Computers in Schools: Two Perspectives

In the journal article, Computers in Schools: Two Perspectives, published in Technology Source by the University of North Carolina, Katie Kashmanian provides insight into two almost opposing viewpoints regarding the educational use of technology by children in schools.

She compares and contrasts the perspectives of Jane Healy, author of Failure to Connect: How Computers Affect Our Children's Minds -- For Better And Worse, and Scott Tapscott, author of Growing Up Digital: the Rise of the Net Generation.

Where the two authors disagree most is about the "proper age for children to be exposed to technology." Healy strongly believes that computers "are not necessary...in the lives of most children under the age of seven." She also references literature that "suggests that during the first six years of life, misuses of technology may (actually) adversely affect brain maturation and development." That too much technology "screen time" may be detrimental to the young child is also a warning declared by the American Academy of Pediatrics. In fact, the AAP recommends NO screen time for children under two.

Tapscott believes that technology has essentially no negative impact on children" and envisions children of all ages benefitting greatly from its use, creating a "new world with technology," and even "developing faster" because of it.

Both authors agreed at the time of their book publishings (1998) that our schools were ill-equipped to properly engage technology and that the educational systems needed to "undergo significant reform in order to serve the needs" of this next generation. Both also agreed that we need to take care only to integrate technology where it can enhance or enable learning--not just for technology's sake.

Healy strongly advocated for more research to be done regarding the impact of technology on children, especially the young child (under seven).

The message that continues to ring true to today's educators is that an "informed, balanced approach to technology infusion is key" for the health and success of our future generation.