Synthesizing Practice1___________________ Children & Computers: Pros & Cons by E.

Djidjik

When it comes to talking about computers
being used by children, many questions are
likely to be asked. One important question that
arises here is whether computers are good or
bad for children.
Some people believe that using a
computer at an early age might have
detrimental effects on children’s health, brains,
and behavior. They claim that this technology
would encourage passivity since children do
not move while using it; they just sit and play
on the computer instead of making real
physical effort. They also claim that spending
too much time in front of a screen not only
hurts their eyes but also decreases creativity
and mental abilities and minimizes socializing
with peers as well as other people. This can
result in psychological issues such as shyness
and loneness. Addiction to surfing the net and
playing computer games is another major
issue to be highlighted. People sharing this
point of view insist on the fact that computers
are very likely to make children hate doing
homework, which subsequently pushes them
to drop out. Plus, they don’t believe that
computers can teach children about real life
experiences, so they can’t be ready to face any
future hardships in life.
However, computers don’t only have
disadvantages; they also have advantages.
Computer users argue that these machines
can be of use mainly with the technological
evolution and innovation in almost every field.
If children learn how to use computers and
understand their function, they can be more
familiar with other technological devices,
applications, and systems. Moreover, since the
world is moving fast towards an AI-based
interaction between humans and machines, it
goes without saying that children need to use
computers for specific purposes such as doing
homework, looking for information on the
internet, shopping, or even playing and having
fun in their free time. The internet—being an
indispensable source of information—can
sometimes replace libraries or give the users
quick access to a myriad of electronic libraries
in different parts of the world—and in many
languages.
It seems that having a computer at
home is quite similar to having a knife or
stove: children might use them or learn how
to use them gradually under adult supervision,
for it’s a basic skill they need in the future as
they grow. Giving children the opportunity to
deal with such domestic appliances not only
allows them to have the know-how to use
them, but also to make them feel more
responsible for their acts in case of any
misuse; computers should be no different.
Learn from the practice & improve your language: Vary Your Word Choice
1- a question arises = raise a question
One important question that arises
here is whether computers are good or
bad for children.
2- detrimental = negative = bad =
pernicious
Using a computer at an early age might
have detrimental effects on children’s
health, brains, and behavior.
3- to result in = to lead to = to cause
This can result in psychological issues
such as shyness and loneness.
4- to be of use = to be useful
Computer users argue that these
machines can be of use.
5- a myriad of = myriads of = a big - Computer users argue that …
number of = so many = a lot of = a - It goes without saying that …
great deal of - It seems that …
The internet can give the users quick
access to a myriad of electronic
libraries.
6- under adult / parental supervision
Children might use them or learn how
to use them gradually under adult
supervision.
7- When expressing thoughts, you may
If you ever happen to have any
use opinion verbs or phrases such as: comment or question at all,
- Some people believe that … please don’t hesitate to email me
at:
- They claim that … djiklyes@gmail.com
- They also claim that … l.djidjik@univ-boumerdes.dz
- People sharing this point of view
insist on the fact that …
- Plus, they don’t believe that …