Connecting or Disconnecting -
The Growing Brain and Digital Technologies

March 10, 2004

Computers and TV influence the developing brain,with learning learning-disabled students particularly vulnerable to their positive or negative effects. Moreover, many so-called "disabilities" turn out to be assets in a fast-changing electronic world demanding new kinds of thinking and reasoning skills.

Healy,author of "Endangered Minds: Why Our Children Don't Think," explains current brain research by exploring such questions as:

• What kinds of skills will be important in the world of the future?
  
  
• Why are many so-called "learning disabled students" particularly suited to creative work in today ís computer culture? How could dyslexia be an asset?
  
  
• How can we encourage new forms of intelligence without compromising the core skills of communication,reading,attention,and problem solving?
  
  
• What are the ages and stages of brain growth,and how can we help children maximize development?
  
  
• What about video games?
  
  
• Why is the ìemotional brainî so important in all learning?
  
  
• How can parents and teachers set positive guidelines for childrenís media use?

Jane Healy is a teacher and educational psychologist. Her major research interest has been in finding practical applications of current brain research for teachers and parents. A graduate of Smith College, holds an MA from John Carroll University, a PhD from Case Western Reserve University, and has done post-doctoral work in developmental neuropsychology.

Jane's many years of experience include parent, classroom teacher, reading/learning specialist, elementary administrator, and clinician. She is recognized internationally as author, lecturer, and consultant for her ideas about the impact of technology, media and culture on children's brain development.

Her award-winning books include:

• Your Child's Growing Mind: A Guide to Learning and Brain Development from Birth to Adolescence
  
  
• Endangered Minds: Why Children Don't Think and What We Can Do About It
  
  
• Failure to Connect:How Computers Affect Our Children's Minds -- and What We Can Do About It