The iPad and The Kids

Every adult, teen, and even most toddlers are constantly interacting with iPads. And if an iPad isn’t the exact device you’re using, it’s safe to assume that you’re viewing this on some sort of similar smart device. While using these devices may seem like a fairly new experience for most people, meaning we remember a time without such technology, new generations are experiencing a new environment in which learning is almost completely dependent upon technology. This can be quite worrisome for people especially parents in particular. Lisa Guernsey, Director of the New American Foundation’s Early Education Initiative, has made it her mission to discover the positive and negative effects these screens have on our children’s lives. Her research and findings are discussed in the video linked below.

Research

Lisa provides numerous amounts of research and studies that show a glimpse of what exactly is going on in the mind of a child. While adults often can differentiate what is real and what what’s “on TV” children cannot. Her example using the popcorn study clearly demonstrates this. Researchers attached a picture of a bowl of popcorn to a TV screen and asked the kids if they turned the TV over would the popcorn fall out. The vast majority of the kids answered yes. This is something parents and caregivers need to remember when allowing children to view media through tablets and television. Kids have trouble knowing what’s real and what’s not. However, that’s not to say they’re not learning. Lisa explains that children are constantly engaging and learning from the content they watch. It’s just easier for them to learn when they’re interacting with the media.

The Three Cs 

Lisa also mentions the three Cs when it comes to children and smart devices. Content, Context, and the Child. It is important to know that technology can be beneficial to early childhood learning. However, that depends on the three Cs. What kind of content are your kids watching, what are they watching it on (context), and are you explaining it to the child. Letting your child play with an educational app by him/herself is not enough. You must explain the game to your child, answer their questions, involve them in the conversation. 

Everything in Moderation 

Technology can be extremely beneficial when it comes to early childhood learning. It’s rare you hear people talk about the good technology can do for children but there is a lot of good that can be accomplished. However, just like everything else you must practice moderation. Too much of anything can be harmful and technology is no exception.