Assignment Task:
Review the two following posts:
I. Dawn Pierce
After watching both videos, I could really see the difference in how people view technology in early childhood classrooms. The first video, from the Steiner preschool in Australia, was against using digital devices with young children. They believe screen time can delay language and social development, and that children learn best through hands-on experiences. It makes complete sense, and there is something so valuable about children learning through movement, imagination, and social interaction.
The second video, from NBC News, focused more on the science behind screen use. It highlighted the concerns about how too much screen time can impact brain development, especially when it comes to attention spans, impulse control, and emotional regulation. It made me think about how important it is to be intentional with how we introduce technology to young children (NBC News, 2018).
I don't think it is realistic to say digital devices don't belong in early childhood classrooms, especially today. In my district, technology is part of everyday learning. Even our youngest students use iPads, and they are required to complete a certain number of minutes each week on the IReady program. Older students, including my own children in middle and high school, use Chromebooks daily. Technology is everywhere; it is how we prepare children for the world they are growing up in.
The assigned readings from Early Childhood Education Today helped me think more about how to use technology in developmentally appropriate ways. Chapter 12 discusses how we are living in the Information Age, and that teachers need to help children develop digital literacy while still protecting the importance of real-world learning experiences (Morrison et al., 2022). Chapter 13 reminds us that learning in early childhood should still be hands-on, play-based, and built on relationships. Technology can support this when it is used purposefully and with guidance, not when it replaces those experiences.
For me, the statement, "Digital devices do not belong in an early childhood classroom," is false, but with boundaries. I believe technology can be a great tool for learning, as long as it's used in moderation, with age-appropriate content, and always paired with teacher support. When used the correct way, technology can enhance what we are already doing in the classroom, not take away from it. Need Assignment Help?
References:
Morrison, G. S., Woika, M. J., & Breffni, L. (2022). Early childhood education today (15th ed.). Pearson.
NBC News. (2018, November 12). Screens may affect your child's brain development [Video]. YouTube.
ABC News Australia, (2016, October 27). Should children be using digital devices at preschool?
II. Taylor Kobel
Reply from Taylor Kobel
Whether or not digital technology belongs in early childhood classrooms is an increasingly common topic of discussion held between educators, parents, communities, scientists, and the world in general. There are many benefits as well as drawbacks to the use of digital technology by young students which makes this an extremely controversial subject with no clear winner of the argument. Therefore, I don't believe that the answer to the question, "Digital Devices do not belong in an Early Childhood classroom. True or False?" is as clear cut as a true or false answer. There is much grey area in regards to whether or not the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. Young students overusing digital devices can cause some cognitive functions to develop at slower speeds making it harder for them to recognize common facial expressions and interact with their peers. Additionally, extended screen time can lead to an overproduction of dopamine in children's brains which can cause them to be hyperactive and more sensitive to surrounding stimuli (NBC News, 2018). On the other hand, one argument is made that exposure to digital devices at a young age can prepare children for life outside of school where screens are commonly used everywhere. Furthermore, screen-based technology can provide streamlined instruction and academic activities tailored to the students' needs and interests (NBC News, 2018). With every downside to the use of digital technology in early childhood classrooms, there is a benefit to it as well.
Similar to the NBC News video, Jodie Noyce from ABC News also discussed the use of digital devices in early childhood classrooms. Although the benefits and drawbacks are discussed, interviews of educational professionals and experts are included in this video as well which shows that they are just as divided on the matter. According to Chip Donohue, children entering the early childhood level today live within a time of digital prominence, therefore the technology should be embraced within their classrooms (Noyce, 2016). By taking advantage of the technology rather than ignoring it, he believes that children will be better off after their schooling from beginning to use it at such a young age. Ultimately, most experts agree that overall, the use of technology can be truly beneficial to young students when used carefully and in moderation. By using digital devices for safe and academic purposes periodically, early childhood learners can reap the benefits of digital technology without as many of the downsides it may present (Noyce, 2016). I agree with this logic as well. I don't think that digital devices should be completely banned from the early childhood level because today's students are going to be exposed to it in their everyday lives and they can present many advantages. However, I also don't believe that it should be at the forefront of early childhood classrooms and be used for every lesson because its overuse has shown to present many disadvantages. To sum up my belief, I think that digital technology should be used in early childhood classrooms but strategically and in a balanced way where it doesn't outweigh the amount of play-based and interactive learning students engage in.
References:
NBC News. (2018, May 17). Screens may affect your child's brain development | Better | Nbc news. YouTube.
Noyce, J. (2016, October 27). Experts, educators split on whether preschoolers should be using digital devices. ABC News.