning techniques easy for learners but parents too!

Happy Learning x 

 Don’t delay, book a spot for your kiddo’s now. Click 👉 here to book a spot online.