Considering the cognitive and social implications of Children's Internet use

Throughout history the development and widespread use of new technologies has impacted upon human cognition and social structures. By integrating a range of cognitive and socio-cultural theories we are better able to understand the impact of technological tools on individuals and their local and global communities. An integrated theoretical approach enables us to more comprehensively ascertain the potential of the Internet to significantly impact upon individual's cognitive processes and the larger social implications of this global phenomenon. This paper is broadly focused and, rather than exploring a single theory in depth, instead aims to promote the value of applying what we have learned from a number of cognitive and socio-cultural theories to more fully understand the unique and complex Internet-mediated learning environment. The paper concludes by presenting a study which has applied the proposed integrated theoretical model which resulted in a profile of the young, competent Internet-user