My thoughts on technology - 2

My thoughts on technology have not really changed yet this semester. There are wonderful programs out there. I have done assignments that I have done in my professional life, using different programs that are much easier. I have learned that powerpoint isn't all that impressive. I have very little experience with powerpoint as my first powerpoint I EVER created was just a few months ago. I feel the end product looks professional but the work itself is tedious and unfulfilling.



Technology in general is still a little to much for me. I don't like the fact that people have such easy access to others personal information. People post things online that are WAY to personal and there are way to many "creepy" people out there that take advantage. I think of the future and the children being born now. What kind of technology will be out there for children in 10-15 years? It is a scary thought. Technology has already brought us video game consoles that allow people to talk to people from all over the world. Children and adults alike play these games. Children are too easily influenced to be responsible with this kind of technology. Children can be told over and over and over how to be safe with this technology but when it comes down to it, it's up to them and I think that is too big of a demand to put on children. Too often the curiosity takes the best of them and that is when unfortunate things happen.

Computers and the Very Young

Educational software is growing like wild fire and the highest growing category is aimed at children under 5 years old. Another product is what is being called "lapware" This is computers and software that is being aimed at children 6 months to 2 years. The children would use it while sitting on parents or an adults lap. It is meant to be used cooperatively. Computers programs aimed at such young children are the heart of the software debate right now. Some feel that the use of computers at this young of an age is actually harmful to children. Others feel it is a great jumpstart to the childs developmental learning. While children are so young, they need to master skills much different than those a computer provides. Parents and care givers need to be in communication with each other as they acquire new information of technology and it's effects on very young children.



http://www.acei.org/inf.vol.13.4.htm



This article was very interesting. I never realized that all those little Leap Pads and things were computer games for young children. It has always been something I knew yet just not really thought about. I just got one for my one year old niece. She loves books and this would fall under the lapware category. Makenna loves it but I never really thought about it as being a computer with software. I just considered it an interactive story book.

Technology and Children - Ages 3 through 8

Early Childhood providers have an important job of reviewing ALL computer use and programs for young children. The use of computers and computer software is becoming more widespread as software becomes more availabel and children become more fluent with computers. 70% of parents with young children whom own a computer have purchased software aimed at young children. There are numerous software titles that are very educational and productive to children but there are even more that are not. Even though software programs are very beneficial to children, they are not a replacement for the activities provided by the teacher, such as art, reading, and manipulatives.

NAEYC believes in 7 steps when providing software to children.
1. The role of the teacher in evaluating the appropriatness of the program.
2. The benefits of the program.
3. The intergration of the programs into the daily routine.
4. Access to the children including children with special needs.
5. Stereotyping and violence in software.
6. Roles of teachers and parents as advocates.
7. The implications for professional development.

Technology is a remarkable tool for learning and professional development as long as the programs are properly selected. Children enjoy the fun and learning of computer "games" and they often times don't realize they are learning. Software programs can be very beneficail when used to reinforce and concept but should never be used as an only source learning tool.

http://naeyc.org/about/positions/pdf/PSTECH98.pdf

This article was an excellently written point of view on todays technology. I feel it came accross very informative and non-bias. There are many very good points brought up that I feel are often times overlooked by teachers. Software programs are a wonderful learning tool but should never be used as a "babysitter"or as a replacement for actual, hands-on learning.