Technoology, Media Arts and Young Children
Where do you draw the line between too much technology and too little? Is there such a line? How does technology impact the life of a child?
In Janruary my oldest daughter receieved a digital camera from her Grandpa. Bella was very interested in our camera but due to the cost of our camera and the rough and tumble nature of kids, we had only given her limited experience using the camera. So, when Grandpa gave her a Fisher Price digital camera I had to give at least some thought to how it should be used and did we need to set limits on the cameras use.
Bella became a quick learner and soon, her pictures were more focused and clear than when she began. Honestly, there really wasn’t much for me to worry about, as the camera served as a learning tool more than a mind numbing device. I believe she will gain many more positive experiences than negative by embracing digital technology. Currently, she is beginning to gain computer skills such as typing but mouse co-ordination but shows little interest in being online or playing games. She gets fustrated with what she CAN’T do with computer more times than not but still, we have decided to introduce some computer time into her play time.
Over the course I the summer, I plan to help Bella learn about creating slideshows, montages and even a small blog. (Of course, her interest will help guide our plans.) I will add a link to my blog showing her first photos (I set up the slideshow for the time being and picked the pictures but in time, she will be in charge of all aspects of the slideshows.).
I still have many reservations and concerns regarding technology and young children but for now, we are using what works for us and leaving the rest.
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Posted on July 20th, 2007 by karen
Filed under: Uncategorized