Among the principle guidelines in choosing
appropriate technology and interactive media for early childhood education, the
National Association for the Education
of Young Children(NAEYC) and Fred
Rogers Center for Early Learning and Children’s Media said in their joint
position statement that appropriate use of technology and screen media depends
on age, developmental level, needs,
interest, linguistic background, and ability of the child (2012).Effective
and proper use of technology and media can enhance children’s cognitive and
social abilities.
The following tips offer practical ways on how to use technology and screen media for young children:
- Limit the amount of time your children use screen media. You may want to start reducing at least 30 minutes of the time your children are exposed to these materials and substitute other activities like storytelling, baking and other activities that would encourage interaction between you and your child or your child and others.
- Give equal opportunities for screen media learning and direct learning experiences by accompanying your child in the park or going on a field trip to the zoo after exposing them to virtual images of animals and other concepts in the app.
- DON’T use technology or screen media as a baby sitter. As much as possible, sit beside your child while he or she is watching TV or playing a game and ask him or her questions regarding the show or the app to encourage communication and real interaction. Questions such “Who is that character you’re playing?” or “What will happen if you click that button?” and “How do you play the game?” are good examples of questions that would foster socialization in your child.
- Look for good educational sites that will foster your child’s learning. (You may want to visit:http://pbskids.org/, http://wonderopolis.org/or http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/or check out our website and apps reviews page here)
- You may want to check or test the websites or applications first before letting your child use these tools in order to see whether these tools will be educational or not. This way, you can also block certain websites that are not appropriate for your child.
- Give feedback when your child is playing a game or an app. Be sure to encourage him/her whenever your child makes a mistake. Children can also feel frustrated when they aren’t able to do something so it is important that we give them the encouragement they need so they will want to achieve success in the activity.
- Place the computer in an area in which you can easily monitor your child’s usage. In this way your child can easily ask questions or clarify instructions. This also allows you to check what your child is doing to protect them from wandering off to inappropriate sites and playing inappropriate games.
Research shows and suggest that children’s
learning from media can be greatly enhanced when parents and adults join in and
make a shared experience (Lerner, 2014). Therefore, as parents, your
participation in your child’sexploration and use of these technology and
materials can further improve your child’s engaging learning experience.
Written by
References:
Lerner, C. & Barr, R. (2014).Tips: Using screen media with young children.
Retrieved from http://www.zerotothree.org/parenting-resources/screen-sense/screen-sense_tips_final3.pdf
National Association for the
Education of Young Children., & Fred Rogers Center for Early Learning and
Children’s Media.(2012). Technology and
interactive media as tools in early childhood programs serving children from
birth through age 8. Retrieved from http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/PS_technology_WEB2.pdf
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