When is the perfect age to introduce a tablet to a child? This question has been asked numerous times in the last couple of decades. With the advancement in technology and accessibility to the internet, it has become harder to restrict electronic devices and gadgets from children. Tablets used by children are mainly for entertainment or learning purposes. Some schools even demand that young children have access to such gadgets to equip them with knowledge of computers and use the gadgets as learning tools. Children as young as six months old are being introduced to tablets in an effort to either keep them entertained or distracted. The question of what age a child should be introduced to a tablet has been asked, with people who support introducing the tablets as early as possible having their reasons. In contrast, those who do not support the introduction until late childhood have their reasons as well. The use of technological devices and gadgets has increased within the last couple of years. While there may be some disadvantages associated with introducing gadgets to toddlers and preschoolers, I support that such gadgets be introduced to children at this age since children tend to be learning a lot. If used with supervision, a tablet would be of benefit to a child’s learning process right before they can begin kindergarten.
In an internet age where there are numerous technological advancements, the introduction of tablets to toddlers and preschoolers emerges as important in preparing children for the changes within the digital age. Toddlers and preschoolers mostly use tablets as educational tools, and the activities within tend to foster cognitive development and enhance early learning experiences (Geist 63). Equipping children with these skills is separate from their day-to-day physical activities as long as they have time restrictions as to when and where they can use their tablets. Unlike traditional teaching and learning methods, tablets provide interactive and engaging content that caters to many learning styles for young and curious minds. Some apps and games are meant to stimulate creativity, problem-solving and critical thinking skills, which are essential before enrolling in early childhood education, according to Geist (61). The intuitive nature of the touch screen devices also helps in the development of motor skills and hand-eye coordination. As society becomes more and more dependent on technology, it is only fair to integrate talents into kids’ learning experiences. While critics may arise about screen time, using tablets in moderation and for purposeful learning experiences can be valuable.
Besides fostering cognitive skills, early childhood introduction to tablets fosters the emergence of literacy skills in toddlers and preschoolers. Tablets are usually equipped with multimodal features and intuitive touch interfaces that offer dynamic learning environments that cater to the diverse ways in which children absorb information. The touch screen devices are interactive and engage multiple senses, which then facilitates a more immersive learning experience (Neumann 244). Children do not just see and hear but also touch and manipulate elements on the screen, creating a rich and stimulating contact for literacy development. The intuitive touch interface of tablets enables even the youngest learners to navigate digital content, giving them a sense of accomplishment (Haddon and Vincent 4). Early exposure to technology creates digital literacy, which is an important skill in a technologically driven world (Neumann 246). As children explore the various letters, numbers, words and stories through touch, sound and sight, they are likely to develop a positive association with literacy, laying a solid foundation for future academic success. While critics may arise, thoughtful integration of tablets is important to empower young kids and foster their learning experience.
Concerns about the attention span of children being affected by the early use of tablets. While such concerns about attention span are often raised, the use of tablets can actually serve to improve focus and engagement, according to Oliemat et al. (592). Tablets, with their large and colourful screen, captivate the attention of young learners more than books would. The tablets make the stories and learning experiences more fun due to the incorporation of colour and musical sounds. The key lies in leveraging this captivating nature to deliver educational content effectively. While it is true that the gadgets are mostly used for entertainment purposes, the majority of the educational apps available allow for a seamless blending of entertainment and learning. Moreover, tablets provide an opportunity for personalized learning experiences that allow children to explore educational content that aligns with their interests and different learning styles (Barmomanesh and Shahper 6). The challenge here lies in something other than the medium of delivery itself but how it can be integrated to provide a holistic learning experience (Oliemat et al. 595). The potential of learning through tablets is undeniable. As much as critics say tablets can only be used for education, research shows that early childhood education can incorporate tablets to prepare the younger generation for the demands of a technologically driven world.
In conclusion, the evolving landscape of education demands that technology be considered within a child’s learning process. While acknowledging the potential disadvantages associated with introducing gadgets to young children, the benefits of using tablets in early learning environments are substantial. Embracing trends is important, especially if it involves enhancing our kids’ futures and educational development. The captivating nature of tablets can be used to engage young minds and provide a platform for interactive and personalized learning experiences. By carefully selecting and monitoring content, tablets can contribute significantly to a child’s cognitive development. The key to using these tablets appropriately lies in striking a balance and utilizing technology as a tool to complement traditional learning methods. Parents, teachers and guardians should ensure that the gadgets are used purposefully and are aligned with educational objectives, which would create a way for a generation that is digitally literate and academically ready to navigate the modern world.
Works Cited
Barmomanesh, Sahar, and Shahper Vodanovich. “Use of touch screen devices among children 0–5 years of age: Parental perception.” 2017 IEEE 21st International Conference on Computer Supported Cooperative Work in Design (CSCWD). IEEE, 2017. https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/8066681/
Haddon, Leslie, and Jane Vincent. “UK children’s experience of smartphones and tablets: perspectives from children, parents and teachers.” 2015. https://eprints.lse.ac.uk/62125/1/UK%20Childern%20mobile%20experience_author.pdf
Geist, Eugene. “Toddlers Through Preschool: Using Tablet Computers with Toddlers and Young Preschoolers.” YC Young Children, vol. 69, no. 1, 2014, pp. 58–63. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/ycyoungchildren.69.1.58
Neumann, Michelle M. “Using tablets and apps to enhance emergent literacy skills in young children.” Early Childhood Research Quarterly 42 2018: 239–246. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecresq.2017.10.006
Oliemat, Enass, Fathi Ihmeideh, and Mustafa Alkhawaldeh. “The use of touch-screen tablets in early childhood: Children’s knowledge, skills, and attitudes towards tablet technology.” Children and Youth Services Review 88 (2018): 591-597. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2018.03.028
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