Children & Technology - Should We or Should We Not?

This question was posed to me once. Is technology to young children healthy?




Many Early Childhood research states that technology definitely has its benefits in the development of young children. I have also come to learn and believe the above. Using technology has become a part of childrens' learning environment. Educational software helps children learn in a creative ways, it develops their logical and critical thinking. However, there are also downsides to using technology for the young children. Children may spend so much time on the computer that they might miss the simple pleasures of childhood. Children would lack physical activity, lose out on social interaction and may even come across harmful content that are easily accessible through the internet these days.

In my opinion, the possible answer to the above question is that there must be a balance. And with the balance, it largely focuses on children having the right supervision. This is to ensure that there is specific and limited usage (in respect of time) and it has to be supervised to make certain that children are not being exposed to inappropriate and harmful content. At the same time, in trying to minimise the risks of over exposure to technology, children should not be deprived from the potential benefits which they would reap from usage of computers and technology. An article from The Future of Children talks about the many benefits and risks of technology to young children, and how to deal with these conflicting issues. An interesting read.

In the end, the choice is ours. By weighing the benefits and the costs wisely, and by ascertaining and setting approprite limits, we hope to find the right equation in determining the answer to the above question.

The search continues...

Learning all about the big T-TECHNOLOGY!

Learning about technology and its role in developing Young Children has been insightful and educational. Having this as one of the subjects of the Early Childhood course has proven to be an eye-opener for me in many ways and has made me realise that technology is an integral part of a child's learning.

Throughout this course, i have come to realise that just as how technology has made a big influence in my learning, it has...if not the same a bigger influence in a child's learning. The use of technology, expands and develops a child's thinking capacity as well as it improves the child's overall learning. I was one who always thought that online games can be detrimental to a child. On the contrary, i discovered (through my readings about what can technology offer to children as well as through the coursework) that there are so many online games and educational software that complements a child's learning. It is a tool for children to use and practice the skills that is being taught to them in their classrooms. Some of the few benefits that i came across is that these softwares provide children with the opportunity to experience and practice problem solving, logical thinking and definitely improving a child in the various developmental domains.

Integrating technology into pre-school curriculum is so much more that having a slot in the timetable for computer class. I have come to understand Integrating technology refers to focusing on technology-integrated teaching. Our pre-schools in Malaysia should strongly look into using technology to teach the various subjects. With the appropriate selection of softwares, it is an interesting way that will surely capture children attention and build their interest in the subjects that are being taught to them.

Hmmm...and i look forward to the many more eye-openers that will be coming my way...in the next few classes.

P/S: And remember..technology is a TOOL that complements children's learning... it is not by itself an educator!

Why Early Childhood???

Early Childhood Education field, its an amazing field...a career path which is so rich and meaningful but yet one which is clearly misunderstood.

People perceive Early Childhood Education as one which does not require much education or training. Rather it is one which anyone with the minimum educational qualifications would be able to pursue. One does not realise that Early Childhood Education is the foundation in creating not just a person, but an entire nation. A child's early experiences are the most crucial as it moulds a person to what he is worth and defines what the person can be. It is through this early education which determines how children first see themselves, how they think they should function and how they expect others to function in relation to them. As such, early childhood educators role-the knowledge and experiences we provide to our children has a big impact to the child and to the future of the child.

The past year has been a fulfilling one for me. As i ventured out into studying Early Childhood Education, i have come to learn many things. Not only about what constitutes early childhood education, its importance and its best practices, but it has given me the opportunity to look deeper within myself.

For one of our subjects, we were asked to come up with a blog and share our opinions, experiences and feelings about the early childhood field and how technology is so much a part of this field. And for this first post, i could not help but reflect on myself and my feelings for this field.

About a year ago, i finally decided that i needed a career change. I have been working in the accounting and finance field for the past 6 years and i somehow knew all along this is not meant for me. I struggled with trying to fight the feeling that i longed to do something else, something more meaningful... to me. I always had the feeling in me of wanting to make a difference, and to help and make meaning in people's life. I have always loved children and they have always intrigued me. The way they think, their actions and feelings and how one grows from being just a child to someone so much more. So what better way in making a difference- by starting at the root of the what makes a person. So, here I am! With the intention, of someday i would have made a difference in a child's life, even if its just one child. This is what drove me to make this bold but fulfilling decision.

And today, i am glad i made this choice! :)