NAEYC’s http://www.naeyc.org/ mission is to serve and act on behalf of the needs, rights and well-being of all young children with primary focus on the provision of educational and developmental services and resources (NAEYC Bylaws, Article I., Section 1.1). NAEYC's mission is based on three major goals: Bettering well-qualified practitioners and improving the conditions these professionals work in, improving early childhood education by working to deliver a high-quality system of supporting early childhood programs, and encouraging excellence in childhood education for all children by constructing an extraordinary, all-around organization of groups and individuals who are committed to promoting excellence in early childhood education for all young children.
As part of its endeavor their current issue of Young Children, Vol. 67, No. 3, May 2012 deals with the issue of using technology in the early childhood programs. According to McManis and Gunnewig the authors of the article “Finding the Education in Educational Technology with Early Learners”, many of the current research points out that technology can extend opportunities for learning and development when it is developmentally appropriate for children, used as tools to help teachers and is integrated into the classroom and curriculum. This article was particularly interesting to learn how technology when integrated into the classroom and curriculum would support positive development of young children in a diverse setting. The changing demographics would be immaterial and instead would create a welcome adaption for the child into the new community. There are softwares that can be adapted to suit the child’s needs and the teacher can manually move the child through the levels as the child is ready. These software also provide reports through digital portfolios which would be a much effective way for a teacher to communicate with families irrespective of their diversity. “Children working with technology in teacher-led activities or in peer groups can be a powerful type of learning, particularly for additional language and social skills development.” (McManis & Gunnewig, 2012) http://issuu.com/NAEYC/docs/mcmanis_yc0512/1
Hi Deepa
ReplyDeleteI believe technology is coming to our classrooms quickly and is a positive step. In Canada, we have many classrooms that have interactive whiteboards (http://rmtc.fsdb.k12.fl.us/tutorials/whiteboards.html), which is provides a new way for teachers to present materials and concepts to children and allows children with disabilities to access the curriculum in a more efficient manner if they are visual learners. Educators who are using these devices in their classrooms seem to be happy with the improvement in class participation, student attention, and retention rates despite some technical difficulties with use (Basilicato, 2005).
Basilicato, A.N. (2005). Interactive Whiteboards: Assistive Technology for Every Classroom. Today's School, March/April 2005. Retrieved from http://www.interactivewhiteboards.com/www/files/articles/Article_2005todaysschool.pdf
Hi Carolyn,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the link. I want to see if I could use it at home to work with my son. Is there any particular software that you would recommend for early childhood visual learners.
Deepa,
ReplyDeleteI agree with Carolyn about using whiteboards. This year, it was the goal of our school district to install whiteboards in each class. Each class was equipped with a laptop, Smartboard and an electronic overhead projector. We have gone through a lot of trainings using “Smartboard.” The students as well as the teachers enjoyed utilizing these interactive boards. At our faculty meeting, each grade level had to present how they were using the white boards in the class. Some teachers used it for math drills, others used it for writing group stories, and still some used it for small group instruction. It is amazing how visual learners benefit from the use of this technology. When I first received a Smartboard in my class, one of my special needs students helped me set it up. I asked him, “How you know how to use and set this up?” He said “I just watch Mrs. Badeaux because she uses it all the time in class. Wow, technology does make a difference in the class. Your blog was very informative.
Hello Deepa!
ReplyDeleteI had not thought of how technology could assist with demographic changes. I like your reminder of digital portfolios. This is something that I would like to try. I have a SmartBoard in my class (which I love) and this would be a great way to help with the digital portfolio.
Thanks!
Kristi