This document discusses research into the connection between digital technologies like computers and iPads and child development. Some teachers have noticed that excessive technology use is associated with shorter attention spans and difficulty with perseverance. Surveys found that technology hinders students' writing, communication, critical thinking, and ability to do homework independently. Many students now expect to find answers instantly online. However, other teachers have found benefits to integrating technology into learning as it allows for personalized education and learning outside the classroom. While more research is needed, technology could either negatively condition passive users or provide opportunities to engage digital learners.

1. T ECHNOLOGYAND THE DEVELOPING MIND
BY TAYLOR DALE
Image by triconeva

2. Researchers have
recently begun to
address the
connectionbet
ween digital
technologies
like iPads and
computers, and
the
developing
human mind.
Image by IntelFreePress

3. Teachers have noticed
that children’s attention
spansand ability to
perseverein difficult
tasks has significantly
changed, presumably as a
result ofincreased time
spent with digital
technologies. Image by Fiery-Phoenix

4. … and they
are also
struggling to
capture
and hold
the attention
of their
class.Image by cybrarian77

5. In a recent survey…
60% of teachers said
technology was hindering their
student’s ability to
writeandcommunicat
eface to face…
Image by Clint Hamada

6. think critically and do their homework…
… 50% said it affected their ability to
Image by __Jens__

7. … and 76% believed that their students
have been conditioned by websites such as Wikipedia
to believe they can find answers instantly…
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8. Which changes
the way in which
students can
focus through
academic
challenges,
where the
correct answer
is not just a few
keystrokes away…
Image by katybird

9. So what will this mean for…
classrooms, teachers, students,
education, and the learning process…
in the future???
Image by triconeva

10. Where some teachers believe that technology has a
negativeeffect on student learning ability in the
classroom, other teachers have taken a different
approach…
Image by Thomas Favre-Bulle

11. By integrating
technology into
how a child learns
new tasks…
Image by See-ming Lee

12. Image by abstrakone
In a study conducted by Pew Internet,
the majority of teachers surveyed believed that
technology has a significant impact
on how their students worked, especially when it came to
take-home assignments or homework
… so if students are just going to use technology at home anyway, why not
Integrate it into the classroom?

13. Teachers use digital technologies to enhance student
learning by integrating ebooks and interactive simulations to
supplement and sometimes replace traditional lessons…
Image by Alexandre Lemieux

14. Image by Jody Roberts
Mobile devices in education…
1. Allow kids to
learn at their
own pace, and
even continue to
learn outside of the
amount of time spent
in the classroom…

15. 2. Remove
any barriers
that may
hinder a
student’s
learning
process… like
gender
barriers or
physical
ability… Image by SMI Eye Tracking

16. 3. Provide new ways for teachers to connect
and interact with their students…
Image by Northern Ireland Executive

17. 4. And provide
custom learning
opportunities for
students to foster their
own…
Creativity,
talents,
passions, likes
and dislikes..
Image by Mike Cogh

18. Although there is much more research to be done…
Digital technologies and mobile devices can either be…
1. Condemned for creating distracted and passive users… or…
2. Embraced as an opportunity for custom education, new
learning strategies, and a way to engage a growing
population of digital tech-savvy learners….
Image by {Flixelpix} David
YOU CAN DECIDE…

19. Images…
All images are licensed under the Creative Commons Non-
Commercial Share-Alike 3.0 agreement and sourced from Flickr
Image by {Flixelpix} David

20. Sources and Articles
• http://www.pewinternet.org/Reports/2013/Teachers-and-
technology.aspx
• http://www.nielsen.com/us/en/newswire/2012/american-families-
see-tablets-as-playmate-teacher-and-babysitter.html
• http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2013/04/the-touch-
screen-generation/309250/2/
• http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/03/31/disruptions-what-does-
a-tablet-do-to-the-childs-mind/
• http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/01/education/technology-is-
changing-how-students-learn-teachers-say.html?_r=0
• http://www.fastcodesign.com/1669896/10-ways-that-mobile-
learning-will-revolutionize-education
• http://mashable.com/2010/11/22/technology-in-education/
Image by {Flixelpix} David