Introduction
Technology has become part of life, starting with smartphones, computers to video games. More children are living in an environment that makes use of technology either at home or in school, among other places. It thus becomes very important to check the impact such exposure has on the cognitive, social, and academic growth of children. Another critical factor that puts a multiplier on understanding technology's impact on childhood is the rapid increase in accessible information. The information explosion has cut across issues from the study of disorders such as autism to media effects. In fact, from 1995 to 2005, the number of articles on computer-assisted instruction tripled.
Given the volume of information present on the topic of technology and its use and impact, due diligence dictates that the field be represented accurately by researchers. Scientific rigor dictates documenting the limits of certain studies conducted in the realm of technology and childhood. There is much left that scientists cannot answer about the field. More research and empirical studies would be needed to uncover the answers. For instance, in what ways or how technology ought to be used within the educational environment is left at the discretion of researchers. This becomes particularly important because children from the low SES family background are usually exposed more to the instructional technology in schools.
While tuition about education is essential, exposure to technology outside of the school setting influences many perceptual and cognitive behaviors, such as visual perception and motor control. However, much remains to be learned about how technology influences children's understanding and perception of emotions. Of these, video games offer a singular ability for children to personalize their learning experiences and bring forth some very interesting questions in regard to how technology could be designed to build skills leading to successful learning. It is through active, interactive building of skills and experiences that these research topics become most critical to atypical learners as their minds develop.
Advantages of technology in early childhood education
Some students justify not adopting technological platforms by applying the belief that digital materials can only worsen their motor difficulties. largely attributed to motor or developmental issues, another same student and parent essay. It is crucial to ensure that technology is used in education in a way that is suitable for the age group, knowledge level, and motor skills of your child. Changing Attitudes about Technology: They have only been found to allow every student learning on their own unique digital platform, master the skills at their own speed to learn a level that interests him and still meet changes in curriculum when it occurs. Jenkin contends that instructors refrain from having the possibility of using digital skills in their practice. Explaining to them that technology is not just for gaming but a method that can be used for learning can change such negative perceptions. The advantage of technology is that we can monitor how students are doing, what they have learned, and how they are using the application. Yet, having forces, two young children study it overnight, to be close, pay it less and less attention to others. As less time is given to children compared to a couple of years before.
- Teachers can utilize technology for diagnostic assessments to inform small group instruction.Catherine Lewis mentions many of our learners, mostly 6 to 8 years old, receive technology from childhood. Therefore, there is no doubt that there is a right time and place for it in the field of education.
- Based on the proven results from quizzes, teachers now know the exact improvement students require which tech can be sent to the students to work on by assigning similar tasks.
- Since the young ones are used to technology, teachers should eagerly use technology in different projects to make iOS more engaging and functional.
- By deploying the different applications and software, the two-way communication between the teachers, students, and parents can be much simpler.
- Some of the monitoring tips and tools which a teacher can use are specified below.
- Implementing Learning Adaptations through Technology: Besides that, when the teachers and parents engage children in the conversation about education with digital media, the quality of the learning process can be enhanced.
Disadvantages of technology in early childhood education
Whereas it is true that technology holds great potential for enhancing learning among children, inappropriate usage may be faced with several challenges. In this regard, Catherine Lewis asserts that one major concern is overdependence on technology both by teachers and students. She reinstates that most students learn better from their teachers and as such, more involvement of teachers is called for instead of mere operating gadgets of technology.
- One recent study published in 2021 in the journal PLOS ONE estimated the addictive features of devices in young children. The researchers observed that higher self-reported usage was associated with lower average grades; thus, the more time children spent on their digital devices, the poorer their performance would be.
- Added to these risks are several disadvantages regarding the use of technology in early childhood education:
- Exposure to Inappropriate Content: Children may come across harmful content online.
- Mental Health Effects: Actually, excessive use of screens is sure to have adverse effects on the children's minds and thoughts.
- Cognitive Development Problems: Too much use of technology can deter actual cognitive development and will adversely affect problem-solving skills.
- Less Interaction Among Peers: Too much use of technology will lower the number of face-to-face interactions among the peers.
- Less Interaction With Teacher: In this case, if the teachers are on technology all the while, then that would lower the personal interaction with the students.
- Distractions in the Classroom: The technology could be very distracting and will take away from the learning environment.
The Digital Landscape
Technology is an omnipresent force in our lives, deeply touching every aspect of modern existence, and widely influencing the development of children. At an extremely tender age, screens attract their attention by offering knowledge, entertainment, and social contacts. The general presence of technology has transformed conventional learning and playing, and fundamentally changed the ways children interact with the world.
In this virtual space, interactive applications, virtual reality, and multimedia contents captivate young children. Screens afford new opportunities for learning and exploration that no other medium has ever provided, placing at children's fingertips a vast library of digital resources targeted to their individual interests and learning styles. They may solve puzzles on a tablet, visit virtual museums, or work in virtual groups with classmates, making access to knowledge easier than ever.
But in this ocean of possibilities, there are very real concerns over the implications for how children develop. As screens become the constant companion in daily life, the possible implications for cognitive growth, attention spans, and social-emotional health are causes for concern. The digital devices' seductive nature may well result in excessive screen time, displacing vital activities such as outdoor play, face-to-face interactions, and unstructured creative pursuits. Moreover, the ease with which digital platforms allow content to flow freely heightens chances of exposure to inappropriate or harmful material; thus, there is a call for attentive guidance by parents and programs that provide digital literacy.
In navigating the digital world, one needs to bring a balanced perspective on the benefits and risks that technology poses for childhood experiences. While leveraging digital tools can facilitate learning and unleash creativity, so too does one need to set boundaries that protect against negative outcomes. Mindful engagement with technology involves fostering critical thinking and responsible use; here, too, children of all ages require guidance.
Childhood Obesity and Technology
The more children spend their time typing or tapping over screens, the lesser they are going to engage in any form of outdoor activities or physical exercise. Studies show that children and teenagers tend to eat aimlessly while they watch television or play video games, leading to rising numbers of obesity within this age bracket.
While it is normal for children to enjoy a variety of programming, video gaming, and app-based technology, parents must ensure children also play outside and get sufficient physical activity. Encourage your children to regularly go outside and play. If possible join the kids in an outdoor activity. You can play games of tag or hide-and-seek, catch with a mitt and ball, or frisbee in a nearby park. You might think about taking your kids on a camping outing. While your kids will love the added time with you, the exercise and outdoor time will help them burn energy and sleep better.
Technology and Attention Span
Well, gone are the days when movie lovers used to rewind their VHS tapes and wait patiently for their favorite songs to be aired on the radio. With the advent of the internet and YouTube in our pockets, we jump straight onto that show or song we want to watch, uninterrupted by commercial ads. Consequently, kids have gradually accustomed themselves to getting everything so quick that anything less than instant gratification becomes unacceptable.
Devices such as smartphones and tablets, with their many noises and notifications, are quite distracting. With an increase in the use of technology from 2000 until now, a Canadian study done on the trend found that the average attention has been decreased from 12 seconds to only 8 seconds.
Teaching them patience is a task in itself; adding that to the negative effects of always being online. Some of the most effective ways are controlling the use of digital technology during focused work activities. And the application of a set of simple rules may help-for instance, no use of smartphones during homework, the habit of talking apart from family meals, and preventing such screen activities as watching television while reading books will help kids do this. Spend quality time with your kids in putting away the phone, going out in nature, talking to people, and by being in sociable and non-digital activities-for instance, board games, reading, and puzzles, which kids enjoy playing and having fun.
Work With Your Child to Manage Technology Use
Without specific rules, it's good to consider how much screen time you consider appropriate, and what kinds of activities you allow your child to participate in. Many National University students are parents, too, and the demands of work, college courses and parenting frequently require some screen time outside of homework. That is understandable for people who were not going to school and thus staying at home while one was at work, in turn spending more time on screens than others. However, one needs to ensure that whatever they are doing does not interfere with education, health, and behavior. The ways to counter negative technology influences early in life best include setting good examples, promotion of healthy habits, common sense, and guidance. Keep in mind, not all technology is bad; it is good to learn in what ways it may help in the learning and development of children.
Conclusion
The influence of technology on the development of children is a multifaceted issue with various aspects, advantages, and challenges.
While digital tools can enhance learning, communication, and problem-solving, they also involve several risks relating to attention span, social interaction, and physical health.
Parents and teachers can sort them out of this maze by allowing them to maintain the correct boundaries, tempting them into healthy usage, and teaching healthy technology utilization. In this case, technology would be an asset, not an obstacle, towards their growth in childhood.
Its impact may only be balanced by weighing the advantages of technology against the disadvantages it carries, thereby enabling children to rise successfully in a digitizing world.