I believe children at the ages 0-6 should minimize or do not play on the computer. The book "Rethinking Early Childhood Education," states in the first two years of life, networks of connections are forming for social, emotional, and cognitive abilities (Pelo 76). Thus, children need human interaction to learn language, emotions, and ways of communication.
Recent generations, I had noticed many children have difficult time making appropriate conversations. For that reason, children are busy playing on the computers, watching television, or play video games. Another factor, parents are too busy with work because of our bad economy. Most parents have to work two jobs to supports their family.
In conclusion, I believe caregivers and teachers need to encourage social interaction by creating appropriate learning activities, free play, and be open with emotions. Children need to feel they can trust adults and peer in order for them to trust themselves and be confident.
Are computers limited to software games and sitting in front of a screen? How can teachers make computers appropriate in a classroom? When I was a young girl, I remember my "smart cousins" would flip through flash cards as a way of learning their ABC's and math. We have learned that that type of memorization tactics are inappropriate for young children. How can we change the pendulum swing of technology and include it in the classroom in an appropriate manner rather than placing a child in front of a screen teaching them to click the letter or number drills in front of them? Is there a way of integrating computers into the classroom in a meaningful way?
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