Technology in The Classroom

What is Technology?

     Technology solves our problems! It increases academic skills, reduces dropout rates. And eventually makes the lives of teachers easier. Utilizing technology in the classroom depends on the programs overall program goals and objectives. Also it depends on how computers are incorporated into the early childhood curriculum.

     Most experts believe computers are not developmentally appropriate for children at a young age.  We need to determine the developmental needs of these children. They are interested in using newly learned symbolic presentations: speaking, writing, drawing; and they are extremely active and like frequent changes in learning modalities.

     According to Howard Gardener, young children exhibit a diversity of learning styles, and that the optimum way for many children to learn is not the traditional teacher-directed, verbal approach. We must be sensitive to these different learning approaches, especially as we serve an ever larger diversity of children.

Appropriate use of technology in the classroom helps us match the children’s developmental needs. Ex: changing learning modalities that individual students can control and pace to meet their individual needs. It is also a powerful tool for students with specific learning abilities. 

Purpose:

     The purpose of integrating technology into the curriculum is not to teach children how to use computers, since as children get older they can learn how to use it after all. 

Appropriate use of technology in the classroom expands, enriches,  implements,  differentiates, and extends the overall curriculum.  

Writing software,  digital cameras and other methods helps a Child complete tasks asked from them. 

Requirements:

Integrating technology in the classroom requires :  

• selecting developmentally appropriate software and websited
• choose computers that run the software adopted and could be easily updated. 
• provide adequate training for staff and educators. 

Do's and Don't s

• Provide technological resources as one of the equally valued learning centers in the classroom. 
• (NAEYC1996) :: One of the biggest misuses of computers for drill and activities.
• Protect children from misuse or inappropriate access
• Make the integration as interactive as possible.

Personal Opinion:

As it comes to technology and its integration, children can have a very positive effect. Ex, when using a tape recorder, children of young age are experiencing a whole new enjoyable experience. just listening to themselves speaking or singing,etc such that these are done at the right time