Technology and Screen-Time

Technology and digital-based media is everywhere, and it is a necessary part of our lives. It is crucial for our children to know how to use technology and digital-based media in a healthy and balanced way as their brains and bodies aredeveloping. It is important to ensure our children are getting the physical movement, adequate sleep, and nutrition that their bodies need. Technology and digital-based media should not be the focus of an activity or replace relationships. Children need connection and interaction with others. Technology and digital-based media spark interest, and that is when joint engagement and co-viewing can have endless possibilities for our children. Technology and digital-basedmedia are tools that should be used to enhance the learning process and allow for creativity to prepare students for thefuture. The role of media mentors in our communities is crucial and necessary to help support our caregivers and educators in how to model technology and digital-based media. We must identify how to appropriately evaluate apps, gaming options, products, and programs on the market to support thedevelopment of children.

Participants will learn the different types of technologyand digital-based media our children are exposed to andexpected to use, review current statics and guidelines, learn the "C"s of technology, identify ways to support play and learning experiences with technology and digital-based media. Attendees will review how to promote healthy engagement to support development and diverse learning experiences. Digital citizenship will be reviewed to help the children we work with understand accountability and safety in our highly connected world. Evaluation tools and practical strategies for appropriate use and implementation of technology and digital-based media, collaboration and integration in the classroom, home and communities will be discussed.

Highlights

• Evidence-based practices to support technology and digital-based media as a learning tool to support the whole child and development
• Current recommendations to promote healthy and balanced habits
• Integrate technology and digital-based media in our daily lives with support of media mentors
• Effective strategies to teach digital citizenship while increasing parent awareness of intentional use of technology and digital-based media to promotelearning

Target Audience: Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants, Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapy Assistants, Speech-Language Pathologists