Technology and today’s toddler – the benefits of using digital media
Written by Genie Price
Smartphones, laptops and tablets, oh my!
Everywhere we turn, someone is plugged in and switched on. As parents, considering the use of technology, especially for children in the early years, can feel worrying. Many of us feel that being active, playing outside or reading a book is better for children’s development.
While physical activity, reading and other more “traditional” activities continue to play a critical role in a child’s health and development, a growing number of us rely on digital devices from time to time, especially to engage our child when we are busy with something else. A recent study undertaken in 2013 by Common Sense Media indicates that screen time is on average of 2 hours per day for children 0-8. From the same results states that 38% of under two’s studied, had access to and used a mobile device, daily.
Some experts will argue that screen time for under two’s, is not recommended – however, as long as the time is balanced between a range of other activities, the learning from a tablet can be beneficial.
Whether you choose to embrace it or escape it – you can find a balance.
Here are 4 ways in which technology can support your toddler’s learning and development in the early years.
Caters for varied learning styles:
We are not all made from the same mould. Toddlers and young children, especially, learn at their own pace. With an IPad or tablet, you can support your toddler’s learning style by presenting information in different ways.
This works best when you understand what your toddler’s learning style is, then you can adequately cater to their needs and choose apps to suit.
Learnsafe discuss learning styles and how technology can assist each type;
Visual learning:
Your child may be a visual learner if he’s the one flicking through the leaves of a book and playing with shapes and letters. He may also display a high level of observation and often enjoy doodling and drawing.
As for mobile devices, they offer a wide variety of apps to suit a visual learner and you can support this by providing image-rich and artistic choices for your toddler. You can help your child to understand and remember new ideas and concepts by accessing apps which display clear and vibrant pictures – as it’s the best way to capture their attention.
Kinaesthetic learning:
Ever had a child that has to tap and touch everything? He might be a kinaesthetic learner.
A kinaesthetic learner enjoys hands-on experiences and if you toddler is one of these he will benefit from a tablet/IPad because they interact directly with the screen. There are apps tailored to suit all learning types and some of which, require children to hold and change the orientation of the IPad. Interactive and touchable pop-up features will provide your toddler with a fun-filled experience.
Auditory learning:
Auditory learners truly enjoy speaking to and listening to others. These types of learners are best suited to apps which have music and songs! Audio features and audiobooks are available on most devices and help cater to this learner’s listening abilities.
There are plenty of apps which will allow your toddler to record their own “babble” while talking aloud and then allowing them to replay it. Toddlers love to hear themselves and listen to it over and over. This helps them develop a sense of what they’ve learned.
Special Needs:
If you didn’t already know, IPads and tablets are great for children with special needs.
- With over 20,000 apps available, there is a section of apps that are dedicated to toddlers and children with special needs
- Apps offer a variety which cater’s for all levels and abilities
- Before IPad and tablets were around, assistive technology could be very costly. Even now, although some IPads sit within the higher price bracket – you can still get user-friendly and cost friendly device which you don’t need to be selling a limb for
- Increases communication – developers have been able to adequately develop apps that allow for both verbal and non-verbal communicators to do just that – communicate.
NB: Children with special needs all have an individual learning style that may sit within the 3 main styles, however, they also may need assistance from a support person, while they use a device.
Boosts cognitive thinking and problem solving:
While many people fear failure, rejection and embarrassment – toddlers don’t. They like to take risks.
While we don’t want them risking your address book, of course, making mistakes, observing the consequences and trying new approaches – can be risks they can take while on an IPad or tablet.
Unlike passive media (such as TV), more engaging, interactive media and technology (such as educational games) can further promote your toddler to explore, problem solve, create, think, listen, make decisions, observe, and investigate ideas to improve their cognitive development the most.
Promotes early literacy:
Have you tried to engage your toddler in early literacy?
Participants of a study in the 18-24 months age group were found to have increased in letter recognition and sound association with letters, through the use of a device.
By reading eBooks or accessing stories online, your toddler can learn new words and proper ways to pronounce them. There are varied apps which promote early language development where you can provide a picture dictionary or flashcards for them to boost their vocabulary.
NB: It should be highlighted that this increase in literacy was achieved through the use of high-quality educational apps and strong parental involvement.
Supports fine motor development:
A recent study published in Frontiers of Psychology indicates that early touchscreen use, in particular, scrolling the screens – correlates with increased fine motor control in toddlers and by “swiping” the screen, your toddler is developing hand-eye coordination.
Hand-eye-coordination is beneficial to supporting your child with handwriting at school and developing the skills for throwing a ball.
In today’s world and because our education system expects it, children must learn the basics of using technology. As a parent, it’s entirely up to you how and at what age you start to use a device. But you can be assured that however you choose to use your time with your toddler, you can give them a head start with carefully supervised and appropriate use of mobile devices.
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