Developmental Education in Children
Stem Education and Addiction of Technology in Children in the Digital Era
Çiğdem Börke TunalıToday, technology plays a crucial role for the success of firms and the competitive power of the countries in international markets. Hence, science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education has become one of the most fundamental factors to maintain economic growth both in developed and developing countries. Although STEM education is a necessary element for the development and the success of individuals, firms and countries, the concept of STEM education and designing effective STEM education in early childhood are still debated in the literature. While some definitions of STEM education focus on only one or two subjects such as science or technology, other definitions emphasise an integrative approach and put forward that all the subjects (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) should be taken into account as a whole. Although there is not a generally accepted definition of STEM education in the literature, STEM education in early childhood provides a number of benefits that increase children’s abilities such as creativity, collaboration with others and problem solving. Hence, both developed and developing countries should design an effective STEM education curriculum and take the necessary steps in order to apply this curriculum in their education system. In spite of the fact that technology is an inseparable part of our daily lives, excessive use of technology and technology addiction in children lead to a number of physiological and psychological problems which may create negative effects on children’s lives and their educational success. Thus, both parents and teachers should implement required measures in order to prevent technology addiction in children while encouraging technology usage. The aim of this study is to shed light on the concept of STEM education, STEM education in early childhood and technology addiction in children.