Before Levine spoke at the event, he sat down with EducationNC to talk about the power and value of young children using digital technology. Contrary to what some may say, Levine thinks digital technology can yield tremendous benefits for very young children.
When it comes to the very young using digital technology, Levine encouraged a new way of thinking — one that neither touts technology as a panacea, nor demonizes it as an absolute evil.
In particular, Levine says that digital technology can be useful when it comes to literacy in young children.
Levine was careful to say, however, that people who are concerned about the impact of digital technology on the very young aren’t crazy. Learning, no matter the strategies employed, requires the guidance of competent adults.
In fact, the role of parents, teachers, or other adults can’t be emphasized enough when it comes to digital technology. Young children will not benefit from digital technology left to their own devices.
Finally, Levine reflected on the things that keep him up at night when he thinks about education. Literacy was uppermost in his mind.