I was eight years old when my family got our first computer. I remember the large monitor; the loud clicks of the keys and the mouse. The physical space that the computer took up was immense and over time, the space in our lives that the computer took up grew as well. My siblings and I had the game “James Discovers Math” and played it endlessly, nearly wearing out the CD-ROM. We sorted shapes, counted, etc. etc.
I was twenty-nine years old when I watched my two-year old niece teach herself how to play “Busy Shapes & Colours” on my iPad. She opened the first game independently and figured out that she needed to drag the coloured object to the shape. The physical space that the iPad takes up is minimal; Isla can find the device and open the game to play without anyone knowing. The impact and space the iPad takes up in our world is significant and pivital.
These two experiences highlight similarities and differences in our history with educational technology. I am a passionate about learning how to responsibly harness and leverage the power of technology to engage all ages.
I was at a family baptism a few years ago. I took pictures at the church and between the ceremony and the reception I put the pictures on my iPad. I found it very interesting how a two-year-old at the reception had an easier time navigating the pictures than his parents :).
At what age should a child be permitted to be using technology (iPad or computer)? at home? at school?
Christopher
This is a great question and I’m not really sure where I land with my answer. I did research in my course last term on how technology use is not shortening our attention spans. What the research demonstrated is that what is done with screen time is more important than just screen time alone. The passive use of technology is what has the most negative impact. In addition, I just attended a two and a half day summit hosted by the province of Manitoba to focus on literacy and numeracy. Early childhood educators communicated a desire to have no screens before two years old.
What is most important to me is balance and active participation of parents and educators in facilitating the use of technology with children. Modeling healthy use will create a society of citizens who harness the power of technology.