Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Blog 9: Researcher links kids' computer use with test scores, behavior



A University of Maryland researcher recently said that parent shouldn’t worry if their kids spending time on the computer because its ok. They released a study on Wednesday that focused on hours on the computer with test scores and behavior and they came with a conclusion. The result was there was little sign of harm for children ages 6 to 12 as they increased their screen time over a six-year period and that includes games. Here is where this study gets interesting due to it really beneficial to girls and African American boys. The results showed that African American boys reading scores improved by four points. Girls' test scores for reading and math notched upward by a point and white girls were less likely to be withdrawn as they played more on the computer. Only white boys showed a decline in test scores, but it was statistically significant.
The greatest thing in the study was the rise of social networking among teens, were in time spent playing computer games. But computer use overall involves problem-solving. Here is what the study pointed out that too much just random surfing isn't necessarily good, but, playing games and studying are more focused and they have a positive effect.


Reflection in my classroom
Well when I read this article I was very surprised on the results that came from it.  So this study says it’s ok to play games and spend as much time on the computer? This can’t be right, but when I read the article and saw all of this research that proved it. I was surprise that it was beneficial to girls test scores for reading and math notched upward by a point and African American boys scores were improved by four points.  I was also surprised that white boys showed a decline in test scores, but it was statistically significant. Overall I take this with a grain of Salt and its every parent choice on what they limit the web time.

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