Madison Cox

Samantha Campbell

Katherine Cape

Stephanie Camilleri

Topic 3a: Position Statement

Technology and Young Children

While discussing the topic of technology and young children, there is often

backlash against the idea. Some people believe that technology is taking away

children’s childhoods. Critics go as far as to say that prolonged exposure could change

how children’s brains develop, and damaging their capacity for originality and critical

thinking. However, great educators understand the importance of social interaction and

one-on-one time to communicate and learn alongside using developmentally

appropriate technology to enhance their students’ learning. Moreover, having the

access to tablets or smartphones gives children access to a wide range of applications

and services that can help boost their mathematical and logical skills all in the form of a

game, such as Minecraft. There are an infinite number of ways each teacher could

adapt technology in his/her classroom; examples such as: mathematics applications or

creating survey polls, interviewing a “guest” via skype or learning to code. The merging

of the physical and digital worlds is creating such an incredible impact on the children's’

enjoyment of their childhood. Young children’s learning and development are greatly

supported by the integration of technology in the classroom when it is used as a tool for

developmentally appropriate practices and individualized learning goals.

There are those who believe there are developmental risks for children using

computers at a young age. For example, Colleen Cordes and Edward Miller write about

such risked in Chapter 2 of ​Fool's Gold: A Critical Look at Computers in Childhood.

They mention that there is a risk to children's physical health, emotional and social

development, creativity and intellectual development, and moral development. As the

authors concluded, children may develop vision problems, become detached from the

community, and impair their literacy and language skills. (Cordes and Miller). However,

these biases against young children using technology blinds them from all the positives

that come from incorporating it into their education. We have to remember that there

are potential downfalls to all curriculums. NAEYC, National Association for the

Education of Young Children, even mentions the possible negative outcomes to

integrating technology. “Possible negative outcomes have been identified, such as

irregular sleep patterns, behavioral issues, focus and attention problems, decreased
academic performance, negative

impact on socialization and language

development, and the increase in the

amount of time young children are

spending in front of screens,”

(NAEYC). With correct training and

professional development, teachers

can become aware of such hazards

and learn how to be successful in

integrating technology in the classroom. When taught how to incorporate and utilize

technology correctly, there are many benefits for young children.

When it comes to implementing the use of technologies in the classroom,

NAEYC recommends teachers remember to avoid non-interactive technologies,

consider the screen time young students are having, and make sure it is

developmentally appropriate. If a teacher only uses television shows, DVDs, online

video clips, and other mind numbing technologies, the students are not learning

anything out of their traditional learning methods. With young children, such passive

technologies may bore them and distract from the whole purpose of the activity. To

avoid any potential issues associated with too much screen time, teachers should be

aware of how long their students are using technology in their classroom. They do not

want to overuse technology to the point that some of the negative concerns become a

reality with their students. When developing activities that incorporate the use of a
variety of technologies for young children, it is important to remember to keep sight of

individualized learning levels. Technology is a great tool for all children at all levels, but

it will only be successful if teachers are intentional with their instruction and purpose for

the use of technology. (NAEYC). For teachers interested in integrating technology, they

must keep in mind these recommendations to ensure success with their students.

The concerns about technology overload in young students does not go unnoticed.

Research indicates that the average teen spends a lot of time staring at a screen. “In

the U.S., screen addiction is not diagnosable, but the average teenager spends more

than 11 hours per day engaged with various electronic media.” (public source) Public

source argues that children learn better when they are interacting with humans rather

than screens. Students learn social skills from a young age that cannot be taught with

an ipad. With that being said, it’s important for teachers to use screen time in

moderation and make sure students are interacting with each other in person rather

than in online spaces. It’s important for students to learn online etiquette, however,

screen time should be limited so that the student is holistically developing into a healthy,

diverse learner.

Despite the negative research done about young children and technology, there

are several positives that stem from allowing children to use technology. In order to

implement successfully teachers have to plan appropriate activities for their students.

Mary Kreul, a second grade teacher from Wisconsin, says, “K-3 students can use

technology very successfully if their teachers make appropriate choices as to how and

when the technology is used,” (Starr, Linda). She continues to explain teachers have to
ask themselves if the technology is being used to learn in a creative way, as a tool, to

allow students to work independently and successfully, or to accommodate student

needs. Mary Kreul is just one of many teachers who support using technology at all

learning levels, when used appropriately.​ ​According to NAEYC, “Effective uses of

technology and media are active, hands-on, engaging, and empowering; give the child

control; provide adaptive scaffolds to ease the accomplishment of tasks; and are used

as one of many options to support children’s learning,” (NAEYC). Students need

guidance from their teachers when utilizing technology in the classroom. Technology

gives all children a world of opportunities to expand their learning beyond the classroom

walls. Teachers can strategically integrate technology, such as computers and tablets,

into their everyday curriculum.

Working with technology, students may find problems that they will have to deal

with. If your computer freezes or becomes inoperable in someway, you may seek help

to solve the problem. Children today would try to figure it out on their own using their

prior knowledge. “​Children often start to try to solve the problem with no fear about

‘breaking’ the machine. Sometimes

they do mess things up more seriously,

but more often they learn how to make

things work correctly through trial and

error” (LaBar, Katie). When a child can

successfully complete a task he/she

creates a deeper, more concrete level

of understanding. The child gets satisfaction from figuring things out on their own. If the

students are determined to figure something out independently, they become better

problem solvers. Students will be more engaged in a lesson/activity, they start to

develop skills and knowledge for the future, and use technology to expand their

personal learning opportunities.

Students will be be more engaged in the lesson because they will be working

with a tool that they are comfortable around. “A computer helps children focus on the

project at hand and can be a vital tool for maintaining a student’s interest in the topic

learned. Many students are genuinely interested in modern technology and will naturally

engage and participate simply because computers are in use” (Winston, Frank).

Computers add a “fun” element to the lesson so students will have fun while doing the

lesson. It has been proven that students will retain more information if they are active

and interesting in the work they are completing.

While working with computers students learn skills that can be used in later life.

Most things are done on computers nowadays so having students understanding

aspects of computers will help them get ready for their future job and life. “Students who

are not fully immersed in the technological revolution will be ill equipped to handle the

future world. Students entering college without computer skills are at a clear

disadvantage and need to catch up with their technologically proficient peers” (Winston,

Frank). By students playing their games on computers and using the computer in the

classroom, they are developing skills for the world around them.
 Some may question the use of

computers and tablets in an early

childhood classroom, but they can be

very resourceful. When Education World

surveyed K-3 teachers about if primary

grades should use computers, there was

an overwhelming response of yes. Lori

Sanborn from California mentioned, “A computer is a tool -- just as a ruler, calculator, or

pencil is -- and students need to learn to use today’s tools. … If used correctly,

however, they can support and empower students, provide excitement in learning,

enhance the desire to discover, and open the minds of our students to all kinds of

possibilities,” (Starr, Linda). Not only will technology bring in a new learning tool, but it

allows students to be creative in their learning. Without the use of technology, students

are often limited to traditional forms of learning such as paper-pencil writing and reading

books. Technology is so ingrained in our society it would be ignorant not to bring it into

the classroom. Pat Bihon from New Jersey wrote, “K-3 students should be using

computers in school because many of the students already have computers at home

and they need to learn how to utilize the technology as a tool instead of a toy. …they’re

not aware that it can be used to help with their learning and schoolwork,” (Starr, Linda).

If children are using computers and tablets at home, why not bring the familiar into their

classroom. By bringing in technology they are familiar with and are excited to use, the

students become more engaged and more likely to be successful in their learning.
 Reflecting on today’s society one cannot ignore the fact that iPads and other

tablets are becoming just as common as computers and laptops. As teachers, we can

utilize these mobile computers with our students. “Tablet computers, specifically, can

be used anywhere/anytime and foster individualized learning, such that teachers can

use the devices as tools for scaffolding student learning,” (Blackwell). Because tablets

are essentially mobile computers, teachers can carry them from group to group, let

students work independently, or simply use them as a learning tool. There are benefits

to replacing the classroom

computer with tablets, including the

fact that there are softwares that

are only available for tablets.

“Tablets provide users with access

to a myriad of software choices due

to the high volume of apps

available, with over 500,000 apps in the Apple iTunes store and 72% of iTunes

educational apps targeting preschool and elementary aged children,” (Blackwell). Such

apps and softwares allow the students to become engaged in a variety of activities

ranging from online games, reading online resources, connecting with people around

the world, and much more. According to a Journal of Early Childhood Literacy,

“iPad-based literacy activities stimulated children’s motivation and concentration. They

also offered rich opportunities for communication, collaborative interaction, independent

learning, and for children to achieve high levels of accomplishment,” (Flewitt, Messer,
Kucirkova). When children are exposed to technology, they are more likely to get the

task done with their best efforts. Teachers can utilize technology, such as tablets and

computers, with their class to motivate students to learn across the curriculum in new

and creative ways.

There are multiple ways to use technology in the classroom, and at home to help

students learn and understand different material. Learning with technology can be fun

for students and can capture their attention easily. Many children nowadays already use

technology at home so they know how to use it. But, what they need to learn is how to

use it in an educational way. Some of the many ways to use technology with students

include the following: Childtopia, Kerpoof, Be Funky, and Tumble Books.

Childtopia​ is geared towards younger children, so it would be perfect with

preschool or kindergarten level students. The website is free so teachers and parents,

can download and use it both at school and at home. “Childtopia is like 10 websites in

one… they have so many cool things going on… Childtopia Games is the biggest

section with games that are psychologist recommended. Games include: memory

games, language, math, skill, creativity, and observation” (Tenkely, Kelly). There are a

variety of games that are broken down by age, making it easier for children ages three

to nine play games at their level. The games may be fun for children and they reinforce

what they are already using and learning at home and school. However, this does not

mean that this site should replace the teacher. To use this website, the teacher can

teach a concept and then allow students to play an appropriate game that reinforce the

concept that was just taught.

 Be Funky​ is another useful website for students to use, and it allows a them to

express more creativity. This site allows students to change a picture into a cartoon. To

use this tool, students can first practice by taking pictures around the school and then

transform them into cartoons. After the students get used to the site and how it works,

they can write and create their own cartoons. This would be a fun activity be for

students to see their creations come to life. “Since Be Funky changes a regular

photograph into a cartoon, you can create cartoon comic strips in class. Transform field

trip pictures into cartoons and invite students to create a comic strip retell about the field

trip. Students can be the star of their own comic strips where they create a comic

autobiography. Take pictures during a science experiment and create a comic strip with

the scientific process of the experiment” (Tenkely, Kelly). This website gives teachers

endless activities to do with their students. Because many of the activities on this source

are creative, students can be focused on the lesson content while having fun creating

their works of art.

Tumblebooks​ is a website that is used to help students reading skills. The site

has popular stories as interactive books that allows the child to listen to the story.

“These interactive books are popular with students and increase student phonics,

reading comprehension, and reading strategies” (Tenkely, Kelly). The child also has the

option to read the story on their own, and if they run into a word that they do not know

then they can have that word sounded out to them. After the child completes a book

they can take a quiz to check their understanding and/or write their own review of the

book. Using this program in the classroom would be an easy way to adjust the reading
level to fit the needs of each child. Teachers could assess their students by looking at

the quiz results to see where they are struggling, and help them based on that

information.

Kerpoof ​is another website that allows students to express their creativity using

technology. The site allows students to create their own movies, pictures, and stories. It

is easy to navigate and has many tools that students can use to create the work. “The

Kerpoof studio provides students with scenes, characters, and props. Students use

these tools to create stories that can be printed out or movies that they write and direct.

These can be saved right on the website so students can revisit their picture, story, or

movie” (Tenkely, Kelly). Since the student’s work can be saved on the website students

can access their work from home. Teachers can have students make a movie to explain

a concept in science, social studies, math, or any other subject for that matter. They can

work on their language arts skills when writing and illustrating their own story. There

are endless opportunities to use this site in the classroom.

There are multiple ways that classrooms can integrate technology so that

students are gaining a tool rather than a distraction. One of the most important skills

students can learn at a young age is typing. One of the activities students can do to

promote typing skills is ​an “email exchange”. It provides a twist for traditional pen palling

in the classroom to promote writing skills. Teachers can choose a classroom in another

city, state, or country and exchange letters via email. This will help students broaden

vocabulary and typing skills. You could even go a step further and pair a student with an

engineer or another job code volunteer that would be willing to email students about
 what their career is like.

Students benefit from this

because they can work on

their writing skills while

learning about a career.

Students also learn the

proper etiquette for talking in

an email online. This can be

used for all grade levels.

Students would just need to be matched up according to their grade level or interest.

Another good way to integrate technology with math is with the use of applications! The

classroom/school would have to be equipped with tablets. There is an application called

“​The Dragon Box​” that focuses on students learning algebra through games. Algebra is

usually a difficult concept for students to initially grasp so students are introduced to

algebraic concepts through math games. Dragon box has applications for students four

to nine years old and then nine and beyond. This concept could be used for high school

as well. There’s an application through apple called “high school math” that is more

advanced than the dragon box one and has features like “question of the day” and has

a practice test to see what the students needs to improve on. By playing math games

students will be less intimidated by the concepts in the questions.

For science and geography it is beneficial to use ​Google Earth​. It brings a real

perspective for location during lessons and environmental awareness. Using google
earth to look up places around the globe and see the satellite images in the classroom

will keep students engaged and interested. This would be great to use when studying

different climates as well. Having students look up places that are being studied on

google earth gives them a visual for location on the globe as well as information about

the place.

Overall technology is a great tool for students to become familiar with at a young

age. Our society is increasingly dependent on technology for everyday life so it’s

beneficial for the classroom to follow suit. Young children can benefit greatly by the

integration of technology in the classroom. Whether it be learning new skills or content,

or learning how to use technology as a tool rather than a game, young children are

broadening their learning capabilities. As an educator, it is our job to direct and foster

that growth.
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