IMPACT OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES AND TOOLS ON CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS

Abstract

The conference paper fi rstly encompassed a theoretical analysis of the main models from psychology and recent studies that show the impact of digital technologies in terms of their advantages, disadvantages and the appropriate pedagogical use in the school, family and socio-educational context. Some data related to an empirical study carried out by the author of this work have also been presented. This study addresses the impact of digital technologies on children and adolescents, especially with regards to their attitudes towards the use of the mentioned technologies, for the improvement of teaching and learning process within Spanish educational context. Amongst the results, the motivational factor and the considerable usefulness of these technologies in teaching and learning process can be highlighted if they have an appropriate pedagogical objective that is adapted to each agegroup’s cognitive requirements. Additionally, the importance of the playful element of this type of technology based on images and not only on words for educational purposes, and other potential uses such as the didactic focus of different computer applications, must also be highlighted. Moreover, the results show that these technologies can be used for all kinds of diversities in one way or another, to educate in values and to contribute into a better coexistence. Finally, from a refl ective position, some suggestions and recommendations have been made with the aim of supporting psychoeducational guidance and intervention to prevent and treat possible digital risks, such as the ones associated with technology addiction within the educational and family context. Great attention must be paid so that such risks are not increased by the use of these digital technologies, especially at that stage of development in which the executive functions are still developing.