Current View of Technology

When I first thought about technology I thought it had to be something complex like a computer. Now I realize that many things are a form of technology, even something as simple as a pencil. When I become I teacher, I want to incorporate as many forms of technology as possible, without taking away from the lesson. I think technology generally helps students to learn better. It holds their attention better, usually allows them to take part in the learning process, and gives them an additional way to have material presented. There can be problems with technology, however, but the more familiarized you make yourself with it, the less likely things are to go wrong. I learned a lot this semester about technology in the classroom, but there are still so many things to learn. I hope I will be able to effectively incorporate technology in my classroom.

Non Computer Based Technology

I believe that one of the best non computer based technology is a digital camera. I think there is so much we can do with them. To begin with, it is a great way to show parents what is going on in the classroom. The teacher I interviewed for my mentor interview said that each year she makes a book with pictures of the children performing different activities and then sends it home for each family to look at for a night. I thought something like this would be great because the child can tell his or her family about the things they are doing in the pictures and the activities they have completed so far. Sometimes children forget and will come home and say they did not do anything at school. The book could act as a reminder for the child. Also digital cameras can be used in lab experiments or science projects. Things that might be too big or too messy can be captured in a small photograph and posted online, or on a worksheet. Digital cameras can also be used to take pictures of things children have accomplished and added to a portfolio. The portfolio can be taken with them anywhere to show off their accomplishments.

ERIC Reflection

I learned a lot of information about technology through doing the ERIC projects. I am excited to be able to use technology in my classroom because I learned many new ways to incorporate it. There are things I will have to be careful about while using the internet in an early childhood setting, but I learned ways to help make it as safe as possible. I hope I am priviledged enough to work in a classroom that has enough money to afford these types of technologies though, because I think they can make a huge difference in children's interests in learning.

Technology in Early Childhood Article

The article I choose was titled “Technology in Early Childhood Programs.” I thought this was a good article because it stated how teachers should use technology in their classrooms. There were six tips. The first one said that professionals must use technology in a developmentally appropriate way. It continued to say that something like an electronic worksheet would not benefit students much. The second tip said that developmentally appropriate software should enhance children’s thinking skills and help them to create peer relationships. Technology offers a chance to use problem-solving skills, communicate with others, and engage in creative play. The third tip advises technology be integrated into daily activities. This means it should be used as necessary, not in a way that disrupts the classroom. The fourth tip says to work for equity for all children, or that children of all backgrounds should have a chance to use technology. The fifth step stresses the powerful effect of technology on children forming stereotypes or relying on violence. The final step says to work with parents to come up with appropriate uses of technology. Together the two can agree on the best software.

I think that these tips are important for all educators, not just early childhood teachers. Two of these tips I found to be the most beneficial though. The first one I thought was important was the one about using technology in an appropriate way. Too often teachers think that just because a computer is being used, children are learning more. There are so many things we can use computers for and many teachers take the easy way out. Although it takes time to see what is available, I think it is important in enhancing a child’s education. The other tip I thought was important was to integrate technology into daily activities. When I was in elementary school I remember having computer as a special and we basically just went there to play games. I think it would have been more beneficial to have these computers dispersed throughout the classrooms and used with material that was being learned. Although I always enjoyed computer class in the lab, I was not learning anything.

Reflection on Technology

I have learned a lot about integrating technology through this course. Especially after talking to a current teacher in the field about it, I realized that it really is very beneficial to teachers. I was unaware of all of the things we can use and have access to as future educators. Many of the websites provided will be very helpful in the future. One thing I have realized about technology though, is that it can often be very frustrating. While some aspects of it save time, others can actually take longer if you are unfamiliar with them. Basically I learned the more you use and learn about technology, the easier it gets. I think most of the things we learned in EDTL will help me out in the future, so I cannot say there was one aspect of it that I think is most important. I think doing the iMovie was time consuming and frustrating, but it taught me a lot about being patient with technology. I have also learned it is very important to save things often, and in multiple places. Overall though I think technology will benefit my future classroom.

Internet Use in the Classroom

I think using the Internet in an Early Childhood classroom can be a very beneficial tool if used correctly. There are so many greats things children can access on the Internet. There are many websites for children where they can learn skills, play games, and do other fun activities. Also more than anything they enjoy it! However, this has to be closely monitored. There are many things online that children should not view, and often they may not even mean to. Most of these things should be blocked by the school, hopefully making it safe for children to explore the Internet. As long as it is monitored, Internet can be a great tool! In addition it must be not be used in excess. The Internet is not a substitute for teaching, and most of the real learning should be hands on.

I would mostly use the Internet a lot outside of the classroom. I would use it to find activities we can do in the classroom, worksheets, games, and mainly ideas. The Internet has millions of ideas for lessons, bulletin boards, and ways to incorporate themes. Additionally, I will hopefully have several computers located in my room where the students can use them during free time. It would be a privilege though and can be taken away.

There are so many great websites out there for teachers now! I have a hard time picking out a favorite. However one that I particularly liked while exploring the websites we received in class was 4kids.org. I think this is one that could be used for the children to explore in free time. There are information pages, games, links to other websites, and fun activities for them to do. It appears to be a safe site so it would be acceptable in the classroom. I think they would enjoy using it and I spent several minutes myself looking through all the different sections.