An interesting theory at the time, saturation theory states that children can only have limited learning and once their minds are “saturated” they cannot learn anymore. This is partially true but not entirely. In my Psychology of Language and Developmental Psychology classes at SBU, we discovered that children learn the most when they are young, especially when it comes to cognitively demanding tasks such as language. One particular study found that children who are exposed to multiple languages in the womb can learn those languages easier as children. Another related theory, the “Mozart Effect”, states that children who listen to Mozart learn better and are more creative. This theory once believed to be true has been debunked by several sources. Does early exposure to technology hinder a child’s learning? I currently work at the Institute of Digital Media and Child Development and the answer isn’t clear. There is enough research supporting both sides of the argument. However, in my personal opinion, I believe that a limited amount of time is good for children. They can build the critical thinking skills that it takes to operate this technology much sooner. Technology also has benefits of making learning fun and easy for children. When my children are born there will probably be so much technology that it is almost essential to know how to use it to get by with day-to-day tasks. Children are naturally curious so I believe that they will want to learn and that they will learn how to master this technology at earlier ages.
Further questions: Do analog mediums have the same effect as digital ones? If children listen to natural sound instead of digital, live performances instead of recorded, using an abacus for math instead of a computer/calculator, will you see the same positive/negative effects on learning?
Byers-Heinlein, K., T. C. Burns, and J. F. Werker. "The Roots of Bilingualism in Newborns." Psychological Science 21.3 (2010): 343-48. Association for American Psychological Science. Association for American Psychological Science, 2010. Web. 15 Feb. 2015.
Harvard University. "Muting the Mozart effect." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 11 December 2013. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/12/131211185325.htm>.
Mehr SA, Schachner A, Katz RC, Spelke ES (2013) Two Randomized Trials Provide No Consistent Evidence for Nonmusical Cognitive Benefits of Brief Preschool Music Enrichment. PLoS ONE 8(12): e82007. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0082007
Digital Saturation
An interesting theory at the time, saturation theory states that children can only have limited learning and once their minds are “saturated” they cannot learn anymore. This is partially true but not entirely. In my Psychology of Language and Developmental Psychology classes at SBU, we discovered that children learn the most when they are young, especially when it comes to cognitively demanding tasks such as language. One particular study found that children who are exposed to multiple languages in the womb can learn those languages easier as children. Another related theory, the “Mozart Effect”, states that children who listen to Mozart learn better and are more creative. This theory once believed to be true has been debunked by several sources.
Does early exposure to technology hinder a child’s learning? I currently work at the Institute of Digital Media and Child Development and the answer isn’t clear. There is enough research supporting both sides of the argument. However, in my personal opinion, I believe that a limited amount of time is good for children. They can build the critical thinking skills that it takes to operate this technology much sooner. Technology also has benefits of making learning fun and easy for children. When my children are born there will probably be so much technology that it is almost essential to know how to use it to get by with day-to-day tasks. Children are naturally curious so I believe that they will want to learn and that they will learn how to master this technology at earlier ages.
Further questions: Do analog mediums have the same effect as digital ones? If children listen to natural sound instead of digital, live performances instead of recorded, using an abacus for math instead of a computer/calculator, will you see the same positive/negative effects on learning?
Byers-Heinlein, K., T. C. Burns, and J. F. Werker. "The Roots of Bilingualism in Newborns." Psychological Science 21.3 (2010): 343-48. Association for American Psychological Science. Association for American Psychological Science, 2010. Web. 15 Feb. 2015.
Harvard University. "Muting the Mozart effect." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 11 December 2013. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/12/131211185325.htm>.
Mehr SA, Schachner A, Katz RC, Spelke ES (2013) Two Randomized Trials Provide No Consistent Evidence for Nonmusical Cognitive Benefits of Brief Preschool Music Enrichment. PLoS ONE 8(12): e82007. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0082007
Roxby, Philippa. "Does Technology Harm Toddlers?" BBC News. BBC, 19 Apr. 2013. Web. 13 Feb. 2015. <http://www.bbc.com/news/health-22219881>
--Angelo