Final Thoughts on Technology

I have learned lots from the current computer class I have been taking. It amazes me, still, at all the cool things you can do with technology. I just finished making my first i-movie. It was so neat being able to pick and choose all of the cool transitions and choices that you can do with the movie. Adding fun music is also a neat feature. Technology can help people be very creative!

Computers in the Early Childhood Classroom

I read an article about using computers in the classroom. The article talked about five components that are important if doing this. They are computer placement, software selection, teacher interaction, supporting activities, and teacher training/support. Computer placement has a large impact on when and if children will use the computer. Computers should be centrally located in a classroom. Children will be able to see if they are available.
Software is another important decision teachers make. The software the child uses must be developmentally appropriate. Children exposed to developmental software had significant gains in intelligence, non-verbal skills, structural knowledge, long-term memory, and complex manual dexterity.
Teacher interaction is another essential role with computers. Some children may be eager to try something new while others may not want to. Teachers shouldn't force children to use computers, but rather encourage.
Supporting activites to go along with computers will help add to the experience.
Teachers should continue to keep up with trainings regarding computers. Networking with other teachers and early childhood professionals may provide valuable support.

Early Childhood News-Equipping the Computer Learning Center

I read an article on equipping the computer learning center. When I was reading this I was making a mental note of how the classroom I work in at Head Start is set up. The article recommended a mouse being a must. It helps master the fine motor skills. A touch screen sounded like a great addition, but unfortunately out of our budget. I like having the area set up with two chairs for children to work together. The article also recommended a locked side-mounted CPU stand. In the past we had never had one of these. The computer was always being broken and turned off wrong from little fingers touching things they aren't supposed to be touching. When we finally got our side-mounted CPU stand, I was very excited. Having a printer is a wonderful addition to the computer area, but costly. We had to limit it to printing only one day a week to keep in the budget.

My updated thoughts on technology!

Well, I'm a little over half way through the semester, and I am still struggling to keep up with all the computer technology! While I understand it is a great thing and wonderful to be in on all these new great things, I still struggle to keep up with understanding how to do things. Some day it is my goal, when I have more time, to just spend time exploring, at my own pace, the great many things I still do not have mastered.

Child Development

I read a great article called "Child Development-What Research Says About Technology and Child Development. I got it off of the site http://www.nwrel.org/request/june01/child.html
It talked about computers and technology and how technology can't and shouldn't replace human interaction or relationships, but if properly used can increase language and literacy development. It talked about strategically seating two chairs at the computer table so that children can work together. We do this at Head Start and it does help promote language between children. Children converse with each other about when it is their turn, or how to print a picture, or they feel good about themselves, and builds their leadership roles, when they help the other child with the computer. The article said that computer use at a young age should be brief and limited. I agree that this is important today as childhood obesity is such a problem with our young children.
If used appropriately, computers can be a positive part of a child's learning and education.

Hello Everyone!

Hello,
My name is Sharon and I am in my second year of college at UW Oshkosh. I am part of a new cohort with Fox Valley Technical College for Elementary Education. Having been out of school for almost 20 years I have met many challenges, but I enjoy being a life long learner.
I am married and have two wonderful boys. My eldest is starting High School this year and my youngest is going into kindergarten. I work for UW Oshkosh Head Start as a Home Visitor.
My thoughts on technology are that it is a very useful tool. I am currently taking a computer class and hope to learn more. Technology is moving so fast that at times I am a little scared of being left behind. Luckily I have a fourteen year old son to help me keep up with it all.