don't suffer fools' gold gladly

I just posted this on the WYHEC

Further to our discussion on children and computers at the Halifax meeting this Monday, I just remembered a report called Fools' Gold, warning about the possible downside. It can be downloaded at http://www.allianceforchildhood.com/index.htm
it is quite long, but interesting. I also notice they have done some more work on it and produced another report, called Tech Tonic. This looks good, too,but I havn't had time to read it yet.

Having looked at many schools and early years settings I have noticed the contrast between state schools (who had to have one computer for every 11 children over 4, this ratio may be less now, but always have at least one in the nursery as well, not to mention interactive whiteboards in every classroom) and Montessori (dont have computers in nursery, up to age 6) and Steiner schools, who dont use computers at all, as far as I can work out, apart from possibly after the age of 11. I was quite put off the state schools' use of computers for younger kids- and I know a lot of parents complain about the distraction factor of having constant bleeping noises, not to mention the possible harmful effects to devloping eyes, posture, hand muscles etc. My main worry is that, in prolonged use they prevent young children from doing what they need to do, ie. PLAY.

I know computers are widely used by home educators, and seem a very useful tool, and I am in no way trying to judge or change peoples views.In fact I find it quite interesting how different people approach things. I am new to all this myself and am still finding my way. I just thought you may be interested in all this.

yours wafflingly, Rosie

ps. J wants to do a blog! J and F both have access to my laptop, but I keep it in another room, and tends to be used when I havent got the energy to dovote to all of them (they don't watch TV).