Computers for Preschool and Elementary Children

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Computers for Preschool and Elementary Children

• Seminar in Instructional Technology, Fall 2005

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The Case

• Recent years have seen an explosion in
  electronic media marketed directly at the very
  youngest children in our society
• DVDs
• Television Shows
• Computer Games
• Special Equipment
• Technology in the Classroom

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The Litigants Enter the Courtroom

• Kathleen Morris
• The case against computers for preschool and
  elementary age children
• Deann Stone
• The case supporting computers for preschool and
  elementary age children

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The Pupils Court

• The Case of Kiddies Using Computers

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The Case Against Computers for Preschool and
Elementary Age Children
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What is necessary for healthy childhood
development?

• Hands-on experiences
• Face-to face conversation with adults
• Strong bonds with caring adults
• Spending lots of time in personal interaction
• How does a computer fit into this picture?
• Tech Update, Effectiveness of computers still
  open for question. (2000). Retrieved from
  November 1,2005.

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General concerns

• Computers stunt creativity
• Reduces social skills
• Reduces social development
• Emphasis on computers hurts low-income kids
• Exposure to inappropriate material
• Marketing of materials to toddlers and infants
• As well as other things

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The Costs

• Cutbacks Abound
• Teachers
• Books
• Field trips
• Arts
• Class size

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Health Factors

• Computers take away from age/brain appropriate
  activities
• Eye strain
• Posture problems
• Obesity
• Electronic power can exceed childrens emotional
  maturity

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The Case Supporting Computers for Preschool and
Elementary Age Children
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Technology in America

• Think of our world today
• Advancements in technology have changed the way
  we live and work!
• Connected to the world through technology!
• Early practices lead to life long habits!

A strong presence in children's school lives!
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Kaiser Family Foundation

• One Key Finding
• Kids today are growing up immersed in technology

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What does the research say?

• 3 4 year olds who use technology have greater
  developmental gains
• Intelligence
• Nonverbal skills
• Structural knowledge
• Long-term memory
• Manual dexterity
• Verbal skills
• Problem solving
• Abstract Thinking
• Conceptual skills

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The Benefits

• Potential gains are tremendous for kindergarten
  and primary-grade children
• Improved motor skills
• Enhanced mathematical thinking
• Increased creativity
• Critical thinking and problem solving
• Self-efficacy
• Self-concept
• Leadership

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Additional research studies

• A tool for teaching and learning
• Learning through exploration
• Creative problem solving
• Self-guided instruction
• Effective for 3-4 year olds when allowed plenty
  of time to experiment and explore

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Professional Judgment

• Age appropriate?
• Individually appropriate?
• Culturally appropriate?

Sand and Water
One of many options!
Blocks
Art
Drama
Books
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All children should have

• Equal access to computers
• Teachers who ensure technology experiences are
  monitored
• Teachers and parents working together
• Supervision and advice about computer use

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A Computer is a Tool

• Paper
• Pencil
• Textbook
• Computer

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Change in Student and Teacher Roles

• Student Role
• Active Learner
• Making choices
• Generate information
• Obtaining information
• Manipulating data
• Displaying information

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Change in Student and Teacher Roles

• Student Role
• Authentic tasks
• Establish goals
• Make decisions
• Evaluate progress

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Change in Student and Teacher Roles

• Teacher Role
• Facilitator
• Guide on the side
• Guidelines and resources
• Circulating among groups

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Children with Special Needs

• Virtual play environment
• Early reading skills
• Managing treatment regimens
• Social interaction
• Confidence
• Controlling environments
• Communication skills

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The Impact for All Students

• INCREASED MOTIVATION!
• INCREASED COLLABORATION!
• INCREASED ATTENTION TO DETAIL!

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Closing

• Do computers really motivate children to learn
  faster and better?
• Must 5 year olds be trained to get the high
  paying jobs of tomorrow?
• Are the potential health risks worth using a
  computer at a young age?
• You, the jury must decide

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• Jury Deliberation