Technology friend or foe?

I have to admit that I am part of the group that feels as though technology is effecting how children learn, and not in a good way. I feel that we see way too many young children sitting on their Nintendo DS’ and playstations and that they are missing out. I used to have so much fun playing outside in the mud, exploring the world by being in it. However I have read an article that has shown me how technology can be used to inspire children to be more creative. Maybe in the past I was a little naive, not all technologies make children the passive participant. In this particular article a young girl Alexandra used a piece of technology known as a cricket, to support her learning she was able to use this technology alongside a variety of other materials, that enabled her to explore her world and design a very impressive “Marble Machine”. Alexandra was completely captivated by her project and used the cricket to solve practical problems, and expand her scientific thinking.  Alexandra was able to test out her own ideas and make changes due to her results, showing evidence of learning.

As teachers I think we have a difficult task ahead of us; we have to find ways to combine technology with everyday learning, ensuring that it does not take over students own thinking but supports it and allows more room of exploration and expression. It is important that we see the opportunity that technology gives us, in this particular article it displayed how technology can be used to support learning through playing and through designing. We as teachers must lead the way implementing these technologies in a positive manner. 


Thanks to this flickr'


Resnick, M. (2006). Computer as Paintbrush: Technology, Play, and the Creative Society. In Singer, D., Golikoff, R., and Hirsh-Pasek, K. (eds.), Play = Learning: How play motivates and enhances children's cognitive and social-emotional growth. Oxford University Press.