Technology and Children ft. Erin Walsh

Author: The Reflective Teacher Podcast
Published: Sat 19 Sep 2020
Episode Link: https://www.thereflectiveteacherpodcast.com/home/new-beginnings-2-y43h7

Take-Aways:

Screen time approach: you must think about so many factors other than just time spent. The idea of technology as a ‘place’, think about:

When

Quality

Who (is around)

Relationships

Mood

If there is too much (screen time) that gets in the way of things like connection, relationships, and play, then we see a negative outcome.

When families use technology together (i.e. Zoom for school!) to connect and learn, then it’s not a toxic subject but rather a useful tool.

Technology should be thought of as one ‘tool’ of many!

General time limit recommendation: 1 hr./day for 2-5-year-olds (Entertainment media DOES NOT include learning media in this limit).

Moods and kids: pay attention to temperament when using screens and after.

Kids get the most out of technology when engaging with others, like a peer or adult.

Ask yourself: is it helping or getting in the way? Is it one of many things? Are children just passively consuming? Does it introduce new experiences?

Give yourself grace and look for patterns.

Resources:

Family Time With Apps: http://joanganzcooneycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/jgcc_familytimewithapps_brochure_eng.pdf

Excellence in Early Learning Digital Media Award: http://www.ala.org/alsc/excellence-early-learning-digital-media-award-2019-winners

Using Technology To Support Learning at Home: https://www.edc.org/sites/default/files/uploads/Young-Children-Home-Tech-Use.pdf

E-AIMS Model for Choosing Media Content: https://www.zerotothree.org/resources/2533-choosing-media-content-for-young-children-using-the-e-aims-model

A few blogs on Erin’s site:

Sesame Street Town Hall on Racism

When We Outsource Talking to Toys

Three Ways to Get the Most Out of Screen Time With Young Children

Get Creative With Kids and Technology

Toddlers and TV: Zombies, Distracted or Engaged?