The Controversial Role of Technology in Early Childhood Education and Care

Running Head: EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AND CARE 1
Early Childhood Education and Care
Names
Institution

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AND CARE 2
Early Childhood Education and Care
Introduction
According to Owens (2016), the role of technology in early childhood education has been
a controversial topic for both teachers and children. With the constant technological revolution
that is being witnessed in the current century, various views concerning how it is likely to
influence the learning processes of the young ones raised (Wiltshare, 2012). Although some
people argue that technology may positively enhance early childhood education, others hold
opposing views, and therefore this topic is worth discussion.
Researchers have also provided varying opinions concerning the role of technology in
early childhood education, with some stating that children should have the chance to use
technologically related gadgets such as computers to enhance their development (Izumi-Taylor et
al., 2010). Those with contrary opinion argue that the technologically related devices may be
useful to kids but hold the view that most of the teachers may not be utilizing the gadgets in the
right way to enhance a healthy development of the children (Robinson, 2011). However, both the
supporters and non-supporters of this topic agree on the importance of technology on young
kid’s emotional, cognitive, social and physical development (Suggate & Reese, 2012).
Therese, O. M. (2013). Early Childhood Education: An Ignored Solution to the Achievement
Gap in the United States. The Journal of Law in Society, 14(1), 25-38.
Therese (2013) affirms that technology, especially the use of computer in early childhood
education has numerous advantages. One of them is that it offers an exceptional tool for children
to learn and to enhance their learning skills. When using a computer in early childhood
education, it becomes possible for the teacher, parent or guardian to identify hidden strengths or

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AND CARE 3
weaknesses about the child, and therefore develops strategies to ensure the kid develops in the
right manner.
Therese (2013) also argues that technology has the potential to develop the quality of
education when used properly and adequately. Learning using technological devices enables the
kids to enhance their motor and cognitive skills as well as other factors that make them to
develop in the right manner. Various studies have also implied that it assists children to fit in the
digital age perfectly.
As time goes on, technology is becoming the basis of everything that human being does.
This means that it is fundamental for every person to be literate on how to use various
technology related gadgets such as cell phones, computers, tablets and the internet. Therefore,
being familiar with various technological devices at early stages presents additional advantages
to the child when conquering various aspects of life. Therese (2013) affirms that if teachers
incorporate technological use in the early childhood education, there is a possibility that some of
the challenges witnessed today such as being unable to use modern technology in handling some
of the tasks would not be witnessed.
Therese (2013) also affirms that technology has various other benefits in early
development of children. For example, it promotes school readiness and cognitive development,
improves language skills, enhances hand-eye coordination, and also results to higher capacity of
visual attention. He also states that proper use of technology in early education increases
motivation to accomplish assigned tasks, makes the kid to have more dynamic spatial skills and
develop problem-solving skills.