I interviewed Lindsay Friedman a marketing teacher at Heritage High School. She is a mother of two young boys ages 7 and 8. Her boys go to a private elementary school where the children have little to no technology.
Mrs. Friedman supports her boy’s schools decision in having limited technology in the classroom. Unlike Loudoun County elementary schools her kids were not given Chromebooks. Her children read out of books instead of over a computer screen. They write on paper instead of typing on a Google Document. Mrs. Friedman has noticed that her boys fine motor skills surpass children in public schools that spend all day typing on a computer. Her boys are skilled at coloring in the lines, have neat handwriting, and can cut paper with scissors easily. Elementary Schoolers in Loudoun County are lacking in the neat handwriting department and their ability to cut paper. During COVID when Mrs. Friedman’s boys had to be on a computer she noticed her boy’s attitude changed. They became angry and distraught over learning online. Now in person with no technology their attitudes have changed drastically. The boys are now happy and excited to learn. The private school has not cut out ALL technology. Teachers at the private school still have Smart Boards and the students still attend computer lab for a limited time once a week. This interview has made me realize that limiting technology in young children is the way to improve our children’s future.
I agree with you on the fact that children shouldn’t have excessive access to technology. Children should refine their motor skills before they are introduced to heavy use of electronics and become addicted to the use of it.
I really like how you interviewed someone who has kids but also works in a school. I find it very interesting that during COVID their attitudes changed greatly because of all their screen time. I agree that young children should most definitely have their screen time limited because it most definitely can help them with their social interaction and motor skills.
I remember learning about how technology offers a lot of stimulation to the brain. The brain was never made to handle that much, so when people feel bored they get distracted easier. Could that help back up your point about how technology negatively affects kids’ attitudes and skills?