Technology in a Pre-K classroom
What is technology?
The video below states that technology is something that was created by humans. These items were created to make things easier for us and to solve problems.
Children were very engaged in learning with the use of technology.
While the students were on their I-Pads the teacher and teaching staff were next to them fully engaged. The children liked have staff next to them watching, as they successfully completed the lessons. The students stayed on task and completed the lesson as directed by the staff.
Questions for the teacher:
- What are the benefits to using technology in the classroom? Technology is a very engaging and interactive way that students can learn on their own. I can use it at times to give a child more practice on a skill they are struggling with, while continuing on with the child who is ready to move forward. I also use it as a way to let children explore other cultures and parts of the world through pictures and videos.
- What are the disadvantages for student use of technology? It can be a disadvantage if used too much and takes away time from imaginative play and social/emotional development.
- What is your favorite classroom technology? Why? I use YouTube alot, to bring different cultures and wildlife into our room and to bring books we have read to life. I love our Ipads as I can use apps to work on specific skills with children.
Observation hours at Marion Elementary Head Start Preschool
Over the course of three days I observed and taught at the Marion Head start preschool. I observed the classroom teacher using technology with the students and I also taught the children using IPads. The students were very excited to have me in the classroom to teach a "special lesson", as the teacher called it.
Children in this classroom have access to I-Pads and computers. They also have an overhead projector that allows the teacher to show educational videos to the entire class.
Pros and cons I observed in the preschool classroom during the use of technology
Pros:
- students were very excited to learn using IPads
- students were able to grasp the concept quickly with the use of this technology
- students liked being able to hear the sound the letter N made through their Ipad app
- students were excited to be able to learn to draw the letter N through their IPad app
Cons:
- The classroom only has 5 IPads, so lessons using this form of technology has to be done in a small group setting
Introducing Technology to Young Children
Why should we add technology to our student's education?
What is Technology?