Technology Programming for Tweens

Tweens are extremely interested in technology.  According to the Kaiser Foundation's 2010 study, 31% of 8-10-year- olds have cell phones and 69% of 11-14-year-olds have cell phones.  Cell phones are popular among tweens due to their social capabilities: tweens use cell phones for social networking, texting, talking, gaming, tweeting, reading, watching videos, and the internet (Fasick 43).

With technology programming for children, libraries can help bridge the gap in regards to the digital divide and help children learn how to access appropriate information.  Libraries should provided technology programs specific to tweens’ needs and interests that “encourage socialization, expand a child’s skills and knowledge, provide multiple levels of challenge, be easy to use, and make connections to books and other media” (Walton-Hadlock).

There are many reasons why libraries should include technology programming for tweens: Technology is high-interest for tweens, so it can definitely increase their library use, as they will see the relevance of the library in their lives.  Using technology can improve children’s skills in “problem solving, teamwork, decision-making, and the development of fine motor skills and coordination” (Walton-Hadlock).

Popular Tech Programming Ideas for Tweens

Active Video Games

Many libraries currently provide video games for tweens and teens, and some are creating programming around video games with tournaments using active video games like Wii Fit games, Dance, Dance Revolution, and Xbox Kinect games, to keep tweens coming into the library.

Image from: www.muscogeemoms.com/2012/11/14/tweenteen-time-at-cusseta-chattahoochee-public-library/library-teen-programs-4/

Technology Workshops 

Some libraries conduct ongoing technology sessions specific for tweens where kids can learn about the following technology-related topics:

• Web 2.0 tools
• Apps for Tweens
• Internet safety
• Online and database research
• Social media
• HTML
• Web-based homework tutoring
• ESL resources

Apps for Tweens:

Best Books for Tweens App

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/best-books-for-tweens/id431558984?mt=8

This free app allows users to find new books and build a custom reading list.

Common Sense Media: Best Apps for Kids Ages 9-11

http://www.commonsensemedia.org/mobile-app-lists/best-apps-kids-ages-9-11

Best Apps for Kids Ages 12-14

http://www.commonsensemedia.org/mobile-app-lists/best-apps-kids-ages-12-14

The world’s most comprehensive list of iPad apps for tweens (and their parents)
http://www.appolicious.com/articles/12860-the-worlds-most-comprehensive-list-of-ipad-apps-for-tweens-and-their-parents

Editors Best Tech of 2011: The coolest apps for tweens and big kids
http://www.coolmomtech.com/2011/12/coolest_apps_for_tweens_and_big_kids_2011.php#ixzz2WQis9Kzd

New: 10 of the best Apple apps for education in 2012
http://www.eschoolnews.com/2012/04/21/new-10-shiny-apple-apps-for-education/

Resources:

Walton-Hadlock, Madeline. "Tots To Tweens: Age-Appropriate Technology Programming For Kids." Children & Libraries: The Journal Of The Association For Library Service To Children 6.3 (2008): 52-55. Academic Search Premier. Web. 10 June 2013.

Fasick, Adele M.  From Boardbook to Facebook.  Libraries Unlimited. Santa Barbara, CA, 2011. Print.