Technology's Effect On Language And Literacy

Research Question

The increase of technology is playing a key role in the development of different sectors. What is the role of technology on language and literacy development of children?

Discussion

The digital technology is gaining popularity and success in each and every aspect of life. There are also concerns that there is a great impact of technology on the language and literacy development of children. According to the researchers, technology can have a very positive influence on different types of communication skills of children. According to the report presented by DCSF (2007), 87% of the children aged from 12 to 15 years own a mobile phone. The recent audit conducted by U.K children Media Literacy which has been conducted by Ofcom has also presented the similar results. According to the Ofcom report, there is a key role of media including the internet, television and game consoles in the development of language and literacy development of children (Al-Khatib, 37). The use of internet communication is more in girls as compared to boys which is a helpful aspect in their language and literacy development. The rate of girls using internet communication is more than boys i.e. 84% girls as compared to 75% of boys. This use of communication technology is helpful for the children's language development.

The report has also presented the findings that there is a very negative impact of computers on health risks as the decrease in human interaction can be dangerous for language, social and emotional development of children. Apart from all the negative impacts, there is a very positive influence of technology on language and literacy development. It is necessary that government should increase the understanding about positive impact of communication technology on children's language and literacy development and take the initiatives to ensure equality in providing technology to everyone. According to the researchers conducted both in United States and United Kingdom, there is a digital division in both countries through which the lower income families do not have proper access to information technology (Zoetewey, 38). These researches have also highlighted that the places where there is an improved access to technology, youngsters have received improved educational achievements.

There is a great role of play and literacy activities using technology on meeting the educational objectives in students. Children increase their language and literacy development abilities by making use of technologies including blocks, art materials and pencils which is a helpful tool for them. The different advanced technologies like handheld microscope, computers and software are used as a sophisticated tool of play and are very helpful in the development of language and linguistics. The different authoring programs like KidPix and HyperStudio are increasingly used by students for story telling in pictures and words. Different educators are using the technology tools and activities which could be helpful in language stimulant which help in providing different opportunities for discussions. This also helps in the development of academic and content area vocabulary (Kukulska, 12). Through the use of technology ...