We know that the technology available today is pervasive, often very helpful, sometimes not so helpful. We advocate that children first learn to use their inborn computer (their brain) before using the tools offered by technology. We know the importance to brain development of children using their hands in learning activities; mistakes are made and corrected; refinement in movements is accomplished, a child’s understanding of and trust in their own cognitive powers is developed.   Technology can provide all of us with volumes of information in a moment’s time, most of it correct, some of it incorrect. We strive to introduce children to technology as a short-cut to obtain information but then to use that gained information to be creative with, to add to their own understanding of the concept, the information which hopefully takes their understanding to a deeper level.

Technology in a Montessori setting is not introduced until older elementary ages, never to the children under six. We know and accept that the majority of children have access to technology in their home, but we do not bring it into our environments until it can be used as a tool to augment their own understanding. Just as adults use technology as a tool, children will use technology to deepen their own understanding but not use it to replace their understanding and will use it as a “short-cut” in their work, especially when doing research.