Technology can influence childhood development in ways that go far beyond screen exposure

TECH continued from page 4 are just [that] it is kind of mind-numbing,” Hobert said. “With KIBO, [the students] have to physically move the robot and move around the coding block so it gets not just their mind engaged but their body [as well].”

Hobert spoke about the importance of introducing kids to a certain degree of technology.

“I think it is really important to teach kids to use technology in a way that is not just to play games or just something they do at home as a way to pass time,” Hobert said. “It can also be used to teach them things like coding and engineering.”

Conclusions on technology’s impact on children do not have clear-cut answers. It is true that screen time can have adverse effects on children’s development and that media can perpetuate harmful stereotypes. At the same time, technology can be a learning tool to expand students’ minds. When done well, technology can introduce them to different cultures and worldviews.

Dobrow shared how her strategy is to accept technology’s prevalence and not fight it.

“My own personal philosophy is, rather than disparage media, … we need to harness it in positive ways,” Dobrow said. “As my students will tell you, I am forever talking about the importance of media literacy, by which I mean making us all into people who can assess media, analyze it and also cre- ate it in ways that are thoughtful and informed.”

As research continues to be developed, the one idea experts can agree on is that technology is not going away anytime soon, and children need to be prepared to utilize it.