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.