Virtual Learning, Real Results

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic shifted norms and expectations regarding young children's use of and exposure to media and profoundly reshaped their formal and informal education, especially in the earliest years of pre-school and kindergarten, a time when the social milieu of the classroom is so important. While it has been well documented that media use can affect young children's physical, mental and social health, development, and aspects of their learning, we don't yet fully understand how young children's learning and development will evolve in our post-pandemic, screen-saturated reality. This chapter explores several key elements of young children's learning with digital media including: 1) understanding digital media as tools for achieving focused learning goals, 2) strategies for selecting media that are optimal for young children's learning, and 3) how to recognize and avoid the potential risks involved with young children's learning with screen media.