Kids and Technology

I first used a desktop computer when I was in grade 6 and that was already a big deal. Nowadays, however, children are exposed to tablets and notebooks even before they are two. There are of course several pros and cons in this regard.

Let's start with the pros.
1. There are many useful learning programs that can help kids learn numeracy and literacy, among others, very early in their life.
2. They are exposed to the medium that they'd have to work with sooner or later.
3. Their attention to sit-down activities using tablets and notebooks become higher.

Now, let's go to the cons.
1. They get addicted to these things. One of my nieces actually had I-pad as one of her first words, and she uses it quite often. Also, the addiction doesn't end. Even my older nephews and nieces are often engrossed in their devices.
2. Left on their own, they get exposed to material that are not meant for them, especially for adolescents since they also get unsavory URLs from their friends.
3. Their attention to tasks that are not as colorful or as interactive as what they've been used to in tablet or notebook games or presentations become a lot lower.

Nevertheless, with a little bit of balance, I believe it can be more useful than harmful. Knowledge is currently and literally at their fingertips. We just need to teach them how to make good use of it.