Computers for Young Children: Gold or “Fool’s Gold?”
Since computers were first introduced to young children almost 20 years ago, there has been a certain amount of fear and controversy voiced over technology’s “harm” to this young population. In the 1980’s many critics thought computers would isolate children and affect their social skills in negative ways. Today the criticism is even more profound and, through the Internet, publications about computer use are reaching a wide audience. This article will review and compare two such publications, Fool’s Gold: A Critical Look at Computers in Childhood (Cordes & Miller, 1999) and Children and Computer Technology (2000), a recent issue of The Future of Children journal. Both publications make general statements and claims about child development and each takes a stand for or against computer use with young children. In reviewing these writings it is noted that, although research studies are cited to support some claims, many statements stand unsupported.
Despite all we have learned over the years about the positive effects of computers on young children, many are still skeptical about the benefits of technology. The most recent criticism has been voiced by a large coalition in early childhood known as the Alliance for Childhood. In their recent publication, Fool’s Gold: A Critical Look at Computers in Childhood, the Alliance focuses on the negative effects they fear computers are having or will have on young children. Although they claim that research shows many negative effects, no actual studies related to their claims are cited in their publication (available as a pdf file at their web site, ). Fool’s Gold makes several claims about computers and children. The Coordinator for the Alliance for Childhood begins by stating that the focus is “on children in early childhood and elementary education, for the data seem clear that computers offer few advantages in these years.”(p. 1, Cordes & Miller, 1999). In the Executive Summary, the editors, Colleen Cordes and Edward
Despite all we have learned over the years about the positive effects of computers on young children, many are still skeptical about the benefits of technology. The most recent criticism has been voiced by a large coalition in early childhood known as the Alliance for Childhood. In their recent publication, Fool’s Gold: A Critical Look at Computers in Childhood, the Alliance focuses on the negative effects they fear computers are having or will have on young children. Although they claim that research shows many negative effects, no actual studies related to their claims are cited in their publication (available as a pdf file at their web site, ). Fool’s Gold makes several claims about computers and children. The Coordinator for the Alliance for Childhood begins by stating that the focus is “on children in early childhood and elementary education, for the data seem clear that computers offer few advantages in these years.”(p. 1, Cordes & Miller, 1999). In the Executive Summary, the editors, Colleen Cordes and Edward
References: Behrmann, R. E. (Ed.). (2000). Children and computer technology. The Future of Children, 10(2). Cordes, C., & Miller, E. (Eds.). (1999). Fool’s Gold: A Critical Look at Computers in Childhood. Alliance for Childhood. . Hutinger, P. (Summer 1996). Computer applications in programs for young children with disabilities: Recurring themes. Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, 11(2), 105-114, 124. Hutinger, P. (Fall 1999/Winter 2000). Young children with disabilities can exceed adult expectations when equipment, software, activities are appropriate. ACTTive Technology, 15(1).