The document discusses research on when children should be exposed to computers and the benefits and concerns. It notes that children under age 2 should avoid screen time, and from ages 2-3 limited introduction is appropriate. Benefits of preschool computer use include improved skills, but concerns include increased obesity and interference with development. The consensus is that introduction from age 3 can be beneficial when supervised and used in moderation as an educational tool.

1. Bridgette Bailey, Rachel Carmichael,
Anne Wolter
TCH 505 – Han Liu

3.  Technology use in the classroom is increasing
and its importance is noted in new standards
 See National Technology Standards and NETP
2010
 Technology use at home is also increasing
 Research Question:
 At what age should children be exposed to
computers and software, and what are the
benefits and concerns?

4.  AAP Guidelines state that parents should
“avoid television-viewing [and computer use]
entirely for children who are younger than 2
years and…encourage more interactive
activities that will promote proper brain
development, such as talking, playing,
singing, and reading together” (Vandewater,
2007)
 http://www.aap.org/

5.  Ageat which children should be exposed to
technology varies depending on the study;
however, most researchers agree that:
 Children under age 2 or 3 should not be exposed
because computers do not match the learning
style of this age group – they are learning to
crawl, walk, and master other non-technological
skills
 Once children are in preschool it is acceptable to
begin introducing technology, under
teacher/parent supervision

6.  Some
concerns of exposing children to
computers at a young age:
 Increase in obesity rate among children (spend
too much time in front of a screen rather than
outdoors playing)
 Interference with brain development, health,
and social and emotional growth
 Children become more screen-focused, rather
than people-focused (issues with social
development and interactions)

7.  Benefits
of exposing children to computers in
preschool:
 Build memory skills
 Become more self-directed learners
 Learn problem solving skills
 Increased self-esteem
 Working with others
 Improved motor skills
 Added benefits for children with special needs

8.  As a group, we agree that children under 3
should not be fully engaged with computers
because of possible interference with
important developmental stages at that age
 We also believe that children should be
introduced rather early in order to keep up
with the digital age in which we live
 Technology is an important part of life, and
an invaluable educational tool, as long as it
is used in moderation, especially with young
children

9.  Children should not be introduced to
computers and software until age three
 When introduced, it should be under
supervision by teacher or parent, and used in
moderation as a teaching tool
 Introduce them to software that encourages
them to make, design, and create things
 Children should be introduced to computers
using only developmentally appropriate
software

10.  Clements, D. (2004). Young Children and Technology. Retrieved
from ERIC database.
 Haugland, S., & ERIC Clearinghouse on Elementary and Early
Childhood Education, C. (2000). Computers and Young Children.
ERIC Digest. Retrieved from ERIC database.
 Hinchliff, G. (2008). Toddling Toward Technology: Computer Use
by Very Young Children. Children & Libraries: The Journal of the
Association for Library Service to Children, 6(3), 47-49. Retrieved
from Academic Search Complete database.
 Lee, Y. (2009). Pre-K Children’s Interaction with Educational
Software Programs: An Observation of Capabilities and Levels of
Engagement. Journal of educational multimedia and hypermedia
18(3), 289-309. Retrieved from Academic Search Complete
database.
 Rideout, V., Vandewater, E., Wartella, E., & Henry J. Kaiser
Family Foundation, M. (2003). Zero to Six: Electronic Media in the
Lives of Infants, Toddlers and Preschoolers. Retrieved from ERIC
database.
 Vandewater, E. A., et al. (2007). Digital childhood: Electronic
Media & Technology Use Among Infants, Toddlers, and
Preschoolers. Pediatrics, 119(5), 1006-1015. Retrieved from
www.pediatrics.org on June 29, 2010.