The article that I have read is, “Children’s Power for Learning in the Age of Technology”. After reading this article, I agree that the advance in technology might not be as healthy or beneficial to young children as was thought. This is because technology has been rapidly developed during the past ten years.
An example is the development of handphones. Just ten years ago, being able to own an old model Nokia phone without colors was counted as very lucky for me as a student. However, in this year, owning a mobile phone with a variety of applications and uses is a societal norm. In fact, if someone sees you using an old Nokia phone, they will think you are weird. I had such an experience before, when my smartphone spoiled and I had to use my old Nokia phone. While using that phone, I had encountered many weird looks on public transport and received many questions from my friends on what happened to my phone.
Back to the main topic, young children today are so used to being surrounded by technology that they have lost out on things that we have enjoyed in the past. An example is the use of e-books; children do not really get to enjoy the feeling of sitting down and immersing oneself with a favorite paperback novel. Instead of meeting up and talking face to face, messages are conveyed through the use of text messages. Children are watching tv shows and playing through game devices such as Nintendo wii, instead of having a picnic with family and flying kites with friends.
Hence, although we are so busy keeping up with our schoolwork and latest technological trends, we should always take a breather now and then.
No matter how busy you may be, do remember to stop once in awhile and smell the roses! :)
Hello Charmaine!:-) Yes, I have the exact sentiments with you as to how technology can be "unhealthy" for young children nowadays. Firstly, I think the rate in which technology has evolved and progress is alarming. Just like the example you mentioned, it is more common to have a smart phone in comparison to a non-smart phone (Eg: The durable Nokia phones). This commonality is to such a great extent that people automatically assumes that everyone should own/use a smart phone - which explains the weird looks and questions you received. It can be quite sad to think of now because not everyone is able to afford the latest technology, not to even mention a smart phone.
ReplyDeleteI like how you highlighted that children are missing out on a lot of fun, especially those that we used to have when we were younger, due to technology's progress. I remember the happiness of being able to go out to the playground to play or to the swimming pool to swim. It was before, without technology, that I feel that one knows how to show appreciation for living in the moment rather than now when social media platforms are taking up both our spare and busy time.
Instead of exposing children to technology or incorporating technology into the classroom, I would love to expose children to more outdoor play and hope to let them realise the importance and joy of "living in the moment" instead of "living in the technology".
I hope that some day (hopefully soon) everyone (be it adults or children) can slowly learn to move away from their phones and appreciate what is happening around them and not have their face glued to the technology gadgets all day long.