Children practice skills in isolation, i.e., the skills are isolated from curriculum content and the children are isolated from each other and from a caring adult. Children risk developmental disadvantage. Computers and furniture are arranged to insure good ergonomics and children are taught good posture. Furniture is designed such that the child's wrist is not above the elbow, feet touch the floor, and the monitor is at eye level. See U. S. News Online for graphical advice from the American Occupational Therapy Association on proper positioning.
Children are at risk of developing repetitive stress and other health injuries.
Education World Web site article with links to research linking technology use and student achievement. Dr. Healey explores the inappropriate use of technology with young children and also suggests effective technology applications. If we can regain our senses and objectify the situation, we will observe that while most of today's news about educational computer use is not cheerful, the story is still unfolding. Tapscott looks at the impact of present technologies and social change. They use the technology to play, learn, communicate and form relationships as children have always done.