Crossley, Karen

LS521 Sum02

June 4, 2002

Journal article review – 2

How Young is Too Young?

In this article written by Kathleen Vail for Electronic-School.com, the debate over use of computers with young children is examined. Proponents of computer use in early childhood education note that computers are great motivators for learning and help engage young children with academics. Early computer use also helps young students get comfortable using technology. Delaying the introduction of computers is argued by some to put children at disadvantage, creating “another form of illiteracy.” In answer to many of the critics’ concerns, teachers say that good teachers will monitor computer use, and make it just one tool of learning which teachers can be trained to use with “thought, preparation and moderation.” A Maryland-based group of early childhood educators, teachers, and researchers called “Alliance for Childhood” is calling for “a moratorium on adding more computers in elementary schools until research is done on the effects of computer use in young children.” They argue that there is no solid research showing that young children need computers to learn. The risks that they name (countered by technology supporters) include lack of imagination, social isolation, repetitive stress injuries, concentration problems and poor language and literacy skills.

This article was well balanced and presented both sides of this debate in a fair way. I am in favor of using computers with young children as one tool of learning. I believe technology can be used to even the playing field for students with differing backgrounds, and provide accommodations for students who need to work at a different pace. All of the positives of computer use noted by technology proponents seem accurate to me. Of course the teacher has to be judicious and balanced in her classroom, and make sure young children have plenty of opportunities for hands-on activities and cooperative work with other students. I think viewing the computer as one of a large array of tools for teaching will help teachers keep from overusing or emphasizing technology. At this point, in my experience, teachers need help with being comfortable making use of technology on a consistent basis. The danger I see in my school is not too much computer use, but too little, and teachers who view it as an add-on activity instead of a way to teach. Starting children using technology at an early age will eliminate adults (like some teachers) struggling to keep up with the world of the information age.

How Young is Too Young? - http://www.electronic-school.com/2001/06/0601f1.html

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