The technology of computers is all around us, we are living with them, using them, play with them and also study from them. The children are using computers, they are aware computers are there and we tend to let them play on the computer from an early age. There are many educational games and programs that the children can benefit from and of course, get entertained as well.
There are advantages and disadvantages of children using computers. There is no arguing it is fun, children get amazed by the colors, the sounds, and the attraction a computer gives them and like very little babies, children are thrilled by the discovery of new things. They are learning to use a mouse, a keyboard, and to react to the happenings on the computer by doing the appropriate action that is required from them. So, they are learning.
The advantages are that the computer is a whole world in one box, one place. They can sit down in front of the computer for hours and even for days, and learn so many things including having fun. They can learn school materials, they can read online, they can play computer games that challenge their knowledge, they can find anything they need on the internet (It is the larger “library” in the world), learn on different countries, learn history, learn mathematics, learn how to take care of their pets, etc… So, we
can see that the computer is a really good teacher for our kids.
The disadvantages are that the computer prevents them from doing kids’ stuff like we used to do before computers. They might not get out playing with other kids, play ball games, run around, chase each other and just take out a lot of energy (that they have as kids) and of course by doing that do some fitness to keep healthy. By sitting down in front of the computer all the time, they damage their eyesight, they might get fat (since they do no exercises), even though you can contact others using the internet, there is no replacement for face to face chat, fight, game playing, feeling each other, etc… and not just cyber do it .
Summarizing, I have to say that there is much good at computers, but like anything else, it has to be in the right dosage. Like anything else you exaggerate with and might cause damage, the same is with computers, we need to make sure they still do the old ways of enjoying life, and the company of other kids, by actual playing with others, going out to get some sunshine, absorb life, and from time to time benefit from the advantages the computer can give us, by using it for fun, games and of course as a teacher, to learn new things, use its resources to discover more, and find the information we need.