IT Glossary for Kids: Tech Terms, STEM Concepts, and Learning Resources
Technology is part of everyday life. Kids use computers to complete schoolwork, tablets to learn new skills, and the internet to explore ideas, play games, and connect with others. Learning the language of technology helps children become confident digital citizens and prepares them for success in school and beyond.
Many of the skills children develop while learning about technology also support听STEM education.听鈥攚hich stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics鈥攈elps students build creativity, critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills. These skills can open doors to exciting opportunities in fields like software engineering, cybersecurity, robotics, healthcare, artificial intelligence (AI), and data science.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS),听听are projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations over the next decade, with computer-related careers making up many of the largest STEM occupations.听听can help students build confidence today while preparing them for future learning at the college and professional level.
Whether your child dreams of designing video games, building robots, becoming a scientist, or simply understanding the technology they use every day, learning these basic technology terms is听a great place听to start.
Technology Is Everywhere听
Technology听isn鈥檛听limited to computers anymore.听It鈥檚听built into many of the听tools听kids use every day鈥攆rom smartphones and tablets to smart speakers, streaming services, video games, and even cars.听
Understanding how technology works听doesn鈥檛听mean memorizing complicated computer science concepts. Instead, it starts with learning the basic vocabulary that helps explain how computer听systems, the internet, software, and digital tools work together.
The glossary below introduces common听information听technology and STEM terms in a simple, beginner-friendly way to help students, parents, and educators build听a strong foundation听in digital literacy.
Tech Terms and STEM for Kids
Technology has changed the way people learn, communicate, create, and solve problems. Understanding common computer and internet terms helps kids become more confident using technology while building skills that support STEM听activities and听learning.
Basic Computer Terms听
These words describe some of the most common actions听you鈥檒l听perform while using a computer.
Caret听
The caret is the blinking line that shows where the next letter, number, or symbol you type will appear.
Click
A click means pressing a mouse or trackpad button to select or interact with something on your screen.
Cursor
The cursor is the pointer you move around the screen with a mouse or touchpad. It lets you select text, open programs, and click听buttons.听
Double-Click听
A double-click means quickly clicking the left mouse button twice to open a file, folder, or program.
Drag and Drop
Drag and drop means clicking and holding an item, moving it somewhere else on the screen, and then releasing the mouse button.
Input
Input is any information you send to a computer. Typing on a keyboard,听clicking听a mouse, tapping a touchscreen, or speaking into a microphone are all examples of input.
Left-Click and Right-Click
Most computer mice have two buttons. A听left-click听is used for common tasks like selecting or opening files. A right-click opens a menu with听additional听options.
Output
Output is any information a computer sends back to you. This can include words on a screen, printed pages, sounds from speakers, or images.
Coding Terms听
Coding teaches computers how to perform tasks by giving them instructions.
Bit听
A bit is the smallest unit of computer data. Every bit has one of two values: 0 or 1.
Bug
A bug is a mistake in a computer program that causes it to work incorrectly.
Code听
Code is a set of instructions written in a programming language that tells a computer what to do.
Command
A command tells a computer to perform a specific task, such as opening a program or saving a file.听
Debugging
Debugging is the process of finding and fixing bugs in a computer program.听
Function
A function听is a reusable section of code that performs a specific task.
If-Statement
An if-statement tells a computer to do something only when a certain condition is true.
Program听
A program is software designed to perform a specific job, such as displaying a web browser, playing a game, or editing photos.
Logging In and Logging Out
Many websites, apps, and devices require users to sign in before they can use them.
Log In/Log Out听
Logging in means signing听in to听an account or computer. Logging out securely ends your session.听
Password
A password is a secret word, phrase, or combination of characters that听helps听protect your account.
Username
A username听identifies听your account when you sign听in to听a website, app, or computer.
Desktop Terms听
When you turn on a computer, the desktop is usually the first screen听you鈥檒l听see.
Desktop
The desktop is the main workspace on your computer. It often听contains听icons, folders, and shortcuts to your favorite programs.听
Screen Saver
A screen saver appears after a computer has been inactive for听a period of time. Modern screen savers are mostly decorative and can also help protect your privacy by hiding听what鈥檚听on your screen.听
Shortcut听
A shortcut is an icon that quickly opens a file, folder, or program without moving the original item.
Taskbar
The taskbar is the bar along the edge of your screen that gives you quick access to open apps, pinned programs, and system settings.
Wallpaper
Wallpaper is the picture or image displayed behind the icons on your desktop.听Many people personalize their computers by choosing their favorite wallpaper.听
Data and Memory Terms
Computers store, organize, and move information constantly. These terms explain how computers save files, remember information, and run programs.听
Data
Data is information stored on a computer or digital device. Data can include documents, photos, videos, music, games, apps, and much more.听
Kilobyte (KB), Megabyte (MB), and Gigabyte (GB)
Computers measure storage space in bytes. A kilobyte (KB) stores a small amount of听information,听a megabyte (MB) stores much more, and a gigabyte (GB)听stores听even more. Photos, videos, games, and apps are often measured using these units.
Memory听
Memory is the part of a computer that temporarily stores information while programs are听running听so the computer can work quickly and smoothly.
Operating System (OS)听
An operating system is the main software that helps a computer, tablet, or smartphone run programs and perform everyday tasks. Popular operating systems include Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, Android, and iOS.听
Packet
A packet is a small piece of data sent across a network or the internet. Websites, videos, emails, and messages are all delivered using many packets working together.听
Software听
Software is a collection of programs and instructions that tell a computer how to perform different tasks. Apps, games, web browsers, and operating systems are all examples of software.听
Physical Computer Components听
Computers are made up of many different pieces of hardware. Each part has an important job that helps the computer work properly.
CD/DVD or Blu-ray Drive
A CD/DVD or Blu-ray drive reads information stored on discs. Many newer computers no longer include disc drives because files are commonly downloaded or stored in the cloud.
Computer Case听
The computer case protects the internal hardware components and helps keep everything organized inside the computer.
Hard Disk Drive (HDD)听
A hard disk drive (HDD) stores files, programs, and your operating system even when the computer is turned off.
Laptop
A laptop is a portable computer with a built-in screen, keyboard, touchpad, and battery.听
Motherboard听
The motherboard is the main circuit board inside a computer. It connects the computer鈥檚 hardware so all the components can communicate with one another.
Personal Computer (PC)听
A personal computer (PC) is a computer designed for one person鈥檚 everyday use, such as browsing the internet, completing homework, creating documents, or playing games.
Power Supply听
The power supply converts electricity from a wall outlet into the type of power a computer鈥檚 internal parts need to听operate.
Solid-State Drive (SSD)
A solid-state drive (SSD) stores files and programs like a hard drive but works much faster because it has no moving parts.
Sound Card
A sound card helps a computer play music, videos, games, and other audio through speakers or headphones.
Video Card (Graphics Card)
A video card, also called a graphics card, creates the images you see on your monitor.听
Universal Serial Bus (USB)听
The acronym听鈥淯SB鈥澨齬efers to听a common type of connection used to plug devices like keyboards, flash drives, printers, cameras, and game controllers into a computer.
Input and Output Devices
Input devices send information to a computer, while output devices allow the computer to communicate information back to you.
Keyboard听
A keyboard lets you type letters, numbers, and symbols into a computer.
Monitor
A monitor is the computer鈥檚 display screen where you view programs, videos, games, websites, and documents.
Mouse
A mouse is a handheld device used to move the cursor and interact with items on the screen.听
Printer听
A printer creates paper copies of digital documents and images.
Scanner听
A scanner copies printed documents or photos and saves them as digital files.
Speakers听
Speakers play听sound听from a computer, including music, videos, games, and online meetings.听
Internet Terms
The internet connects billions of devices around the world. These terms explain how people communicate, share information, and explore online.听
Download听
A download听copies听files, photos, videos, or apps from the internet onto your device.
Email is a way to send digital messages, documents, photos, and other files over the internet.
Internet听
The internet is a worldwide network that connects computers and devices so people can communicate, learn, shop, play games, and find information.听
Internet Service Provider (ISP)
An internet service provider (ISP) is a company that gives homes and businesses access to the internet.听
Modem
A modem connects your home or school to your internet service provider.
Network
A network is a group of connected computers or devices that share information and resources.
Online
When a device is online, it is connected to the internet.
Server
A server is a computer that stores information and delivers it to other computers over a network.听
Browsing
Browsing means exploring websites and information on the internet using a web browser.
Upload听
An upload sends files, photos, videos, or other information from your device to the internet.
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is wireless technology that connects devices to the internet without using cables.听
Navigating the Web听
The internet听contains听billions of听web听pages. These terms explain how people find and move between them.
Bookmark听
A bookmark saves a听website听so you can easily听return to听it later.听
Browser
A web browser is a program used to visit websites. Popular browsers include Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge.
File Sharing
File sharing allows people to send or access digital files over the internet or a network.
Home听Page
A home听page听is the main page of a website.
Hyperlink听
A hyperlink, often called a link, is text, a button, or an image that opens another web听page or file when you听click听it.
Instant Messaging
Instant messaging (IM) lets people send messages back and forth in real time using apps or websites.听
Keyword听
A keyword is a word or phrase you type into a search engine to help find information.
Search Engine
A search engine helps people find websites and information on the internet. Google, Bing, and Yahoo are examples of search engines.听
Social Media听
Social media includes websites and apps where people share messages, photos, videos, and ideas with others.
URL (Uniform Resource Locator)听
A URL is the web address of a听web听page, such as听.
Website
A website is a collection of related听web听pages under one web address.听
World Wide Web (WWW)听
The World Wide Web, often called the web, is the collection of听web听pages and websites you can access through the internet.
AI听Terms
AI听is听becoming听increasingly common听in day-to-day life.听Kids may already use AI in search engines, educational apps, voice assistants, and creative tools. Understanding these terms can help students use AI safely and responsibly.
AI听
AI听is听technology听that allows computers to perform tasks that usually require human intelligence, such as answering questions, recognizing images, translating languages, or creating content.
Algorithm
An algorithm is a step-by-step set of instructions that tells a computer how to solve a problem or complete a task.
Chatbot
A chatbot is a computer program that can have conversations with people by answering questions or providing information.
Generative AI
Generative AI is a type of artificial intelligence that can create听new content, including stories, images, music, computer code, and videos.
Machine Learning
Machine learning is a type of AI that allows computers to learn from data and improve over time instead of being programmed for every situation.听
Prompt听
A prompt is the question or instruction you give an AI tool to tell it what you want it to do.听
Voice Assistant听
A voice assistant is an AI-powered tool, such as Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant, that responds to spoken commands and questions.听
Internet Safety Terms听
Learning how to use technology also means learning how to use it safely. Understanding these internet safety terms can help kids become听responsible听digital citizens and make smart choices online.
Antivirus Software
Antivirus software helps protect computers and devices from viruses, malware, and other harmful software by finding and removing threats.
Cookie
A cookie is a small file that a website saves on your device to remember information such as your preferences or sign-in status.听
Cyberbullying听
Cyberbullying is using technology to hurt, threaten, embarrass, or harass another person. It can happen through text messages, social media, online games, or other digital platforms.听
Cybercrime听
Cybercrime is听any听illegal activity that uses computers, networks, or the internet. Examples include stealing personal information, hacking into accounts, or spreading malware.听
Cybersecurity听
Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting computers, networks, programs, and personal information from hackers, malware, and other online threats.听
Digital Citizenship听
Digital citizenship means using technology responsibly, respectfully, and safely. Good digital citizens treat others kindly online, protect their personal information, and think carefully before sharing content.听
Digital Footprint
Your digital footprint is the record of your online activity. Websites you visit, photos you share, comments you post, and videos you watch all contribute to your digital footprint.
Firewall
A firewall听helps protect a computer or network by blocking suspicious or unauthorized internet traffic.
Malware
Malware is harmful software designed to damage devices, steal information, or disrupt how a computer works.
Phishing
Phishing is an online听scam听where someone pretends to be a trusted person or organization to trick you into sharing passwords, account information, or other personal details.
Spam
Spam is unwanted email or messages that are often advertisements or听scams.
Spyware
Spyware is software that secretly collects information about a person鈥檚 online activity without their permission.
Virus听
A computer virus is a type of malware that can spread between devices and damage files, steal information, or make a computer stop working properly.
AI Safety
As听AI听becomes more听ubiquitous,听it鈥檚听important to use听it听responsibly. AI tools can sometimes make mistakes or provide incorrect information,听so听it鈥檚听always听a good idea听to double-check听important facts,听avoid sharing personal information, and ask a trusted adult if听you鈥檙e听unsure about something an AI tool tells you.听
Technology and STEM Resources for Kids听
Technology skills grow through practice. Whether kids want to learn coding, improve their typing skills,听explore听STEM听activities, or stay safe online, these resources make learning fun and engaging.听
Computer and Coding Apps for Kids
These interactive apps help children explore coding,听computer science, and technology through games and hands-on learning.听
- :听Introduces elementary and middle school students to coding and basic web development through interactive lessons.
- :听Helps younger learners build foundational coding and computational thinking skills.
- :听Uses the popular Minecraft platform to teach STEM听subjects, coding, digital citizenship, and problem-solving through immersive classroom activities.
- :听Gives students hands-on experience assembling, upgrading, and troubleshooting virtual computers.
- :听Helps children improve keyboarding skills through engaging typing lessons and activities.
Internet Safety Resources
Parents and educators play听an important role听in helping children build healthy online habits. These trusted organizations听provide听age-appropriate guidance on internet safety and digital citizenship.
- :听Reviews movies, books, apps,听and听games听and offers excellent lessons on digital citizenship and online privacy.
- :听Provides resources for teaching kids about online privacy,听scams, cybersecurity, and safe internet habits.
- :听Offers articles and videos about internet safety, healthy technology habits, and digital well-being.
- :听Shares practical advice for parents navigating today鈥檚 connected world.
STEM Learning Resources
Curiosity is one of the best ways to learn. These organizations offer free activities, games, and lessons that encourage kids to explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
- :听Free coding lessons and computer science activities for learners of all ages.
- :听Fun coding activities and challenges designed to introduce students to computer science.
- :听Interactive science experiments, videos, and educational activities covering dozens of STEM topics.
- :听Games, videos, activities, and articles that make learning about space and science exciting.
- :听Science articles, games, videos, and activities focused on animals, nature, geography, and exploration.
- :听Hands-on STEM projects and career exploration activities that introduce students to exciting careers in science and technology.
Building the Technology Skills of Tomorrow
Technology continues to shape the way we learn, work, communicate, and solve problems. Helping kids understand computers, the internet,听AI, and digital safety today can prepare them for success in school and beyond.
Not every student who explores STEM will become a software engineer鈥攁nd听that鈥檚听okay. Technology skills benefit future teachers, nurses, artists, scientists, entrepreneurs, business leaders, and countless other professionals. Building digital literacy helps students become more confident learners and prepares them to navigate an increasingly technology-driven world.听
Whether your child dreams of designing video games, exploring space, developing life-changing technology, or simply becoming more comfortable using computers, learning these听glossary听terms is an excellent first step.听
If听you鈥檇听like to continue exploring where technology education can lead, explore听bachelor鈥檚, master鈥檚, and certificate听programs in IT听at 91吃瓜网 and discover听courses听that prepare students for听future听careers in听a听rapidly evolving technology landscape.听
IT and Tech Tools for Kids FAQ
Why should kids learn STEM?听
Learning STEM helps kids develop important skills like critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving. Early exposure to science and technology can also spark curiosity and help students discover interests that may lead to rewarding careers in fields like听information technology,听software engineering, healthcare,听cybersecurity, robotics,听AI, and many other growing industries.听
What tech terms should kids know?听
Kids听benefit听from understanding common听computer, internet, and digital safety terms. Concepts like software, hardware, browsers, passwords, cybersecurity, AI, algorithms, and digital citizenship provide听a strong foundation听for using technology safely and confidently at school, at home, and in everyday life.
What tools can听teach听kids about technology?听
Many free and low-cost resources help kids learn technology skills through hands-on activities. Coding platforms like Code.org and听Kodable, educational tools like Minecraft Education, typing programs like听Typesy, and science resources from organizations like NASA and National Geographic Kids all make STEM learning engaging and accessible.听
What is AI?
AI is听technology听that allows computers to perform tasks like answering questions, recognizing images, translating languages, and creating text or pictures. Kids already interact with AI in search engines, educational apps, voice assistants, and other digital tools. Learning how AI works鈥攁nd understanding that it can sometimes make mistakes鈥攈elps students become thoughtful and听responsible听technology users.
