Monday, July 28, 2014

Growing Technology


Kindergarteners learn the parts of a plant through an app on their classroom tablets, second graders learn about the butterfly life cycle as it is projected on the smart board - the digital age brings all sorts of new wonders, but at what cost? Young students are obsessed with screens, and many parents and teachers are relying much too heavily on technology; rather than using it to complement hands-on experiences based in real-world exploration, technology takes center stage. I have never seen so many children afraid of bugs or worried about getting dirt on their hands and clothes. No technology can ever replace kneeling in the dirt and getting messy!
By Stephen
Original Image Citation: Urban Farm, July/Aug 2011, p. 61