#5 - How Socialization is Changing

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The NPD Group conducted a national survey called Kids Leisure Time IV in which children aged from 2 to 12 years were considered. This study states that socialization among children is changing in the face of growing technology. As kids get older, their traditional socialization (person-to-person contact) has decreased and is being replaced by electronic communication (social networks, cell phones, and video chatting). According to the official report, kids aged 2-4 years spent 17.5 hours physically interacting with their siblings, while ages 9-12 only spent 10.8 hours. 

While technology has decreased socialization among siblings, it has not affected their interaction with traditional toys. In fact, toys have remained a stable foundation in kid's leisure time. “While some of these newer ways to spend their free time are quite alluring to kids, toys hold a unique place in kids’ lives,” said Frazier. “Toy manufacturers should embrace and expand upon what makes traditional toys special to both kids and adults.”

#4 - How the Use of Technology Enhances Children's Development

It is clear that as technology continues to grow and change, so does the way children socialize. But how exactly does the use of technology enhance children's socialization and development? Click here for the full article!

When children use any form of technology, they have the opportunity to meet certain technology standards created by the International Society of Technology in Education (ISTE). Some of these standards include:

• "Work cooperatively and collaboratively with peers, family members, and others when using technology in the classroom"
• "Demonstrate positive social and ethical behaviors when using technology"
• "Use developmentally appropriate multimedia resources to support learning"
• "Use technology resources for problem solving, communication, and illustration of thoughts, ideas, and stories"

These standards clearly indicate that technology serves as a platform for learning and socialization for children. Although skeptics express concern that technology is causing a decrease in child socialization, research has shown that it actually promotes positive interaction. According to the article, "Children engage in diverse social interactions when using the computer including asking for help; directing others’ actions; providing information, assistance, and instruction; managing turn taking; acknowledging each other; commenting on each other’s actions; and disagreeing." Technology has also vastly improved children's cognitive skills. Computers have been known to serve as a motivator, reinforcement, entertainment, scaffolding, and unique stimulation for kids. 

The growing technology in our world today has numerous benefits in childhood education and socialization; however, we should express cautious optimism for the future. While technology can be a fantastic learning tool, too much of it can still be potentially harmful.

#3 - iPads In The Clasroom

New technology has spurred an educational movement that has ultimately changed how children learn, and how teachers teach. The iPad has proven to be a new and exciting device for learning, socialization, and interaction that many education systems are beginning to take advantage of. Is this the way of the future? Watch this video made by the Government Technology Magazine, where they visited three Chicago schools to find out. 

In the beginning of the video, it is mentioned that the iPad is "the excuse to really look at teaching and learning." The iPad has undoubtedly opened new dimensions for both teachers and students, and new educational innovations are constantly being made with this device. By using the iPad, students are able to take a "virtual field trip" every day, which not only engages and entertains, but also allows them learn. The iPad also provides an opportunity for students to collaborate with one another that promotes socialization. However, one of the things that I found most compelling was that special education students who have trouble speaking can use the iConverse app to communicate with their teachers and peers. I believe that this is a very positive benefit of how iPads are changing the face of learning and communication for children.

For anyone who questions the effectiveness of iPads in the classroom, teachers will certainly beg to differ. 32 Chicago public schools have used iPads in their classrooms for one year, and their study has gained recognition from the state. They have been invited to apply for a state grant based on the work they have done with the iPad trial.

#2 - Toddlers and Robots?

When I was researching my topic, I came across a really interesting case study from the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences about the socialization between toddlers and robots at an early childhood education center. Click here for the full article! 

In short, a state-of-the-art humanoid social robot named QRIO was placed in a classroom of toddlers for about five months. Children ranging in age from 18 to 24 months old were chosen for this case study because they have no preconceived notions of robots, and their interactions are less dependent on speech. Initially, the children did not treat the robot the way they treated each other. However, interaction steadily improved as the weeks passed, and by the end of the sessions the children treated the robot as a peer rather than a toy or foreign object. Interaction was strongest when the robot displayed its full behavioral spectrum, while it was weakest when the robot was reprogrammed to behave in a predictable manner.

These results provide somewhat of a futuristic outlook on the autonomous bonding and socialization with humans that can be achieved with robot technology. With this in mind, robots could have the potential to be beneficial for early education systems, helping teachers and providing enrichment and stimulation for the classroom environment.

(Children dancing with QRIO)

#1 - Intro

Hi guys! I chose Child Socialization: Technology as my topic because I am very interested in the effects of modern technology on childhood development in this day and age. I recently read an article about how many kindergartens are beginning to introduce iPads to the classroom as a primary form of stimulation and learning for kids. I believe that there are various pros and cons to this idea that I would like to further explore.