Should children be involved in research? When this question is asked, it sparks questions, arguements, and debates. I, personally, believe that children should not be used in research that has a greater than minimal risk. However, there is a lot of research in the early childhood field that can have positive effects on children and families.
Technology is everywhere. Children use smartphones, tablets, computers, video game consoles, and remote controls for television and DVRs. There are many articles on how much screen time young children should have. So, naturally, research has been done focusing on young children and the use of technology.
Burnett researched technology and literacy in early childhood programs. Her research looked at how children gain literacy skills through the use of technology, the use of texts, and the children's meaning-making through technology. Her research concluded acknowledging that technology is not going anywhere and that there is a need for further research.
Romeo, Edwards, McNamara, Walker, and Ziguras researched the use of touchscreen technology in early childhood classrooms. They also acknowledged that technology is here to stay and discussed that NAEYC supported the use of technology in early childhood classrooms. They noted that most early childhood classrooms were still using mouse and keyboard computers. Their research focused on whether or not touchscreens would increase children's learning in early childhood programs. Their conclusion was that using touchscreens made it easier for children to use, but did not neccessarily increase their learning. They also felt that further research was needed.
Parette, Quensenberry, and Blum chose to research the use of technology in early childhood classrooms as a developmentally appropriate practice. Their focus stemmed from the fact that even thought technology use in early childhood has been considered to be developmentally appropriate, many early childhood professionals are still reluctant to incorporate technology into their programs. Their conclusion was that early childhood professionals need to enter into the 21st century and embrace the use of technology in early childhood classrooms.
Research on the use of technology in early childhood programs is a clear example of positive research for children and families. Technology is not a passing fad. When use appropriately, technology can be used as a tool in learning.
References
Burnett, C. (2010). Technology and literacy in early childhood educational settings: A review of research. Journal of Early Childhood Literacy, 10(3), 247-270.
Parette, H. P., Quesenberry, A. C., & Blum, C. (2010). Missing the boat with technology usage in early childhood settings: A 21st century view of developmentally appropriate practice. Early Childhood Education Journal, 37(5), 335-343.
Romeo, G., Edwards, S., McNamara, S., Walker, I., & Ziguras, C. (2003). Touching the screen: Issues related to the use of touchscreen technology in early childhood education. British Journal of Educational Technology, 34(3), 329-339.
I agree that technology is here to stay and that we need to embrace it and help our children understand its uses. There are two main challenges that I see with using technology in the classroom. The first is the cost. Our children tear up everything and having to constantly repair or replace these items would be great. The initial cost of providing it in the classrooms would be a huge expense, too. The other challenge that I see is that many times the children know how to use it better than we do. I did not grow up with a computer in our house because they were not a common household item at the time and for most children today, they have at least one and usually an iPad, laptop, tablet, smart phone or other device. Providing in-service training in how to incorporate technology in a classroom would be great for most early childhood educators. I love the idea of the children having these tools at their fingertips, but I think the first challenge is a huge one to try to overcome.
ReplyDeleteHello Jennifer,
ReplyDeleteI am in favor of technology in the school setting, because that is the world we live in today and children must be able to keep up with technology. I do think though, that some technology should be limited, as some, such as computers, cell phones, etc., can provide some risk for young children. Nevertheless, I think it is a great topic that may require some research.