Reading this article, I had trouble thinking about how to apply a lot of these new ideas to an early childhood education environment. Once I graduate I plan to work with kids mostly from the pre-school to first grade age range, and though they are more accustomed to technology than any generation before them, I have trouble seeing how things like mobile phones, tablets, Ipads, or Skype might play into that kind of classroom setting.
There were some things in the article though that did give me some ideas, mostly the idea of The Maker Movement. I believe that no matter what age a child is, it's important that they get the majority of their learning through hands on learning, and technology can help this. With upper elementary age children, you get the benefit of programs like powerpoint or photoshop, but even younger children can use the computer and internet to aid their learning. I remember in my practicum last year, my Kindergarten classroom did a huge unit on different forms of transportation. They read books about trains a drew pictures of them sure, but imagine what one could do with a computer on their side. I'm sure on the internet a teacher could find an interactive tour of a train, or a game that let the children conduct the train. Just little things like this could help the children take their knowledge one step further and really feel like they're interacting with their subject matter, and give them opportunities to create and experience things that they couldn't otherwise. I think the ideas of gaming and natural user interfaces go hand and hand with this; games will of course appeal to younger children, and the push of easier to use technology makes it so almost anyone can work with the tech with few problems.
I think with technology and these programs for youngins will develop with time. A good thing to develop with Skype I think is how i've heard of "linking classrooms" in which maybe one week you'll be teaching these children one thing..and you want to show them the "real life" experience. For Example: if it's a doctor based thing; the skype experience can make it like a Field Trip without leaving the classroom. As they say "It's all about connections."
ReplyDeleteI am in agreement with "hands on learning" I myself consider the things I remember most "hands on". I too believe that teachers should be willing to bring games and the internet into their classrooms to make for a "well rounded 21st century experience."
I agree that it would be hard to incorporate these forms of technology with the younger grade levels because most of those students probably wouldn't know how to use it. As the teacher you would have to demonstrate how to use it and help each one use it more than likely so it would be very time consuming. These technology advancements would be better for upper elementary students who already know how to use these things. However, one idea for the younger students would be to play games using technology. This could be a very educational experience for them and it is something that they would enjoy. They could also work with a partner so they understand how to work with someone because teamwork is a very valuable lesson to learn. I think that what you said about hands on learning is right on point. This is probably the most effective way of learning, especially when it comes to the younger students. Allowing them to do an activity gets their mind thinking as well as pushing their creativity. Technology is something that we can take advantage of as teachers.
ReplyDeleteI also have trouble seeing how things like mobile phones, tablets, Ipads, or Skype might play into that kind of classroom setting. But I'm sure with time we will learn how to incorporate it! I definitely agree that the ideas of gaming will appeal to the little ones, and will push their use of technology.
ReplyDeleteJust a few thoughts! I think that Skype could be used in a younger classroom setting, and would even be an extremely exciting thing for the kids. Cell phones and Ipads might be too advanced for that age, though. (I'm hoping that cell phones never make it to the classroom..... what a pain in the butt as an elementary teacher!)
ReplyDeleteI liked that you tied in an example from your practicum. Sometimes I have trouble thinking of ways to use technology in a young classroom. Your ideas were spot on!