Technology can be a very useful tool for teachers in terms of creating learning materials to assist students’ development and to gain new experiences in a different learning environment. When computers and other technology are used in a proper way, children even as early stage as kindergarteners can learn both in a simple lesson and a more complex one. According to Chris Gathers (2001), a kindergarten teacher in Kansas, she has used technology as a part of classroom activities to encourage students and be a great motivation for them to learn and develop academically and socially. For example, her students developed their math skills by drawing shapes such as circle, square and triangle with a paint program. Not only computers help to build an understanding of math, but also teach them computer literacy efficiently. Throughout the school year, she could complete her teaching project according to her lesson plan and see her students’ progress. Therefore, integrating technology into the Early Childhood Education curriculum is a “developmental appropriate” (Clement, 1999).
Apart from its benefits for teachers, technology also plays an important role for students. However, Dr. Wardle, the author of the article
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“The Role of Technology in Early Childhood Programs”, mentioned the differences of learning and perceiving in children so that educators should carefully choose learning materials and appropriate approaches of technology in the classroom. When technology is carefully used to support children’s learning, they can have a strong foundation in an early year. By using technology tools allow students to expand their creative thinking, problem solving and self-esteem. Moreover, technology can enhance the abilities of children with special needs or learning disabilities (Clement, 1999).
Image from http://sproutletspreschool.com/images/basic_computer_technology.jpg
“The Role of Technology in Early Childhood Programs”, mentioned the differences of learning and perceiving in children so that educators should carefully choose learning materials and appropriate approaches of technology in the classroom. When technology is carefully used to support children’s learning, they can have a strong foundation in an early year. By using technology tools allow students to expand their creative thinking, problem solving and self-esteem. Moreover, technology can enhance the abilities of children with special needs or learning disabilities (Clement, 1999).
The use of technology in a classroom can be advantageous when being used properly and effectively. Therefore, teachers should be well trained and fully knowledgeable. The contents and websites should be suitable for young learners and politically correct (Wardle, 2008). As a result, students will be successful in studying, well prepared for a more advanced learning level and have positive attitudes towards technology.
Helpful Links for Technology Lessons
Teachers ResourcesTechnology in an Early Childhood Education Classroom
References
›Brooks, S., & Byles , B. (2000, Novenber). Kindergarten: teacher resources. Retrieved from http://www.internet4classrooms.com/kplus_misc.htm
›Clements, DH. (2002). Computers in early childhood mathematics. 3(2), Retrieved from http://www.wwwords.co.uk/pdf/validate.asp?j=ciec&vol=3&issue=2&year=2002&article=2_Clements_CIEC_3_2
›Gathers, C. (2001). Using technolgy with kindergarten students. Retrieved from http://www.4teachers.org/testimony/gathers/index.shtml
›Krill, MM. (2006). Technology for kindergarten teachers. Retrieved from http://www.swsd.k12.pa.us/~michelle_krill/Teacher_Kindergarten.htm
Your blog was very interesting! Some people do not think about incorporating technology into early childhood classrooms. When you use technology to enhance the student learning outcomes, you are meeting the needs of even more learners in your classroom. I really like when you said, "When technology is carefully used to support children’s learning, they can have a strong foundation in an early year". I agree! When you use technology effectively it is only going to improve your lessons. Technology is becoming more and more used every year. I feel the earlier we are able to introduce technology, the better off the children will be.
ReplyDeleteI am completely on board with integrating technology into the early childhood curriculum. Students should be exposed to technology as early as possible, not only to get them comfortable with it, but also to better prepare them for their future. I don't know how many times I hear adults wish they had been exposed to more technology when they were young, young enough to learn it quickly. Early childhood is a time when it is easier for children to pick up on new things, with this knowledge, teachers should take advantage of such a great age and opportunity to introduce technology in the classroom! Great post.
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