School News

There has been much debate, particularly within Early Years settings, that introducing technology at an early age squeezes out the time for traditional play, books, language development etc. Research has shown that a child’s earliest social interactions (family, friends, preschool, etc.) determines the quality and speed of their development.  According to Ms. Val Awad, head of Early Years at CES, “Tablets and computers are a cultural tool, one of many, which supplement the nurturing expressed through language and human interactions. Just give a class of 4 year olds iPads and listen. You will hear discussion, negotiation, and peer learning that springs to life in abundance. The debate continues but digital technology is most effective when used as a joint experience, with an interested adult using appropriate intervention and support. For Vygotsky (1978), the environment in which children grow up will influence how they think and what they think about, and for John Dewey (1915) ‘If we teach today’s students as we taught yesterday’s, we rob them of tomorrow.’”