Ntuli, E. & Kyei-Blankson, L. (2010). Teachers’
Understanding and Use of Developmentally Appropriate Computer Technology in
Early Childhood Education. Journal Of Technology Integration In The
Classroom, 2(3), 23-35.
I am currently a kindergarten teacher, so I chose an article
about technology in Early Childhood Education.
I believe that technology is a great tool that should be used at all
grade levels. Children today are very knowledgeable
about technology and I feel that teachers should use that to their advantage. Technology is a great tool for encouraging
reading and social interaction with children.
The article Teachers’ Understanding and Use of Developmentally Appropriate Computer Technology in Early Childhood Education, states that 91 percent of three to eight year olds use computers and 59 percent use the Internet (National Center for Education Statistics, 2006). This article conducted a research of teachers to find out the role of technology in their classroom, the frequency of computer use and the types of technology used.
The teachers in the research agreed that technology was important to use with young children. They also believe that technology can help motivate and encourage students. The study shows that 78% of the teachers used computers with their students more than three times a week. Some of the types of technology used were Smartboards, projectors and educational videos to introduce a lesson.
Many teachers in the study understood how important the role of technology was in the early childhood classroom, but the use of technology did not transfer into the classroom. If and when teachers understand how developmentally appropriate technology can be used in the classroom, we will see higher student learning.
The article Teachers’ Understanding and Use of Developmentally Appropriate Computer Technology in Early Childhood Education, states that 91 percent of three to eight year olds use computers and 59 percent use the Internet (National Center for Education Statistics, 2006). This article conducted a research of teachers to find out the role of technology in their classroom, the frequency of computer use and the types of technology used.
The teachers in the research agreed that technology was important to use with young children. They also believe that technology can help motivate and encourage students. The study shows that 78% of the teachers used computers with their students more than three times a week. Some of the types of technology used were Smartboards, projectors and educational videos to introduce a lesson.
Many teachers in the study understood how important the role of technology was in the early childhood classroom, but the use of technology did not transfer into the classroom. If and when teachers understand how developmentally appropriate technology can be used in the classroom, we will see higher student learning.
Reflection:
The article/research shows that students who interact with computers have higher levels of spoken communication, fluency, and more complex speech. It also helps with cooperation skills because they have to share one work area. From personal experience, I believe this to be very accurate. My son is five years old and has been using the computer and iPad since he was about two. He has an enriched vocabulary because of his interaction with technology. I am always amazed at words he uses, and even more impressed that he knows what they mean and can use them in the right context.
The article also discusses how as fine and gross motor skills develop, that children can use software programs for things such as writing and forming letters. I have a Smartboard in my classroom and use it as a tool to help those struggling with handwriting and letter formation. In the beginning we start with the children using their finger to practice correct letter formation. As they master that, we add in the pen and practice until they are comfortable with using pencil and paper.
As I mentioned earlier, technology is a great tool for the classroom. I believe it should be utilized as much as possible!
The article/research shows that students who interact with computers have higher levels of spoken communication, fluency, and more complex speech. It also helps with cooperation skills because they have to share one work area. From personal experience, I believe this to be very accurate. My son is five years old and has been using the computer and iPad since he was about two. He has an enriched vocabulary because of his interaction with technology. I am always amazed at words he uses, and even more impressed that he knows what they mean and can use them in the right context.
The article also discusses how as fine and gross motor skills develop, that children can use software programs for things such as writing and forming letters. I have a Smartboard in my classroom and use it as a tool to help those struggling with handwriting and letter formation. In the beginning we start with the children using their finger to practice correct letter formation. As they master that, we add in the pen and practice until they are comfortable with using pencil and paper.
As I mentioned earlier, technology is a great tool for the classroom. I believe it should be utilized as much as possible!
