Connecting with Others
I recently attended a roundtable discussion concerning the NAEYC/Fred Rogers Position Statement on Technology through a professional development event for early childhood instructors. Examining the position statement in depth allowed me to open my eyes to a new perspective. Technology in the early childhood classroom is a tool that has the ability to enhance cognitive and social abilities. Just as the sensory table or the balance beam are tools in the classroom that enhance child development. According to NAEYC (2012), developmentally appropriate practices must guide the decisions we make when integrating technology into the classroom. When experiences with technology are intentional, developmentally appropriate, hands-on and interactive, and educators have ongoing professional development, the possibilities are endless!
Family Engagement
Outside of the classroom, technology can increase family engagement. Just as I am creating this blog, parent blogs can be created to increase parent communication. A fascinating project, “Message from Me,” through the Create Lab at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh , Pennsylvania
Food for Thought....
Do you currently incorporate iPad technology into your classroom? What are the benefits and challenges? How do you view the iPad’s future in our classrooms?
References
NAEYC. 2012. Position statement: Technology and interactive media as tools in early
childhood programs serving children from birth to age 8. Washington , DC
Johanna,
ReplyDeleteI do incorporate iPad technology into my classroom on a limited basis. The students and I have written books using the app Scribble Press. The first story was call Halloween Carving. The kindergarten students used the iPad to take pictures while I carved a pumpkin. When then added words to the pictures to tell the story. The second story the students drew pictures and used stickers which are part of the program. The title was Kindergarten Markers following the concept of Harold and the Purple Crayon. The students use the iPad during reading centers to play reading games. The benefits are iPads interest and challenge the students. The challenges are keeping the children on the educational games and not Angry Birds. I use my personal iPad as well as one issued by the school. Another challenge is students accidentally erasing information. I found out last week that a student erased the Halloween story I mentioned above. I believe iPads do have a future in the classroom but educators will need appropriate training for the successful use and full function of iPads.
Sharon Lloyd
Sharon,
DeleteI recently read a study about tablet use in early childhood education that related to drawing and assessment. Chen and Couse (2010) examined the viability of a tablet for engaging children in drawing. While there have been arguments against the use of technology for young children, the authors note positive outcomes for children. Drawing not only requires development in fine motor skills, but is also a form of communication, and used by teachers to assess learning. Chen and Couse(2010)indicate children learned how to use the tablet quickly with little frustration, and the majority of children interviewed showed preference to using the tablet for drawing. The authors reference the need for a more diverse and larger sample of children for future research, which should also include children who do not have access to technology at home (Chen & Couse, 2010).
Chen, D.W., & Couse, L.J. (2010). A tablet computer for young children? Exploring its viability for early childhood education. Journal of Research on Technology in Education, 43(1), 75-98.
Johanna,
ReplyDeleteI believe in incorporating technology in my therapy sessions. However, I still think it should be used in moderation. I know some Speech Pathologists that only use the IPad when performing different techniques and don't continue to use many of the evidence-based tried and true techniques. Sometimes it seems as if the new technology is completely taking over therapy sessions and making individuals in different professions stagnant. I prefer to use the iPad as an incentive towards the end of a therapy session but the majority of the time I've found floor play and direct hands on participation with the child to be the best tools for therapy.
Melissa,
DeleteI have seen success with the iPad with an autistic child who did not have verbal skills. However, I was not directly involved with the implementation of the iPad into her daily routines. I believe the use of the iPad during therapy situations would need to be determined on an individual basis, and based on the child's goals. Have you ever researched the benefits of using technology with special needs children?
I think the iPads have a great future in classrooms; there are so many things you can do with them. Our school has a cart with enough iPads on it for an entire classroom. However, the downfall is that our staff has never been trained to use them so teachers stray away from incorporating any aspect of them. Therefore, they sit and collect dust or are only used by a few staff members. It is sad to think that a district would put that much money into purchasing technology that is never utilized. Have you found through your research that this happens often? Do schools have the resources but not the knowledge to incorporate them successfully and appropriately?
ReplyDeleteDixie,
DeleteTeacher preparation programs and professional development experiences do not provide educators with the proper tools to integrate technology into the early childhood setting. Pre-service early childhood teachers need more than one college course relating to technology in the classroom (Blum, et al., 2010). One course that introduces the concepts of technology in the classroom is not sufficient to integrate technology into an early childhood program. Additional professional development concerning how to choose appropriate software, how to use technology tools to enhance daily curriculum activities, and grant writing skills would benefit pre-service teachers and current early childhood teachers. While educators play an important role in successful technology experiences for children, parents and caregivers also need guidance in helping children have successful experiences with technology.
Blum, C., Parette, H.P., & Quesenberry, A.C. (2010).Missing the boat with technology usage in early childhood settings: A 21st century view of developmentally appropriate practice. Early Childhood Education Journal, 37, 335-343.
We have 10 iPads in our school. Several years ago, I had one in my classroom. Children used it during center time to play educational games. The app seems like a great application in order for children to stay in contact with parents throughout the day. It also seems like a great way to document children's growth.
ReplyDeleteMelissa