Paper Summary:

A report by the Alliance for Childhood (2000) proposed that computers are dangerous to young children because they pose physical, social, intellectual, and moral hazards. However, reviews of published research studies into use of ICT with young children suggest there are many areas of education where technology can benefit preschoolers. Among the benefits noted were improvements in mathematical problem solving and increases in language skills such as vocabulary size and use, reading and spelling. In addition, there are improvements related to increased social development and social interaction. This paper examines the debate from both sides, in an effort to determine if ICT has an effect on how children interact on a social level with their peers. The paper contends that ICT technologies can be powerful tools for enhancing young children's learning and social skills. The paper aims to determine how this learning can take place and how preschoolers can benefit from it. In an effort to determine how children get the most from learning with and through ICT in their early years, the paper compares and contrasts ICT to traditional forms of learning, including toys, building blocks and puzzles.
Table of Contents
Introduction
What Is ICT?
ICT Debate
Pressure On Schools To Incorporate ICT
ICT's Place In Preschools
A Case Study Of ICT In Preschool
ICT And Media Concerns
Uses And Benefits Of ICT
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"With ICT playing a more and more important role in all areas of the National Curriculum, it is important to introduce children to ICT in the early years of their lives (Healy, 1999). According to studies, children who have had high-quality ICT experiences in preschool are more likely to have high expectations and need to be challenged at primary school. The rapid growth technology in the past two decades has resulted in many changes for parents, teachers and educators (Healy, 1999). Using technology will be a vital life skill for today's children and will help them throughout their school careers and daily lives. The challenge that faces educators in terms of education is how best to prepare children for a world that will make major demands on them."

Visitors who viewed this Research Paper also liked these:

• Essay # 60876 : "Information and Communication Technology"
• Argumentative Essay # 111870 : "Information and Communication Technologies"
• Research Paper # 59178 : "Information Communication Technology"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: