preview

Technology: Friend or Foe Essay

Best Essays

1. Introduction
It is no surprise that technology is rapidly taking over the world, and defining the day to day lives we live. As humans we are constantly engaged in some form of technology. However, the role of technology in early childhood classroom is a growing and controversial topic. The bottom line question for most teachers is whether or not computer based technology is developmentally appropriate for early childhood students, and if they benefit from using computers as a primary learning tool. Technology is the branch of knowledge that deals with the creation and use of technical means and their interrelation with life, society, and the environment (Webster Dictionary). Technology has been present in the world for centuries, from …show more content…

He goes on to state that children become confident when mastering the skills of software, and they are able to follow pictorial directions. Clement also states that work at a computer will persuade children to work in groups, and become more social. However, he also indicates that beneficial effects of a child learning directly from computers could take up to a year. If students are engaged in the computer program and their attention is drawn on to the screen, do they really interact with other students or are they off somewhere in their own little world (Criss, 2006). With the use of developmental software children can learn a variety of skills such as long-term memory skills and manual dexterity. Children spend up to 3 times as long learning through drill and practice software, but attain half the gain as developmental with supplemental lessons to furnish what computer software is missing (Clement, 2004).
Other studies indicate that children will be more engaged, and willing to learn the subject at hand. However, finding activities and materials online that pertain to the lesson is not always easy. Requiring teachers to spend more time planning lessons, rather than evaluating observation and determining lessons that are demanding to a child’s learning needs. Computer based technological learning allows a child to learn and work

Get Access