Module 5: Living Inquiries – Communication and Literacies
Why is Technology Important?
Technology has changed the way we interact with each other and the ways knowledge and information can be accessed.
Children are living in this technology-rich environment as consumers, creators, and producers. They create, improvise, and repurpose.
Some children rely on technology to support their ability to interact and to live. For example, some children use technologies that help them communicate verbally or symbolically.
Children may discover new and exciting ways to use technology. They experiment with images, print, gesture, sound, and video that can contribute to multiple modes of communication and literacies.
However, there are differing views on the use of technology in childhood. It is important to consider accessibilty, ethical use, and critical thinking.
Consider:
Not all children, schools, and families have equal access to technology
Everyone needs to use digital media ethically (conforming to accepted standards of conduct)
Everyone, including both adults and children are encouraged to become critical users of digital media
Consider how much time children should spend with technology each day.
https://www.cps.ca/en/documents/position/screen-time-and-young-children
https://www.caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/screen-time-and-young-children
