Do preschoolers need mandatory screen time?
This is an interesting article. Have a read and then perhaps have a look at my thoughts… they don’t really specify what ‘screen time’ is. I like CCFC, but this seems manipulative. I agree. with limiting children’s exposure to commercial media (tv, computers, games, videos, toys, fashion, print images). But buy going after ‘screens’ rather than commercial media, they’re being anti-inclusive. The use of ipads for ASD children, the use of non-commercial children focused open source operating systems like ubuntu, non-commerical constructivist learning environments like minecraft or WorldofGoo, and social media technologies that have a positive impact on a child’s sense of self and knowledge of the world/culture/identity, all point to positive uses of technology. And as for the issue of obesity, food choices and physical activity are more useful solutions than removing screens. When I go into the an early learning environment and see them spending so time sitting around, waiting for teacher, waiting for everyone to take their turn (of say 20 children), lining up, etc., they’re not being physically active or engaged in hands-on meaningful learning, I don’t see how removing the 2 computers that are sometimes used, is going to help anyone.
Children are immersed in technology, and by ignoring it, banning it or mindlessly embracing it, we ignore the opportunity to constructively challenge corporate and commercial interests. Meaningful use of technology goes hand in hand with meaningful learning opportunities, physical activities and food choices. I’m not a fan of sticking my head in the sand 
jason lj
The EDGE Lab’s ADS openening by Leutenant Governor General David Onley at Ryerson May 2, 2011.
jason lj
Catsy asked What are your goals?
I usually don’t do this, but somehow I’m feeling like I can.
- I do yoga every day. I do just enough to get me going in the morning, but never enough to improve. I want to move beyond maintenance.
- Get a regular writing process going. I hate that writing is rushed and never really something I get around to doing in a thoughtful and reflective manner. I need 1-2 writing only days each week. I’m hoping that that’s wednesday and thursday.
- Balance my eating. I eat good quality but I’ve never found the right rhythm. I eat too little or too much, or forget to eat. This year I kept healthy snacks with me all the time, which meant that I was eating very often, and I think that that’s the best, but it needs fine tuning.
- Spend more time with Yuka. I tend to work 6 days a week and Yuka works less. I want to sync up our schedules more.
- Get tenure dealt with. This is cheating, because it will happen regardless. Though I guess I could let it run on longer if I did nothing. Getting #2 done will get me through here one way or another.
- Drink less wine. Just because it is sticking around my waist a bit too much.
- Make the EDGElab the most rock’n lab in the universe, and actually get useful, meaningful and conceptually valuable stuff out there.
Hmmm… I don’t really have any goals. These are like, ya, well… that’s life so do it. But there’s nothing that is really a ‘goal’ or something to be achieved.
What are your goals?
jason Catspaw, lj
Please check out EdgeLab Research Associate Kate Raynes-Goldie’s blog post The Philosophy of Facebook or, the real reason Facebook doesn’t care about privacy. Kate has really been driving the privacy agenda at the lab since she arrived, organizing the first privacy camp last june (see http://privacycampto.org/), and helping us with the upcoming one this spring. She’s made numerous presentations, and we’re just finishing up a collaborative paper on children, autonomy and privacy.
privacy camp logo
jason EDGElab, Friends/Colleagues
It is as natural and accurate a depiction you’ll ever see of me in the inner orange.
jason lj
iTots crave Apple’s new toy says that the iPad will change children’s culture. Our research is suggesting that it will change learning as well.
jason lj
