Everyone has seen a child using a smart phone or an iPad. If you see a child in public, it is not uncommon he or she is playing with an electronic device. Parents seem to give these devices to their children to prevent them from being bored when they are required to wait. Not having the ability to be patient and just wait, or just do nothing for a few minutes could have a negative effect on these children in the future. It is difficult to predict how this will actually effect children in the future. As with anything, technology should not be used too often, and the right type of technology could be beneficial. If parents choose educational games based on what they would like their child to be learning at that time, or what they are working on at school, it could be very beneficial. Teachers can use iPads or other tablets in the same way. Teachers can help students practice skills if they are carefully choosing the skills in which a skill is focused. Teachers and parents also need to carefully teach how to play the games, and should limit the child’s time spent playing on electronic devices. Although a child’s work on electronic devices can be beneficial, they should not be used with children under the age of two.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recently wrote that children under the age of two should not be exposed to screens of any kind, even a television in the background. This does not include Skype, as many young children can use programs like Skype to keep in touch with family members who they do not often see. Children under the age of two should not be learning through electronic devices, because the bulk of their learning should come from social interactions and unstructured play. After the age of two, children should balance social interactions, play, and work on electronic devices. At some point, children will need to be introduced to iPads and computers. The jobs of the future will, without a doubt, revolve around some type of electronic devices. If children are not exposed to tablets and computers now, they will not be able to build the skills that they will need for their future. At some schools computers are reserved for older grades. I think that children need to be exposed to computers at a very young age. Although devices may contain touch screens in the future, students need to learn to use a mouse and especially a keyboard. If students are introduced to computers and typing while they are learning to write and spell, it may make things easier for them in the future. I was typing on computers in the computer lab at school when I was in kindergarten. I remember being very interested in the computer and practicing on my computer at home. My ability to use computers and type at a fast rate helped me to focus on the content I was supposed to be learning in later years. If I was asked to find a way to share information with my class in school, I was able to focus on content and not how to use Microsoft Powerpoint. Using computers and iPads is a fundamental skill just like learning to read and write and should be treated accordingly. Although children should not be exposed to screens under the age of two, and content should be closely monitored, children should become comfortable using technology in a meaningful way at a young age.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recently wrote that children under the age of two should not be exposed to screens of any kind, even a television in the background. This does not include Skype, as many young children can use programs like Skype to keep in touch with family members who they do not often see. Children under the age of two should not be learning through electronic devices, because the bulk of their learning should come from social interactions and unstructured play. After the age of two, children should balance social interactions, play, and work on electronic devices. At some point, children will need to be introduced to iPads and computers. The jobs of the future will, without a doubt, revolve around some type of electronic devices. If children are not exposed to tablets and computers now, they will not be able to build the skills that they will need for their future. At some schools computers are reserved for older grades. I think that children need to be exposed to computers at a very young age. Although devices may contain touch screens in the future, students need to learn to use a mouse and especially a keyboard. If students are introduced to computers and typing while they are learning to write and spell, it may make things easier for them in the future. I was typing on computers in the computer lab at school when I was in kindergarten. I remember being very interested in the computer and practicing on my computer at home. My ability to use computers and type at a fast rate helped me to focus on the content I was supposed to be learning in later years. If I was asked to find a way to share information with my class in school, I was able to focus on content and not how to use Microsoft Powerpoint. Using computers and iPads is a fundamental skill just like learning to read and write and should be treated accordingly. Although children should not be exposed to screens under the age of two, and content should be closely monitored, children should become comfortable using technology in a meaningful way at a young age.
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