| We live in a dangerous society and, in some | | | | young child to their own devices to search the |
| ways, computers and the Internet have made it | | | | Internet and absorb whatever information they |
| even more dangerous. So dangerous, in fact, that | | | | may stumble across, you lose all control of what |
| some educational experts have recently called for | | | | they may be learning, both good and bad. |
| a moratorium on using computers in early | | | | Educational DVDs and videos, on the other hand, |
| childhood and elementary programs. Although this | | | | allow you to control what the young child sees |
| may seem an extreme reaction, by some, to the | | | | and learns, and if delivered via computer, still offer |
| challenges posed by this technology, others are | | | | the exposure to the technology, also a required |
| calling for a return to more traditional means of | | | | skill in today's society. |
| instructing young children. | | | | It is important to remember that computers are |
| There is no doubt that computers are reshaping | | | | simply tools - just like books, pencils, or the |
| all our lives in profound and unexpected ways, are | | | | television. And, just like any other tool, they can |
| becoming a part of our every-day life, and cannot | | | | be misused or can be used in developmentally |
| be ignored. But, rather than focus on the potential | | | | appropriate ways to benefit our children. A great |
| hazards of computers in the classroom, and | | | | deal of research has been done that indicates |
| demand we stop using them with young children, | | | | there are certain positive effects of technology |
| why not use them in more appropriate ways, | | | | on early childhood learning but we must continue |
| such as a delivery mechanism for educational | | | | to treat computers as a supplement. We must |
| DVDs and videos? Use of educational DVDs and | | | | take steps to ensure they do not replace the |
| videos allow the teacher to hand-select the topics | | | | other important early childhood activities and |
| to which their students are exposed and more | | | | materials, such as imaginative exploration, books, |
| easily incorporate both the educational content | | | | dramatic play, blocks, sand, water, art, etc. Rather |
| and necessary computer skills into their lesson | | | | than issue a ban on computers, educators and |
| plans. By delivering the educational DVDs via | | | | parents should make sure they are used to |
| computer, the teacher can also ensure that the | | | | develop cognitive and social skills, as well as |
| students' need for computer literacy is addressed | | | | literacy, by controlling the content to which young |
| at the appropriate age level. | | | | learners are exposed. |
| The key issue here is control. If you leave a | | | | |