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Future Intelligence
Have you ever wondered what technology has done to the way we live our lives? For example, how do young children interact with computers, and how ready are their bodies to deal with that?
Greg Melvill-Smith, In Touch presenter, investigates.
Says Dr Clyde Alexander, optometrist: "Most children I see are here as a result of the strain placed on their eyes by modern technology. They watch TV, they are exposed to computers, the level of schoolwork they are doing, the level of homework that they are doing - it is all transferring one form of eye strain for another. The average child isn't fully ready to cope with the demands placed on their eyes for many reasons, mostly being evolution where eyes haven't changed over the last 50 odd thousand years. However, the technology has changed hugely if one compares 50,000 years ago to the present, but even 50 or 20 years ago to the present time, has seen huge advancements in technology, but the eyes are still more efficient at distance. Initially man's function was survival, hunter, gatherers and even though that situation has changed, technology has advanced that survival is now a nearpoint function and, of course, the eyes haven't adapted to that situation as quickly as technology has.
"Primary schoolchildren should spend a maximum of one hour, and no more, per day in front of the computer. Older children can spend a little bit longer," says Michael Plumstead from Futurekids S.A., "as long as it is constructive viewing and constructive interaction with the computer. Computers are like pencils in the olden days, or like ballpoint pens or calculators. They should be a tool in the hands of the children. When grade 12's leave school, what we want them to be able to do, is to manage information. The danger in computer technology is in the types of games that children are exposed to; and to a much lesser extent, the freedom that they have on the Internet. The computer is a tool for education and learning. It is going to be vital in South Africa. The Internet, along with the computer, but not the latest and greatest computer, but a computer that can fulfill the needs of the learner in South Africa.
"Well, there you have it," says Greg. " On the one hand computers are creating an environment in which our children are learning skills that can only benefit them in the future. On the other, they need to play outdoors and develop their physical strength. Whichever way you look at it though, our children are being driven into a world of technological intelligence."
Mike Plumstead |
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"There is no doubt that computers have provide children with an alternative and exciting form of education," says Greg. "In fact, computer studies are an integral part of the education system, and provides children with benefits that will assist them for life. But is there a negative side to computer technology? Are children's bodies ready to copy with the hours spent in front of the computer?"
Computer technology is all good and well but cannot replace a child running outside and getting the opportunity to relax their eyes and look in different places. Technology, combined with growth and fine motor normal skill development, gives a child the best of both worlds."
Couple that in a couple of year's time with virtual reality and you have the ideal medium for teaching in a developing country, like South Africa, getting into all the rural areas."
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