EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT: TECHNOLOGY vs. ACTIVITY

Reported in the article, Science Museum Oklahoma Supports Early Childhood Education, researchers and experts agree that learning through play and activity helps children develop multiple motor skills, positive emotional development, mental functions, morals and social skills. However, today, children are using technology more than participating in physical activities.

Old fashion play with toys and activities are still important. It gives children an opportunity to develop fine motor skills; it allows them to use their imaginations. If modern children are using technology to learn and play, parents’ concerns may be about how to moderate screen-time and how to make screen-time valuable.

Dr. Marsha Herron believes that technology can serve the same functions as learning by doing. She mentions that technology doesn’t do by itself, it does what we tell it to do. “When you want to teach or engage children in something, it’s up to the adults really to shape and inform the process of learning. Whether it’s through technology, the medium of technology or any other way we choose to teach,” she said.

Some experts may still believe that using educational devices are not the same as participating in active games. The Early Childhood Advisory Council is hard at work to develop quality early childhood care and educational programs. Those plans reflect the importance of early care and education for children.