Summary
This article notes that many people today believe that computers and technology will solve all of our problems. However, what is being found is that computers are not usually developmentally appropriate for children under the age of three. This, however, does not affect the use of computers in a kindergarten through third grade classroom. The article then mentions several theorists and finding whether or not computers are developmentally appropriate for these young learners. In Piaget’s theory, it mentions that the children are in the preoperational stage, meaning that they want to explore, they are concrete learners and they are active. In Howard Gardner’s theory, it notes that children have several different types of learning styles. Through both of these theories, computers and computer programs can satisfy the needs of young learners, so, if used correctly, the computer is developmentally appropriate for this age group. There is a concern that computers will only be used to meet the standards of the curriculum and not the intellectual needs of the students. This means that less emphasis could be placed on social skills and moral values as well as experiencing learning through a variety of ways.
There are several ways listed that are positive ways of including computers and technology into the classroom, but it is warned to make sure you are not integrating it just to integrate technology; it must be there to help the learner. In order for integrating computers into the classroom successfully, several steps must be taken: Have people who understand the use of computers to aide, select appropriate software and websites, make sure the computers you have can run the selected software, and make sure that the staff using the computers know who to use them and the software selected (provide training periodically and adequately). When integrating computers into the classroom, make sure there is a good student to computer ratio (around seven children to one computer). Finally, make sure using the computer is not replacing the instruction!
http://www.earlychildhoodnews.com/earlychildhood/article_view.aspx?ArticleID=302
My thoughts:
I think this article is what we, as future teachers, are being taught to do. If you are going to integrate computers, make sure you do so in a logical manner and make sure the software is relevant to the material being covered. It gives ways to select appropriate software (almost exactly as what has been listed in our chapter readings) and provides several ways in which to incorporate it.
I found it interesting that it mentioned computers being developmentally appropriate for the age we wish to teach using two theories of major early childhood theorists. Being developmentally appropriate and using appropriate software is a concern when using computers with this age group. One has to make sure the software is providing challenging material, however does not make the student frustrated; it has to be fun, yet educational. There was also mention of making sure the computers are not replacing concrete materials such as play, art, and interaction. I think that those are very important aspects of going to school and a teacher needs to make sure that play and interaction is not being replaced with computer technology.
While reading, I found the “Do’s and Don’ts of Using Computers in Early Childhood Programs” to be rather interesting, so check it out if you get a chance!
2 comments:
I thought that this was a very interesting article. The fact that it was found that computers are not usually appropriate for children under three was interesting to me. I was always under the impression that it is important to get children on computers early in life. I also liked how theorists were even put into the article because I am very familiar with Piaget and Gardner just like I am sure the rest of us are. Overall, I thought that this article was both interesting and helpful for all early childhood teachers.
Great Job!
I think this article sounds very interesting and helpful for furture teachers. It is very important for teachers to understand the importance of using technology in an appropriate manner. I also think it was interesting that the aurthor tied two significant theories concerning development. The most significant part of this article for me was when the author explained the importance of early education programs teaching social and moral skills. It is important to recognize that computers are probably not the best tools to teacher these types of concepts.
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