Monday, September 14, 2009

Technology in Early Childhood Classrooms?

In early childhood classrooms, there are many that believe technology may not be the best idea for young children. However, this really isn't the case. There are so many tools that can be used that not only enhance education but give students a chance at using items they would use in real world settings. Just because they are young, does not mean they are not capable or do not have the capabilities. We are teaching children how to live in the world, so why not give them the most that we can?

I found a website that gives many examples of why technology is so important in the classroom and ways that it can be incorporated and which tools are appropriate. 

http://www.nwrel.org/request/june01/intro.html

Like the site says, there are many more options for technology than just computers. A couple examples of these are:
-Tape recorders allow children to listen to books or allow for playback in their own stories 
-Cameras allow children to capture their special moments, and can self reflect on pictures that they have taken. They not only learn to use the tool, but they also learn how to tell stories.

It may not be such a bad thing after all.
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5 comments:

  1. AnonymousSeptember 17, 2009 at 3:14 PM

    I like that you discuss the different 'appropriate' tools for students to use. It's definitely worth considering age when attempting to teach technology. Also, at first, I thought younger students using digital cameras seemed like a really bad idea. Those things are EXPENSIVE, and if a child dropped one (which let's face it, they're likely to do), a lot of money could be lost. But I never really thought about how it could encourage creativity. Especially at a time where art programs are being cut, I think it's important to foster creativity in our students. Awesome first blog!

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  2. katrinaSeptember 19, 2009 at 11:59 AM

    I know that a lot of times for me it's hard to think of how technology can be used in classrooms for young children aside playing games on the computer, so this gives some really good and practical examples.

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  3. Cassi JaiSeptember 19, 2009 at 5:11 PM

    I enjoyed the site that you posted. I work with mainly infants, but, I have a huge interest in working with the younger age groups. I think its a good idea to incorporate technology in different ways with children to expose them to near experiences.

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  4. PLCSeptember 20, 2009 at 6:20 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  5. PLCSeptember 20, 2009 at 6:33 PM

    I agree that children need to be exposed to technology at a very young age but how do we make sure that they are exposed safely. I know some preschools let children play computer games but the computer games don't have the internet so they learn how to use a computer without having to worry.

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