As children’s librarians, we spend a great deal of time working with and advising not only children but also their parents. We provide tips on early literacy, advice about emerging readers, book recommendations for reluctant readers, and more. As technology becomes more prevalent in the lives of children, we must also serve as a resource for parents in this area. Here are ten ways children’s librarians can ensure that they can adequately help parents become confident about the role that technology plays in the lives of their children.
Children are exposed to technology in many ways. As technology use in informal settings like the home, the community, the library, the zoos, and museums increases, children are exposed to a variety of applications and technology availability. Each generation of children come to early childhood programs with increasingly different experiences and exposure to technology. Technology has become a strong cultural influence in the lives of children, and we need to explore and think about how this will impact development and learning.
While libraries have long been known as destinations for learning, research, and study, the methods we use to provide homework support must be continually updated, not only to demonstrate our relevance in a technological era, but also to ensure that the students we serve have access to the most up-to-date information and devices.
CHILDREN AND TECHNOLOGY: PREOCCUPATIONS, PRACTICES AND PARTICIPATION IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION