Intro to Childhood Studies

Sardia C. Childhood and Technology           Over the last 40 to 50 years, there have been major changes and advances in technology which in turn has caused drastic changes throughout the world and the lives of those who inhabit it. As an adult, you may be able to express how these technological changes have impacted you over the years, and like millions of adults around the world, you may also have your bias on children’s involvement with electronic media.           In his book, The Hurried Child, psychologist David Elkins stated that “In many ways, our new technologies have radically transformed childhood, and not always for the better,” (p. viii). He argued that children grow up too fast due to exposure to age-inappropriate material which may lead to problems later on in life. Although his statement addresses the concern for potential adulthood issues due to childhood exposure to technology, he does not mention any effects tec...

Kaitlyn B.           Technology is such a huge part of today’s society, and there does not seem to be an end in sight. You see it everywhere and it can be used by just about everyone. Technology can be useful for things such as connecting with others from across the world or simply to be used for educational purposes in a kindergarten classroom. As technology becomes more popular, it becomes more easily accessible to all, especially young children. Children, also known as “digital natives”, have been born into the technological era. They consistently grow and build on their digital literacy skills necessary to keep up with this growing industry. But the question is, how much technology is too much? Can it actually be damaging to learning and development? Erikson Institute decided to evaluate these concerns through a national survey which brought amazing results. The study consisted of 1,000 parents across the country and focused more on children under th...

Destiny C. Technology and Education           Despite the increased access to computers and newer mobile devices, and the strong social desire to obtain the latest technology, the actual use of technology in the classroom, specifically of early childhood education, remains sporadic (Vockley & Lang, 2011; Wartella, Blackwell, Lauricella, & Robb, 2013). In instances where technology is used in the classroom, oftentimes it is not used in meaningful student-centered ways, but instead, in the more traditional instructional, or informative, way (Cuban, 2001; Ertmer & Ottenbreit-Leftwich, 2013).           The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC, 2012) supports the developmentally appropriate and intentional use of technology in early childhood education. Research shows that quality educational media can enhance young children’s learning (Hooker, & Linebarger, 2009). For example, Anderson, Hus...