Children’s Sophisticated Use of Digital Technology
neriman aral2020, Cumhuriyet International Journal of Education
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Abstract
The literature about digital media and technology usage of children has two faces. On one side, the production-oriented sophisticated use of digital devices is reported while on the other side it is a source of concern due to excessive and pointless use. Some of the children are tech-consumers in terms of using their digital devices and some children use them beneficially. This qualitative study adopts phenomenological approach, with a focus to draw a conclusion for educators and aims to shed light on the technological device use of children in terms of duration, purpose, preferences, and feelings about their usage. A total of 61 children aged 7-15 years participated in the study. The children were from different backgrounds such as different parts of the country, different types of schools and different socioeconomic levels. Identifying the similarities and differences of the characteristics of their usage is thought to reveal the factors that motivate the beneficial use of digital technology or that lead to consumption as a means of leisure time tool. The findings of this study enable to provide recommendations to teachers to guide students in the beneficial use of technology. Furthermore the study has some suggestions in a wider scope of the implications for practice and/or policy.
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