Kids these days have the ability to do many
things--surf the Internet, watch DVD's in the van,
and manipulate video game controllers with the
greatest of ease. But, one thing many children of
this generation lack is the ability to entertain
themselves. The overuse of
technology is something we all know is not
beneficial to our children. Utilizing the tube as a
babysitter so we can surf the Net is not wise use of
our power as parents. Allowing our children to zone
out on the sofa as drool drips from corners of their
mouths in not something I condone--in fact I find
this somewhat appalling behavior for parents to
allow.
A truly secure child is one who can spend
large amounts of time alone (without technological
distractions) using only their God-given creativity to
keep them occupied. Children who are not being
entertained need to create their own entertainment--
and then enters INGENUITY! But, what I want to
bring to light today are what I have found to be the
many benefits of the controlled use of technology
and our children--and how it has actually generated
creativity in our family.
There was a time in life when I viewed technology
as an "evil" we must keep as far away and limited as
possible. My mind has changed a bit from those
days. Although we allow it--we do make a few
serious moral distinctions and tend to limit
technology use in our home, though not to the
degree of some other parents I've seen. We Keavy's
have a television (without cable), computer and even
an outdated Playstation that was generously given
to us. Because we have seen our children spawn
numerous creative ideas from technology, it is
difficult for us to discount its use entirely.
After a Star Wars film, we have observed
baseball bats becoming light sabers which then
translates into hours of imaginative play. We have
noticed sofa cushions morphing into lily pads for a
live game of Frogger after playing the real version.
We have witnessed our children playing pretend
dinosaurs with beanie babies for three hours after
viewing a dinosaur movie. Without the initial viewing
of the movie or video game---the children may not
have become interested in the subject at all. I
consider this to be a benefit of controlled technology
use.
Our seven year old son enjoys working with the
computer. He utilizes much of his spare time using
graphic design programs that I have helped him
learn. We have watched him create countless
graphics of the flags of the world, and now he is
interested in Star Wars character sketches. This
particular son uses the Internet to answer various
questions he comes up with throughout the day.
Answers to questions that would normally not be
answered until a trip to the library can be found in
only seconds using encyclopedia sites on the Web.
In all the research we have done (thanks to fantastic
controls on our Internet security program) we have
not once come across any unsavory sites. Our sons
also partake in online homeschool classes which they
absolutely adore.
In our homeschool, we use videos such as "The
Magic School Bus" to learn about anything from
human anatomy to insects. Documentaries on DVD
include those on topics like the Civil War, sharks, the
Titanic and many more. The use of video for
education is a valuable tool that arouses more of the
senses than reading a book ever could. The images
and sounds engage a learner for what I believe is
more in-depth knowledge retention. We enjoy
popping in a documentary as we draw or craft about
the topic.
Television shows like "American Idol"
and "Touched by an Angel" are shows which work as
a family adhesive for us. What fun it is to gently
debate which Idol contestant we think is the worst
or best and why. Shows like "Fear Factor" can spur
conversations in our home about what we would and
wouldn't eat for money.
In conclusion, I believe if we take part in
technology in moderation it can be beneficial to our
children and families. So many educational
opportunities can be missed if we limit ourselves with
the vast capabilities this century has bestowed upon
us. Make an educated decision concerning your own
family use of technology, and do what fits for you.
