Computers have become an important part of our everyday life and will be even more in the future. Knowledge about computers might become as important to elementary school children as reading and writing.
There has been a lot of debate as to whether computers should be used with younger children. Some educators doubt the value of modern technology with younger kids. But, some researchers have found a lot of positive learning benefits when using computers with younger kids, especially when an adult supervisor is involved. Positive impacts have also been found with children who have disabilities or special needs. It has been said, “Technology can change the way children think and learn.”
Children are great “thinkers.” Their rapidly growing brains are accumulating a lot of knowledge from their surroundings, and a lot of data is analyzed and stored in the memory cells. Positive play experiences through visual and auditory stimuli give a big boost to this process.
For example, some two-and-a-half-year-old twin girls were playing with their toy fish. They were holding a couple of dolphins, making jumping movements with their hands and dolphin sounds with their mouths at the same time. They were pretending that the dolphins were playing in the water. Then, they picked up a whale, which started talking to the dolphins. They made whale sounds with some “clicks” and “tweets.” Previously, they were looking up information in the Encyclopedia with their dad, and they were repeating the noises from the sound and video clips.
Explore, create, and learn while having fun. That is a child’s life. Playing is a lot more to children then just having fun. As children play, they learn about themselves and their surrounding environment. They learn social skills, work to solve problems, and also develop their motor skills. Playing enhances their creativity and imagination.
These days, wonderful computer-based educational games and activities are available in the market for children. There are excellent websites on the internet, which provide information and educational games for children. Parents and caregivers should look to find these play activities that are fit for their children. The games and activities should be challenging but not frustrating or overwhelming.
Should children surf on the internet? It is an “information super-highway.” It has its own benefits and risks. Children using the internet without supervision are at risk, but with a knowledgeable and responsible adult, it could bring lot of benefits. It is just like driving a car and riding in a car. Children can safely ride and enjoy the information super highway while a responsible adult is in the driver’s seat.
Of course, there should be a limit on how much time children can spend on the computer. As a general guideline, the rules can be similar to those used for viewing TV. Anything done in excess can be harmful. Consumption of too many vitamin tablets in a day can also be harmful. Nonetheless, computers are a big part of life and will continue to be. They have benefits for children that should not be overlooked.
