HighTech Tots Childhood in a Digital World

Young children are coming of age surrounded by information and communication technology (ICT). ICT is a prominent force in their lives, and working with ICT can stimulate students intellectually, incite their creativity, and challenge them to apply developmentally appropriate inquiry approaches that enhance their learning experiences. Digital technologies also allow children to expand their physical space and access many online social environments that transcend time and space. However, any focus on the efficiency and effectiveness of technology applications in the early childhood years cannot overlook the potential consequences of technological development on children with regard to their social functioning, interpersonal interactions, and global understanding. In addition to evaluating technology as a tool of instruction, we must focus on educational implications and ethical issues associated with their use.

This book is the fifth in the Research in Global Child Advocacy Series. The volume examines theoretical assumptions as well as the application of innovative strategies that optimize the interface between young children and ICT from a global perspective. Despite divergent perspectives, the chapter authors share a commitment to explore the immersion of ICT into the lives of young children and consider the educational value of these tools as well as the developmental appropriateness of technological affordances. This volume brings together scholars and policymakers whose rich discourse delves into questions such as: How do communication technologies benefit young children’s social and cognitive development? What standards and technical specifications are needed to effectively safeguard young children engaged with ICT? How are young children introduced to ICT? What are the challenges and risks for young children online? What programs are effective in mediating risk? What are the educational applications for ICT in early childhood? Is social networking the new "online playground” for young children? How can young children become competent users of digital technology and media? How can early childhood educators and families encourage positive usage and discourage negative social consequences associated with today’s technology? How can ICT enhance teaching and learning for young children? What ICT activities are developmentally appropriate for young children?

In the book there are three primary areas of emphasis: (a) ICT as a teaching and learning tool across cultures and countries to promote the social and cognitive development of young children; (b) research on developmentally appropriate education on cybersafety and cybercitizenship; and (c) studies on the influence of digital technologies on young children, including exposure to inappropriate content and participation in online social networks. This resource offers readers a glimpse into the experience of children and the expertise of researchers and professionals who diligently work toward crafting a framework for action that reflects intercultural and cross-national initiatives. Given the role that electronic media plays in the lives of children as both an educational and entertainment tool, understanding the physical and social contexts, as well as the developmental issues, is critical to programs aiming to optimize the full potential of digital tools that support and enhance the experiences of young children.

MICHAEL J. BERSON is an Assistant Professor of Social Science Education at the University of South Florida. He is a co-founder of the American educational Research Association SIG Research in Global Child Advocacy and is the Publications Committee Chair for the Florida Council for the Social Studies. He currently serves on the Executive Committee of the College and University Faculty Assembly of the National Council for the Social Studies, and he is an appointed member of the United Nations Child Health Task Force Advisory Committee on Internet Safety. He has published numerous articles in the area of technology in social studies education.

BARBARA C. CRUZ is an Associate Professor of Social Science Education at the University of South Florida. Her research interests include global and multicultural perspectives in education, with an emphasis on Latino and African-American populations. Her other work includes innovative teacher preparation utilizing active learning strategies. In addition to academic publications, she is the author of young adult books and biographies.

JAMES A. DUPLASS is a Professor of Social Science Education at the University of South Florida. He is a graduate of Loyola and Saint Louis universities. His publications include "Crescent City Short Stories," a collection of southern ethnology themes, and academic articles on values education, curriculum design, and thinking skills. He is the past editor of "Trends and Issues," the journal of the Florida Council for the Social Studies, and has received over $1 million in technology grants.

J. HOWARD JOHNSTON is Professor of Secondary Education at the University of South Florida. He has authored over 100 workson middle-level education and has presented over 1500 invited papers, lectures, and keynote addresses in all 50 U.S. states, 7 Canadian provinces, and more than a dozen countries in Europe, South America, Asia, and the Caribbean. In addition to nine books, he has published in the "NASSP Bulletin, Middle School Journal, Phi Delta Kappan, School Administrator, Schools in the Middle, School Boards Journal," and numerous other outlets. He is the recipient of the National Association of Secondary School Principals' Distinguished Service Award, National Middle School Association's Presidential Award for Excellence, and Gruhn-Long Award for lifetime service to middle-level education. He has served on the Board of Trustees of the National Middle School Association and the Council on Middle Level Education for the National Association of Secondary School Principals. He currently serves as a Lead Team consultant for the Champion International Corporation's Middle School Partnership.