There seems to be much debate over the necessity, usefulness, and practicality of integrated technologies into a preschool curriculum and setting. Traditionalist usually believe that children should experience literacy, science, geography, math, and other subjects through the physical (non-technological) mediums first, then learn to use the computer and other techy sources. There is a new philosophy emerging that looks at children's home lives, and the amount of learning and interaction that exists through technological services at home. These teachers believe that allowing children the opportunity to use technology devices in preschool settings only deepens the knowledge, understanding, and curriculum integration of an activity. Take for example, linear activities like drawing, reading, writing on paper, are usually concerned with the basic level of understanding. When children write stories on paper, we stress things like progression of the story in the correct beginning, middle, and end format, and if the pictures match the words. Using technologies, or non-linear) tools to teach children, we can create experiences that integrate reading and writing without strict structure or restraints. Technologies allow for a new type of literacy, one different from the traditional "reading and writing." A new form has came into existence: a blend between the two that can be experimented and carried out at the same time. Another great benefit of teaching through technologies at home is the idea of the "third space." Children are exposed to technology at home, they are using it, learning from it, communicating with it, and using it for entertainment. In order to educate a whole child, in the most effective manner, teachers need to bridge the gap between home in school. How can we do this without technology? In many cases we can't. Children are truly digital natives that learn and absorb knowledge through tech tools.
Ideas for technology usages in the preschool classroom: blogs, wikis, podcasts, videos, and other emergent ideas from the children (possibly programs they are already using at home)
I think you made a good point that technology allows flexibility in reading and writing. This teaches children that we do not always read and write in a very structured way, and I think this is an important real-world lesson to teach. Of course, I'm not saying we should teach with texting language all the time, but I do think that technology opens the doors for more diversity in the way we think about reading and writing with children.
ReplyDeleteI like that you mentioned the "third space" and that technology can help create that bridge between home and school. I definitely agree with this. Building strong connections between these two huge parts of a child's life enables teachers to really reach their children on many levels. Above all, the reality is that the world will only use technology more and more as these children grow up, so in order to be educated citizens, they must be able to use technology in all aspects of their life-- especially in an educational setting.
ReplyDeleteI agree that children are exPosed to technology while they are at home so completely getting rid of it at school is kind of a Pointless thing to do. Children should be able to integrate the right amount of technology into their school day as they should be doing at home as well. Since all of them are not able to self regulate it is out job as teachers to make sure that they are getting the most out of learning from technology and natural forms of learning.
ReplyDelete