Journal # 7

Technology in the Early Childhood Classroom By: Elizabeth Ross Hubbell

This article deals with using technology in classrooms with young children. There are many myths in society that using technology with children will lead to “unwired brains, lethargy, hyperactivity or physical impairment”. This article says just the opposite and says that instead of hurting children, that technology if taught correctly can help build on their knowledge. The article says that it is important for students to be introduced to technology in the correct ways. Like any new material the technology has to be modeled for them. There are many benefits to using technology to help enhance lessons. Computers allow students to visualize ideas that are being taught in the classroom. Many programs also allow students to work at their own level of knowledge and have options to choose how hard you want to make the game. This allows both beginners as well as student who need practice to build on their ideas. This article showed many ways of how technology can really help younger students. It gives great examples of sites and programs that help teachers bring technology into the early childhood classroom.

Are computer taking the place of teachers?
If computers are being used right they should not be taking the place of the teacher at all. I think that computers should be used to only enhance an idea that a teacher has already touched on and should never be used to solely teach an idea. Computers are a great way for teachers to let students practice concepts and build on and visualize ideas. If a computer is being used the right way then it should be helping the teacher instead of taking their place.

How can technology be used to help build on students knowledge?
There are many ways that students can benefit and on their knowledge of a subject through technology. One way is through interactive games. There are many sites on the web that allow students to learn while playing games. This helps students to become more engaged in the topic and have fun while still learning. They can also use programs such as kidspiration where they can organize their ideas or make simple pictures and write about them. There are many programs and sites out there that help students learn in fun creative ways.