Is Technology Good For Early Childhood Education?

As parents, we all fight with our kids because they are engrossed in a video game or movie on their iPad, tablet or smartphone. We're more likely to notice Tom Cruise on the red carpet than our kids.

Today, it's common for two-year-old's to use iPads, elementary school kids love to play video games, and we've all faced (or endured) the challenge of keeping your middle schooler away from the computer for a nice meal. do …

Technology is everywhere, and its appeal to children is obvious, but can technology help our children learn?

Technology is becoming more social, adaptive, and customizable, so it can be a great teaching tool. That said, as parents, we need to set boundaries.

Today, software connects kids to online learning communities, tracks kids' progress through lessons and games, and customizes each student's experience.

By the time your child starts elementary school, he will likely be tech savvy.

Learning technology in school

Schools are investing more and more in technology. Whether your child's class uses interactive smartboards, laptops, or other devices, here are three ways to ensure effective use of technology.

Young children enjoy playing with a variety of technology, from iPads to digital cameras. What should early childhood practitioners - and parents - consider before giving these devices to children?

Let's start at the beginning: What is technology in early childhood?

Technology can be as simple as new technologies such as cameras, tape recorders, music players, televisions, DVD players, or iPads, tablets, and smartphones used in child care centers, classrooms, or at home.

More than once, I've had teachers tell me, "I don't do technique." I ask them if they have ever taken digital photos of their students, played records, tapes, or DVDs, or listened to stories with them. Children on headphones.

Teachers use technology all the time. The difference is that teachers are now using really powerful tools, like iPads and iPhones, in their personal and professional lives.

Technology is just a tool.

It should not be used in classrooms or child care centers because it is cool, but because teachers can do activities that support children's healthy development.

Teachers are using digital cameras -- a technology that isn't as flashy as the iPad -- to engage kids in learning in very creative ways. This may be all they need.

Also, teachers should be able to integrate technology into classrooms or child care centers as a matter of social justice.

We cannot assume that all children have technology at home.

Lack of exposure can widen the digital divide – the gap between those who have and do not have access to digital technology – and limit some children's school readiness and early success.

As all children need to learn how to handle a book during early literacy, they need to be taught how to use technology, including how to open it, how it works, and How to take care of it.

Experts worry that technology is bad for children.

There are serious concerns about children spending too much time in front of screens, especially given the many screens in children's lives.

Today, very young children sit in front of the TV, play on iPads and iPhones, and watch their parents take pictures on digital cameras with their screens.

There were only TV screens.

This is the screen we've been worrying about and studying for 30 years.

As a field, we are well aware of the impact of television on children's behavior and learning, but we know very little about all the new digital devices.

The American Academy of Pediatrics discourages the use of screen time in children under the age of two, but the NAEYC/Fred Rogers position statement takes a slightly different stance.

It says that technology and media should be limited, but what matters most is how it is used.

• What is the content?
• Is it being used on purpose?
• Is it developmentally appropriate?

As parents, we need to be aware of the downsides of technology and its impact on vision, vocabulary and physical development. We also need to understand the overall development of the child,

My advice to teachers and parents is to trust your heart. You know your kids, if you think they are looking at screens too much, turn them off.

As parents, it is our responsibility to notice if your child's computer time is reducing or limiting interaction and play time with other children and pushing them in new directions. Encourage them to exercise and play outside.

Adults also have a responsibility to understand the child's personality and character and to determine if any technology is appropriate.