Updated thoughts on technology

I still think that learning technology is rather taxing on the brain and it takes time to figure out how all of it will tie together, but I can definietly tell that I am learning alot of information from our class. Someone recently asked me how to do some work on the computer. One-I actually understood what they were talking about and two- I actually did it. It made me feel really good about myself. I hear myself saying more and more, you just need to work and play with it and you will learn it!

Equipping the Computer Learning Center

In a recent article from early childhood news, information was given on what technology equipment is important for the classroom. For basic computer setup make sure you have the CPU, monitor, mouse, speakers, keyboard, software and a workstation. For early childhood a mouse is a must, keyboards are more for the older student, but may still have a place for some younger students. When choosing a workstation, it is important that you choose a station where the monitor can sit directly on the desktop so that it is at the children's eye level. Also stay away from sliding keyboards, it can be a danger for the students little hands. Don't forget about appropriate chairs for your students. Make sure the chairs fit under the workstation and there is back support and their feet should be flat on the ground when they are sitting. Now that you are set with what you should have in the classroom, where are you going to place it? Make sure that the computer is away from water sources, magnets and windows that might cause glare. Technology is important in the classroom, having all the right equipment will ensure proper usage.

Computers in the Early Childhood Classroom

In an article I recently read from early childhood news, it discussed the importance of technology in young childrens lives. There are five components that are important in establishing that technology; computer placement, software selection, teacher interaction, supporting activities, and teacher training and support. In computer placement, it is important where the computer is actually physically placed. The computer needs to be accessibly placed so that children can determine when the computer is available and so that children can interact with those who are using the computer eventhough they might be engaged in other activities. When computers are placed in a central location, it supports both social interaction and chiildren's language development. One of the most important factors in regards to computers is computer softwar. As teachers we will need to access software and fortunately there is a great website that will help with that. There are also other options like using the Haugland Developmental Scale, select software from the 150 developmentally appropriate programs in the same text, the third option is to choose software awarded the Developmental Software Award or use the software reviews on the Children and Technology, A world of Discovery home page. Website http://economics.semo.edu/kidscomp Teacher interaction is also important. How you implement the computers and provide direction, whether in a small group, individually, rotating schedules, is ultimately up to you. Last is having supporting activities. One great idea for a supporting or supplemental activity is having a flannel board of weather to reinforce Sammy's Science House, a winter animals theme with Alaskan Trek (Soleil Software, Inc.) or the Blocks in Motion (Don Johnson) to complement a unit on shapes. Teachers can continually support their students by going to workshops, seminars and on-site trainings. One other great way is networking with other teachers and early childhood professionals. Computers can provide a valuable learning experience for all of your students. Give it a try.

Technology and Child Development

I read an article What Research Says About Technology and Child Development (www.nwrel.org/request/june01/child.html). It was interesting to read how much technology can increase the childrens development in social/emotional, language, physical well-being and motor , cognition and general knowledge, and approaches to learning. In the social emotional development some strategies that could be used would be placing two seats at the computer and encourage children to work together to facilitate learning and sharing of ideas. In language development technology has some major strengths. Computer play encourages longer, more complex speech and fluency, also they enage in spoken communication and cooperation, such as turn taking and collaboration. In the physical domain, fine and gross motor skills are developed. With computers children are more able to compose letters and according to the research spend less time in front of a computer than watching television or playing video games. Cognitively, children gain in verbal and nonverbal skills, problem solving, and conceptual skills. Children can reveal hidden strengths while using a computer and learn from a variety of perspecitves. Used appropriately, computers can be a positive element of children's play and learning.

Technology

Technology has so many benefits. My mom had open heart surgery this last summer. If it weren't for technology, she probably would not be around today. So I see firsthand the many benefits of technology. The world is at our fingertips, literally. We can access information and talk to anyone from anywhere in the world. Having said how convenient and amazing technology is, it is also frustrating for people who have to learn how to use it. This class has definitely opened my eyes to the many new uses for technology, but has made me cringe when I have to try to understand how it all works. I am trying hard, but am still grasping to figure it all out. Good thing I'm not going to be a rocket scientist, but I better know how to use technology in case one of my students want to be.

Intro. and Technology

Hi,
My name is Debbi and I am in my second year at UW Oshkosh in the Elementary Education program. I started with a great cohort and am excited about continuing this semester. I work full time at UW Oshkosh Head Start at our Seymour center. This will be my fifth year teaching in the early childhood setting. I am married to a very supportive husband, who coined himself "Mr. Mom" after an accident left him disabled and in charge of the "household" chores. We have 4 children, 3 girls and 1 boy. Crystal is 13, Rachel is 12, Nicholas is 11, and my youngest present is Leahla who just turned 4.

I think technology is incredibly awesome. I've seen many changes since I was in high school, when computers first came out and we had to run our own programs. I also think it is hard to keep up with the many changes that technology holds in store. You blink, and everything you own is outdated:) I know if I have some problems keeping up, I just ask my "techy" children and they can help me in a nano-second. I understand the importance of using technology with students, but have not had the opportunity to do that with the age of students I am teaching and the program I work for. I think technology can be implemented into the classroom quite easily and the children will be able to access it easily.