One of the worst uses of technology are these various "educational programs" for children. Do you want to teach your child how to read, write, etc? Then there's a DVD or computer program available for it.
These programs strike me as being terrible on so many levels. First, the child is learning from a screen instead of a person. Can't a parent just do the same thing that's happening on the screen? Second, screens provide only one-way interaction, while a person provides two-way interaction. A child can interact with an adult, yet they can only listen and watch a screen.
Third, screens take children away from the real, natural world and put them in a fake one. What's wrong with learning a skill with real objects, such as books and paper? Why does everything have to be electronic? The only reason there are more electronic learning programs is because they are more profitable - not because they are more effective.
There is enough screen time in modern life. Children need time with people, nature, and physical objects - not tvs and computers.
One of the worst uses of technology are these various "educational programs" for children. Do you want to teach your child how to read, write, etc? Then there's a DVD or computer program available for it.
These programs strike me as being terrible on so many levels. First, the child is learning from a screen instead of a person. Can't a parent just do the same thing that's happening on the screen? Second, screens provide only one-way interaction, while a person provides two-way interaction. A child can interact with an adult, yet they can only listen and watch a screen.
Third, screens take children away from the real, natural world and put them in a fake one. What's wrong with learning a skill with real objects, such as books and paper? Why does everything have to be electronic? The only reason there are more electronic learning programs is because they are more profitable - not because they are more effective.
There is enough screen time in modern life. Children need time with people, nature, and physical objects - not tvs and computers.