[ad_1]
Applications. Shows. Games. You call it – if it's a screen, the kids (and their parents) engage it easily. There are many media outlets that claim to be "educational", a term that I secretly think I use by marketers to make my peers feel less guilty when we JUSTES. NEED. 15 MINUTES. OF PEACE. (Or an hour, sometimes we need an hour.)
It's one thing to know and accept that you save time by putting your kids in front of a screen so you can have dinner. It's an entirely different thing to tell you that the app, the game or anything that is totally acceptable – even desirable – because educative.
It depends
So, the answer to the big question of whether technology makes kids smarter is a … it depends.
Everyone said something about it: Not all technologies are created equally, and as parents (and educators) we need a way to choose our choices. Yes, they all used the word "curate".
Mr. South gave the example of a magic marker. Whether it is good or bad, the technology depends on its use. If it's used to scribble on the wall, it's not so good. But if it's used to draw a beautiful image of a rocket that your child then explains to you, then clearly, that's fine.
As Dr. Domínguez said, "It all depends on the type of media, who uses it, with whom and for what purpose."
Dr. Pai proposed a parallel way of thinking about the media: as part of a diet. "Usually you try to eat a nutritious meal," she said, but sometimes, as Dr. South echoed, "you let your child eat a cupcake".
As long as it's not a diet consisting entirely of cupcakes, you're probably OK.
The technology is not intrinsically good or bad, Dr. Pai said – the "content, the features, the way it's used, for whom and by whom" matter.
They also said that the technology was much more effective for young learners when they were interacting with adults, explaining that it was best to give children the opportunity to create things with technology rather than the technology. consume passively.
So during Nature chat is hilarious and contains some interesting scientific facts (and that it's a better choice than some R-rated movies), this may not be the best option if I want my kids to interact with something really educative. If I want a healthy entertainment with an educational touch, it's perfect. Maybe it's a piece of cake.
This could even be a piece of a healthy cupcake (anyway!) If I ask my kids to talk about the episode later or if we are looking for something that they have learned while watching.
Intentional design
Dr. Domínguez explained that the media must be designed in a targeted way. She said it needed a "clear plan" for educational media, defining what they are supposed to do. The success of the media can then be measured against these objectives.
What is the purpose and purpose of a digital math game recommended by my son's school? I am not sure. He enjoys watching his avatar swing from a rope while watching mathematical facts, however. Educative? May be. He practices mathematics. Entertaining? Absolutely. He is swinging virtually.
Dr. South cautioned against applications that only seem educational. "I'm worried when people use apps to extract information – it's not educational." He explained that children need to think about ideas, make connections, ask questions, find answers and solve problems with creativity – and they can certainly use technology to do it.
Dr. Domínguez added that children must interact with media that encourages them to persist, ask questions and create.
Do I always choose the media with the most useful design for my children? I do not know. But Dr. Domínguez and Digital Promise employees are working hard to create tools for parents and teachers. Drs. Pai and South also had suggestions.
Organize your media choices
Everyone agreed that we need to learn how to make good digital choices so we can teach our kids to make good digital choices. Everyone also agreed that there were not many of them.
The winner hands down? Common Sense Media. The three experts agreed and Dr Pai said it was the "most comprehensive, parental-friendly and research-based resource".
What's so awesome? You can see almost all of your child's apps, shows or movies and get a snapshot of their purpose and design by looking at their rankings. You can deepen your understanding of the media by reading the reviews. Mr. Pai also recommended a subscription resource called The Children's Technology Review, which puts more emphasis on apps and games.
Dr. South shared an idea that he practices with his 12-year-old child. Whenever his son wants to watch or play something new, he must research and present to his father three credible critics, why he wants to use it and why it's a good use of his time. Dr. South said it was a great exercise for both to learn what was credible and to have frank discussions about what they value as a family and why.
Dr. South said, "Parents need to find a way to make these decisions, and as parents, we do not always make great screen choices." This exercise makes these choices more intentional.
This is a strategy that I will practice with my children when they are ready. At 5 and 7, they are not quite there.
[ad_2]
Source link