How Technology Helps Us During Quarantine
The uses and abuses of technology have been a cause for concern. Different scientific societies have managed to make their voices heard in this regard, encouraging a reduction in the use of screens, especially during childhood and adolescence. Today, the proposal seems to be different, and the question that arises is: how technology helps us during quarantine.
Technology during quarantine
Distance work and children’s entertainment
Activities that can be performed remotely benefit from the use of technology. Although this modality is not exclusive to the pandemic, there is currently a notable increase in this regard.
At the same time, the use of video games is often part of everyday life for many families, but it is possible that during the quarantine the time of use has increased.
Online education in support of face-to-face education: how technology helps during quarantine
Although there are several initiatives that combine face-to-face education with virtual education, both in the public and private spheres, in general, early childhood education is based on face-to-face interaction, being essential as a space for socialization.
However, in times of pandemic, online education is one of the ways in which technology helps us during quarantine. There are particularities regarding access, of course. However, it is interesting to note that, in general, there are many institutions that, as part of their programs, provide tablets for students to perform exercises and encourage learning.
organize the routines
The relevance attributed to the preservation of certain routines is evident, both for children, adolescents and adults. Fixed hours, which seemed to have little importance, are now gaining relevance. Family gatherings via digital platforms specifically enabled for this purpose can also be a resource to consider.
Explain to children that we are living in an exceptional situation: is it really necessary?
Although there are certain problems related to technology and the use we make of it, it is important to show children that we understand the feeling of impatience due to the situation we are living in and that we will be a little more permissive in relation to screen exposure time during this period..
This can be beneficial because it allows us to glimpse, albeit indirectly, that at some point we will return to normal life.
Points to consider
- Quarantine in the family necessarily brings new challenges, including the possibility of making agreements in the case of separated parents.
- At the same time, the presence of one or both parents is a unique moment that can be a source of opportunities, regardless of the feeling of uncertainty caused by the pandemic,
- Relegating technology to the background can be important and even bring some relief.
So how does technology help us during quarantine?
The Spanish Association of Pediatrics, like other Scientific Societies, such as the Argentine Society of Pediatrics, encourages the rational use of technologies and highlights their importance when assessing whether a face-to-face meeting is necessary or not.
In this sense, and although not only during this difficult phase, technology during quarantine can be a source of numerous virtues that we must explore.
