Journal 9

"Technology In The Early Childhood Classroom"

By Elizabeth Ross Hubbell

This articles discusses the many ways in which you can bring technology into the classroom without feeling like it is replacing the teacher. The author starts by saying that some say early technology should be left out of the classroom because it leads to "unwired brains", hyperactivity, and lethargy. She offers that technology can be introduced along side childhood experiences to deliver a positive outcome. She believes that early childhood technology paired with student achievement factors, such as, identifying similarities and differences, summarizing and note taking, homework and practice, and many more, can offer an extremely powerful learning environment. She reminds us that we do not expect our children to learn to speak without ever talking to them, so how can we expect them to tap into technology if we do not introduce it to them. One example that was interesting to me was the use of Kidspiration. Since we were able to use this program ourselves and see the benefits of all it has to offer, I was impressed that it was mentioned in this article. She explains how a teacher can use one of the templates to assist her in teaching her students about animals and their habitats. The article also highlights the fact that this technology can serve may purposes. Not only does it provide pictures for the students, it will also serve as an outline for them to write sentences about their animals and it can be used as an artifact to show parents their progress. The article also gives insight into many reading games that offer multi levels so kids that vary in skill can tailor their learning to their specific need. Some of these games also give positive reinforcement which helps kids to feel good about what they have completed. I also like that they discuss how these innovative games and tools are not meant to replace the teacher, but to be used as tools for more effective teaching strategies.

How early is too early to bring technology in the classroom?

I think that because of the society that we live in, kids should have access to technology as early as possible. I do believe that it should serve a specific purpose and not be an excuse to use as a built in babysitter. I think that parents and teachers need to be strongly aware of what kids are using and how it will benefit them in the future. I agree with leapfrog learning tools to assist with reading and disagree with allowing kids to sit in front of a computer to play video games all day.



How much technology is too much in the classroom?

I really think that it depends on the motive from the teacher. I think that teachers could use technology as an excuse to be lazy. I think that it is important to have a balance of the two in which they are incorporated into each other. I do not think that they should be separate entities. They should work hand in hand.