The Social Construction of Educational Technologies: Kids, Screens, and Social Skills

Considering the rapid advancements of technology and the ongoing pandemic, universities across the United States have shifted to online learning and integrated innovative technologies. This shift continues to reshape society, changing traditional methods of learning in the educational sector. Do these advancements contribute to economic growth and address societal challenges? Yes, but there are still a few concerns in academia regarding this growth. Students now face several obstacles using these new formats, such as a lack of engagement and motivation, disconnect from course staff and resources, and fewer opportunities for collaboration with peers. However, technology is the key factor facilitating this transition into the new digital age. Despite some negative effects, technology aids in communication, which is essential for continuous social skills during these unforeseen times. To fully understand the long-term effects of technology, particularly on young people, we need to examine both its benefits and drawbacks. Diving deeper into the topic of digital integration in the educational sector, we must address the main question at hand: How does the rapid advancement in modern technology influence children and teen development, including their cognitive skills and the development of social skills? Utilizing the STS framework SCOT, Social Construction of Technology, the goal of this paper is to attain a profound understanding of the effects it’ll have on our future children, enabling society to reflect.