Children And Digital Media

Helping Children with the First Steps in Digital Media in Preschool

In today's digital age, young children are increasingly exposed to media from an early age. It is crucial to introduce them to digital media in a way that fosters media literacy, critical thinking, and creativity while ensuring a safe and balanced approach. This blog explores how media education can be incorporated into early childhood education (ECE), practical activities for preschoolers, and the advantages and disadvantages of digital media in preschool settings.

Media education involves teaching children how to use, analyze, and create media responsibly. Media literacy, on the other hand, equips them with the skills to understand and critically evaluate media content. According to the Finnish National Core Curriculum for Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC), media education should be an integral part of early learning, helping children develop digital skills in an age-appropriate manner.

Organizations like the Mannerheim League for Child Welfare (MLL) emphasize the importance of media education and suggest that children should be guided by adults to explore digital media safely. (Source: MLL Media Education)

Incorporating media literacy into early childhood education requires a playful, exploratory approach. Teachers can:

Encourage discussions about media content to develop children's critical thinking skills.

Teach children about different types of media (books, videos, digital games) and their purposes.

Use storytelling and role-playing to help children understand how media is created.

The Finnish ECEC curriculum promotes experiential learning, emphasizing the role of play in children's learning processes. (Source: National Core Curriculum for ECEC)

Activities for Media Education in Daycare

Story Creation with Digital Tools: Use apps that allow children to create their own digital books, enhancing creativity and language skills.

Exploring Different Media Forms: Introduce children to various media, such as picture books, animated stories, and educational games.

Role-Playing as Reporters: Engage children in creating their own 'news stories' to understand how media works.

Interactive Screen Time: Guide children through age-appropriate, educational digital activities that encourage active participation rather than passive consumption.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Digital Media in Preschool

Advantages:

Enhanced Learning Opportunities: Digital tools offer interactive learning experiences tailored to different learning styles.

Skill Development: Early exposure to technology builds essential digital literacy skills.

Creativity and Expression: Children can create and share stories using digital tools, boosting their creative confidence.

Disadvantages:

Screen Time Concerns: Excessive digital media use can lead to reduced physical activity and social interactions.

Content Risks: Not all digital content is appropriate for young children; supervision is necessary.

Digital Dependency: Over-reliance on digital media may reduce traditional playtime, which is crucial for cognitive and emotional development.

Educators and caregivers must balance screen time with hands-on, creative, and social activities to support children's first steps in digital media. Media education should be integrated into daily preschool routines through interactive storytelling, role-playing, and guided discussions. By fostering media literacy early on, we can prepare children to navigate the digital world responsibly and safely.

Children and Digital media

 

Digital media has become a big part of children’s lives, offering both educational benefits and potential risks. Educational apps, videos, and games can help children learn basic skills like reading, numbers, and problem-solving. These digital tools engage children in fun, interactive ways, making learning more exciting and accessible. However, too much screen time can have negative effects on children’s health and development. Research shows that extended screen time can contribute to a sedentary lifestyle, disrupt sleep patterns, and hinder face-to-face social interactions, which are crucial for developing social skills and emotional intelligence.

It is essential to find a balance between screen time and other activities, like playing outside, reading, or spending time with family and friends. Experts recommend limiting screen time to no more than one hour a day for children aged 2 to 5 and avoiding screens for children under 18 months, except for video chatting. Parents play a crucial role in guiding their children’s use of digital media. This includes choosing age-appropriate and educational content and setting boundaries on screen time.

Online safety is another important consideration. Parents should monitor what children are accessing online to protect them from harmful content and teach them about staying safe on the internet. With the right balance, digital media can be a valuable learning tool, but it’s important not to let it replace real-world interactions or physical activity.

In the end, digital media isn’t inherently harmful, but it should be used wisely and in moderation to support children’s development, health, and well-being.

Media and me

  Media and me

I was born in 1976 so I have grown with traditional media; television, video tapes and print media. I remember I got used to read the newspaper every morning at a quite young age, first just the comics and over the years the whole paper. The habit has changed, today I still can´t start the day without reading the news with my morning coffee, but I read them on my phone and in addition of the local area news I can read international news sites. 

The digital media came in to my life as a young adult when I was studying at Business College. We still used mainly books for studies but also computers and internet. Back then I also used a chat -site for the first time. It was exciting to chat with random people. 

Today I still like to read traditional books, newspapers and magazines but I also read a lot articles on the internet. There is an incredible amount of knowledge available to use for work and studies. On my free time I mostly use Facebook and Instagram and some apps for communicating. The latest app I downloaded is Duolingo to help me learn japanese language, it´s my dream to travel there some day😊

-Piia

A True Impact of Digital Media In My Life.

 When I was a child ,  I had the access of one way digital media like newspaper ,radio, television, movie etc. later on , when I started my high school degree than only first time I experienced Mobile but the mobile was not smart at  that time so we could only have  the  telephone communication. But the later on when the smart phone available in the market in reasonable price then my real Digital Media Life has started and I started to use Facebook, WhatsApp, Massenger , Gmail etc . I slowly started to use those Digital Media in my Personal life and it has brought significant change especially in the relation with friends and relatives . I could maintain the good relation with everyone , and I have got many help from many people .

I want  to remember  one of my friend whose name is Vijaye Neupane  , Because of his information  I spent more than a decade in teaching field in my home country . During the teaching profession, I married and ran different business since I have a good network with friends and relatives. This all happened because of my Digital Media Life using as the source of information. 

After having my kids, Digital Media like facebook and Massenger have affected to my kids also  since my many friends and relatives were abroad  and I  used to have talk with them and their post and picture could be seen and feel .Because of this all,  my elder daughter used to ask me frequiently regarding our abroad plan. Everything was going well in Nepal  but also as the interest my kids ,   I was looking option to go abroad since I had long study gap .There was no many options to go abroad with my kids. All of the certain, My same friend VIjaya Neupane connected with me  on massenger and we started to talk about my situations and possibilities .He also recently had come Finland for his Phd study . A per his information  and suggestion , I applied to Finland  for my study. Now , I am at Finland  with my kids and family as a student and study is going well and happy to share everything here .

As result , we all can see and feel the impact of Digital Media in my personal life in the connection of turning point in different stage of my life like joining the teaching job, making the relation with family  and friends , running the business and journey to Finland.  I am really thankful to those digital media like Facebook, Massenger , WhatsApp, Gmail since it has brought significant changes in my life.

MY DIGITAL LIFE

 

When I was 13, I had an initial interaction with digital media using Skype and Facebook. My father was working abroad, and Skype became our lifeline. I can still remember how excited I was to see his face on the screen for the first time the chance to communicate, see, and laugh together was amazing.

As a family, we gathered around the computer for regular video conversations, which brought us closer despite the distance. Around the same time, I began using Facebook to communicate with friends and stay informed about my father's life.

 

Back then, we didn’t know about other platforms, but Skype and Facebook were groundbreaking for us. They taught me how technology can bridge distances and bring joy to everyday life. Those moments remain unforgettable.

 

My Media Life: A Journey of Memories and Habits

 

 Media memories :- The First One and The most Impressive 

My first  media memory can be and still remains the animation shows I used to watch sitting in front of a small television set in Nepal with my family .The colors and the fictions that dawned my mind as I watched the live performances were magical .Other experiences include :Listening to the radio while admiring cricket commenting or reading newspapers in the comfortable Sunday mornings .

The liveliest media experience that I remember was perhaps the live telecast of Nepal first satellite into space .Little did the Americans realized what a great technological and spokeswomen moment was on its way to crest their hearts .

 

Traditional Media in My Life 

I still use traditional media such as newspapers and magazines but these I have taken a twist to online newspapers and magazines . As for new sources ,I trust BBC ,The  Himalayan Times and Al Jazeera based on the latest global and Nepali news. I like their policy and the detailed researches and information they provide.

 

Digital Media :An Everyday Companion  

Technology has a very important place in my life specially through various forms of digital media .I wake up in the morning ,and the first thing I took at are the news apps and social media sites .You tube plays a vital role in my life and it is also my primary source of video education if it is a lesson in something new or a documentary about this or another subject . For entertainment my another official sources is Netflix and some form of music streaming service such as Spotify has become almost compulsory .

 

 Participation in online communities 

As i have to mention i actively participate in online communities are mention below :-

• WhatsApp and Messenger : to stay connected with families and friends  
•  Instagram : to sharing stories ,and moments 
• Facebook : for connecting with local Nepali communities in Finland ,get to know about the news of Nepal ,These platform also help me interact with people and share ideas .
• LinkedIn : I am not so far good at using this platform but i am trying nowadays to gather information about world ,job and so on . 

 

My Media Preferences : 

As much  as I am a media user ,I enjoy products that can convey  information both in images and words .Anything that has fancy graphics ,a video clip ,or looks like a well -written blog  is something I will take my time to read during break or lunch break .Talking to people online is unproblematic for me ,but I am more focused on personal interaction rather than just liking or reposting .

 

Reflection :A Balanced User 

To compare with others ,I am not an active media consumer ,but I use media for fun ,to gain knowledge and for communication .Media adds value in my life because it gain information all over the world and helps me to transform both personally and professionally .

 

 

 

Using Digital Media

  A Personal Journey from Bangladesh to Finland

In today’s world, digital media has become a significant part of our lives, influencing how we communicate, learn, and connect with others. As someone who recently moved to Finland from Bangladesh to pursue a degree in Early Childhood Studies, I have experienced firsthand how digital media has shaped my life and continues to play a crucial role in this new chapter.

The Role of Digital Media in My Life

Growing up in Bangladesh, digital media was my window to the world. Platforms like YouTube, Google, and social media introduced me to cultures, languages, and ideas beyond my immediate surroundings. As I began preparing for my journey to Finland, digital media became indispensable. From researching universities to learning about Finnish culture, it was my primary tool to gather information and build confidence for this life-changing move.

One of the most influential aspects was the availability of online communities. I joined Facebook groups and forums where international students shared their experiences in Finland. These platforms offered advice on everything from visa applications to surviving the winter, making my transition much smoother.

Learning and Staying Connected

Since arriving in Finland, digital media has become even more essential. I use apps like WhatsApp and Zoom to stay connected with family and friends back home, which helps ease homesickness. Social media platforms allow me to share my experiences with loved ones, giving them a glimpse of my life in a foreign land.

Academically, digital tools have transformed how I study. Online libraries, educational platforms, and collaborative tools like Google Docs make learning efficient and engaging. I recently completed an assignment on "Successful Communication with Children," where I relied on digital resources to explore theories, watch expert lectures, and gather practical insights.

Challenges and Insights

While digital media offers countless benefits, it also presents challenges. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the constant flow of information or distracted by endless scrolling. Additionally, being in a new environment where I don’t speak the language fluently, relying on translation apps can sometimes lead to misunderstandings.

However, these experiences have taught me to use digital media more mindfully. I now schedule time for social media, focus on credible sources for information, and balance my online and offline interactions.

How Digital Media Has Influenced Me

Digital media has not only helped me adapt to a new country but has also influenced my personal growth. It has broadened my perspective, enhanced my communication skills, and made me more independent. For instance, I’ve started documenting my journey in Finland through blog posts and vlogs, which has helped me reflect on my experiences and connect with others who might be on a similar path.

Moreover, as a student of Early Childhood Studies, I see the potential of digital media in education. It has inspired me to think about how I can use technology creatively and responsibly to engage children and support their learning.

Conclusion

My journey from Bangladesh to Finland has been deeply intertwined with digital media. It has been my guide, companion, and teacher throughout this transition. While it has its challenges, its benefits far outweigh them when used mindfully.

As I continue my studies and navigate life in Finland, I remain excited about the possibilities digital media offers, not just for personal growth but also for contributing to the field of early childhood education. 

My Digital life

 

My Digital Life: A Personal Journey

In today’s world, our lives are deeply intertwined with digital technology, shaping how we work, learn, and connect. As a student pursuing a degree in social services, I’ve found my digital life not only essential but also enriching in countless ways. This blog is a reflection of how I navigate the digital realm to balance education, entertainment, and everyday tasks.

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Why I’m Writing This Blog

This blog stems from a project for my social services degree program, which emphasizes understanding and leveraging technology in meaningful ways. Technology is not just a tool for efficiency but also a powerful medium to connect with communities, share knowledge, and improve lives.

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How I Use Technology in My Daily Life

Google: My Go-To Information Hub

Whenever I need to explore new topics, gain insights, or complete assignments, Google is my first choice. It’s incredible how a few keystrokes can open a world of information, from scholarly articles to quick tips and tutorials.

YouTube: Entertainment and Learning Combined

For entertainment and even some informal learning, YouTube is unbeatable. Whether it’s watching documentaries, catching up with creators I follow, or simply enjoying a good laugh, YouTube keeps me entertained and informed.

Instagram: Staying Connected with the Community

Instagram is my space for connecting with friends, family, and communities that inspire me. It’s where I find uplifting stories, share moments, and stay engaged with what’s happening in the world around me.

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Apps That Simplify My Life

There are so many apps that make daily tasks easier and more efficient. Here are a few I rely on:

• Banking Apps: For secure and hassle-free transactions.
• Ticket Booking Apps: Whether for travel or events, these save time and effort.
• Travel Apps: Navigating new places becomes seamless with these handy tools.
• Exercise Apps: They keep me motivated and on track with my fitness goals.

Among all these tools, Chrome stands out as my favorite platform. Its versatility and user-friendly interface make it my go-to browser for everything from research to entertainment.

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Reflections on My Digital Life

Living in a digital world comes with both opportunities and challenges. On the one hand, technology helps me stay informed, connected, and efficient. On the other hand, it requires mindfulness to avoid distractions and maintain a healthy balance between screen time and real-world interactions.

Through my experiences, I’ve learned that technology is best used as a tool to enhance, not replace, our lives. It’s about finding the right balance and making digital choices that align with our goals and values.

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Final Thoughts

My digital life is an evolving journey. From Google searches to Instagram connections, from banking apps to Chrome tabs, each tool plays a part in shaping my day-to-day experiences. As I continue to explore and grow, I look forward to using technology not just for convenience but also as a means to make a positive impact in the lives of others.

How do you manage your digital life? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!

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