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In 2018 we know that technology is important not only in our everyday lives, but in the classroom as well. However, the issue of screen time, particularly with the younger students, is highly debated from various experts. It seems that every week there is a new study or info graphic that tries to warn parents of having too much technology screen time with their children. It is said that exposing children to too much technology results in higher instances of ADHD, learning disabilities, sleep disruption and more. I wanted to find the truth to this highly debated issue, and I found an article that identified fact from fiction by Blake, Winsor, Burkett and Lee (2011).
One of the ideas the authors (2011) explored in the article was if there was any truth to negative side effects from too much technology use in younger children. The results were surprising! While an excess of 6+ hours was deemed harmful, there was very little evidence to technology use in younger children having any negative side effect under a specific amount of time. Furthermore, if the content the students were exposed to digitally or through a technology device was educational it actually had positive overall effects. With the use of any technology in the classroom or at home, it is always crucial to heavily vet the content. There is far more positive effects from a child completing an alphabet puzzle or handwriting app than mindlessly watching YouTube videos all day long.
One issue that the experts and the authors (2011) agreed on was that social media use in children under the age of 13 was highly detrimental and inappropriate. Social media showed negative side effects on children by having them question their self-esteem, exposure to cyber bullying and a decline in social skills. If social media is used in the classroom, it needs to be done in a strictly educational way. Also, teachers need to make sure to keep student's data as private as possible.
Reading the data from this article surprised me given the huge amount of information online that counter acts the authors (2011) notion. This also made me realize that digital literacy and vetting articles is so crucial when sharing information with your social media followers. It is our job as digital citizens to spread true and factual information.
Blake, S., Winsor, D., Burkett, C., & Lee, A. (2011). Developmentally appropriate technology practice: Exploring myths and perceptions of early childhood and instructional technology professionals. I-Manager's Journal on School Educational Technology, 6(3), 35-48. Retrieved from https://login.proxy.tamuc.edu/login?url=https://search-proquest-com.proxy.tamuc.edu/docview/1473908775?accountid=7083