Hi Ladies
Each of you have been very busy posting to our blog. We are learning about using a blog together in this class. We have had many great posts to read and I think it is going to be best if I start a new post for week 4.
If you have not posted to the previous blog, please do so soon because I will be putting grades in the grade book for the past two weeks.
I look forward to a great discussion.
Professor Gavin
After reading the chapters in the book I had a conversation with the children about investigations. I asked them open ended questions. I explained what data was and told them how pictures were a good way to collect data. We talked about how things change over time, and the cause and effect concept. The younger children didn’t quit understand but the older 4 and 5 years olds did after I showed them some pictures out of my picture science book on page 23 “How do seeds grow”. I really liked the living and non living things sample lesson in the book, I want to try this with my children.
ReplyDeleteAdrienne I am so glad that you are already sharing what you are learning in your reading with your students. I love that you showed the photos in the picture science book I love that book.
DeleteThe next step would be do actually do a hands on activity with real items that they can see change. Like what happens if you add watercolors to ice? Next time remember to cite your source at the end of you post.
Professor Gavin
Hello Adrienne,
DeleteWonderful post! The readings have also been helping me as well and have been giving me insight of how to become more effective when using appropriate technology in the classroom. It is great that you are sharing you readings with the children in your class because many of them do want to be involved and are going to learn while you are completing your project. Good luck and I am looking forward to hearing about how your project goes in class.
Alexis Levine
Hello everyone,
ReplyDeleteThe chapters in Picture Science and in Digital Science had a lot of powerful information that is going to help me throughout this semester in class and when I am teaching in a preschool classroom. This is also a crucial part for me because it is going to play an important role when doing the investigations project with a small group of children. For the investigations project, I have decided that I am going to grow a plant and at the end I want the children to start to grow their own plant inside and take it home to watch it grow so that the children will be able to continue to observe more on their own time. According to the Picture Science Textbook, it states, " digital images connect data, and conclusions can be made visible." ( Neumman Hinds- 2007) When children are able to see pictures after they have completed a projects, it makes it easier for them to create conclusions of what they have seen and observed. It also makes it easier because they are able to notice the changes within a project and revisit their learning. Children can also use pictures to help document their work and can be posted in the classroom if given permission by the children and parents. If there is no form signed by parents and children, then the pictures cannot be taken or posted in the classroom. Children's safety and privacy comes first. Children also learn more through hands on experiences and projects. This semester, I am looking forward to completing my project in a preschool and in a studio where the children are doing hands on activities and projects.
According to the Digital Decisions textbook, " new born babies imitate their parents when they smile in response to their parents smiling." ( Simon & Nemeth 2012) New born babies are able to pick up on cues easily from their parents even when the parents are reading to their child, they are able to pick up on the sounds and the words although they may not be able to say it yet. Putting on soft instrumental music is a great thing for parents to use at home because it can help put their new born babies to sleep when it is time.
Citations:
Neumann-Hinds, C. (2007). Picture science: Using digital photography to teach young children. St. Paul, MN: Redleaf Press.
Simon, F. S., & Nemeth, K. (2012). Digital decisions: Choosing the right technology tools for early childhood education. Lewisville, N. C.: Gryphon House, Inc.
Hi Alexis,
DeleteI like what you said about how children can use pictures as an opportunity to document their work, this will definitely give them a sense of pride and accomplishment when they revisit what they did. From the time a project was started and the different changes overtime, and the outcome of the project. I am also looking forward to sharing this experience with the group of children I choose to do my picture Science project with.
Hello Nicola,
DeleteThank you for replying to my weekly reading blog post. Technology is very powerful and it helps children to complete further investigation when it is used in the right way. I look forward to what the children are going to learn when I begin and throughout the investigation project.
Neumann-Hinds, C. (2007). Picture science: Using digital photography to teach young children. St. Paul, MN: Redleaf Press.
ReplyDeleteSimon, F. S., & Nemeth, K. (2012). Digital decisions: Choosing the right technology tools for early childhood education. Lewisville, N. C.: Gryphon House, Inc.
It is very important as the chapter in Digital Decisions pointed out,to first know what technology gadgets are developmentally appropriate, when deciding to use them in the classroom. I like the idea of smartpens how versatile they are, whatever children writes, a smartpen can capture whatever sound was happening at the time. This is something I would definitely like to use in my classroom. There are times in my classroom when I would ask the children to write or draw something they remember from a story, and while they are writing or drawing, they would be talking about parts of the story. Moments like this would be good to capture, therefore the smartpen would be perfect for the children, because as they use them, their conversation would be recorded for them to listen back to themselves. The authors spoke about the downside of using a CD player in the listening center, children most times, tends to sit and listen passively. I agree with their analysis, I have experience this in my classroom and other classrooms, the children would sit and listen for few minutes then leave. It is hard for most children to sit for a period of time and just listen without moving, because children love to move around, especially for some children who has difficulty staying on task. I believe the idea of incooperating iPods in the classroom would be a plus, since it would bring a story to life, as the text gave the example, children could be listening to a story like The Three Little Pigs while building in block area. I could also add Goldilocks and The Three Bears to the list, children could be listening to the story and reenact the parts in dramatic play. All the other technology gadgets are also interesting and exciting to learn about, to think how much they can enhance the development of young children. I like the statement at the end of the chapter, this is something I will take in consideration as I work with children, "If our goal is to expose children in a sensible and educationally sound way to real technology then we think that real technology is what we should use with them early on"(Simon, Nemeth, 2012, pg.112).
ReplyDeleteI like the suggestion the author made in Picture Science, that when children are collecting data, that it would be simplier for the children if the teacher allows them to focus on one conclusion, instead of several at a time. I think this would help them to retain the information more when it is analyzed little by little. Since children learn visually, I think adding pictures to charts as the book teaches, would be beneficial to children, because the pictures can give more ideas and thought to the topic to be investigated. I like the idea of a growth chart,I would integrate this in my classroom, because it would be good way for children to gather data on each other. During the reading, I was able to fully understand what "metacognition" is, I heard the term used numerous times that it is very important to ask children questions that will help them develop metacognitive skills. There were some questions that are stated in the chapter three that gave an understanding of how to lead children "toward the heart of metacognition". According to the chapter, to get the children thinking about thinking, asking questions such as, "What were you doing in this picture and why did you do it?" would be more beneficial to promote metacognition, instead of "What did you learn yesterday?" The questions provided in the "sample lessons" gave me ideas of the kind of questions to ask children during an investigation. I have had the experience before where during a science experiment, or while children are at play I have difficulty asking the children the right questions. After reading the chapter I'm now equipped with some ideas of how to ask children beneficial questions that will enhance their higher order thinking.
Hello Nicola,
DeleteI really enjoyed reading your initial response about what stood out to you from the Picture Science and Digital Decisions book. One of the things that stood out to me the most was how you stated, " . I believe the idea of incorperating iPods in the classroom would be a plus, since it would bring a story to life, as the text gave the example, children could be listening to a story like The Three Little Pigs while building in block area." Not only are children learning how to use the technology appropriately but they are learning while using it. There should always be a purpose to implementing technology in the classroom. This past week, I started my observations at the Magnet School and I am so happy that I found out that they are using I Pads and the children are learning the information while using it . They are using it for meaningful reasons like using it for projects instead of just using the internet for no purpose. They are also using it for their research. Children learn in many different ways and they learn information through various resources. Some children may learn through visuals while others may learn the material through technology. I'm glad that the technology in your classroom is being used in the right way and Good luck with your projects this semester.
Alexis Levine
References:
ReplyDeleteNuemann-Hinds, C. (2007). Picture science: Using digital photography to teach young children. St. Paul, MN: Redleaf Press.
Simon, F. S., & Nemeth, K. (2012). Digital decisions: Choosing the right technology tools for early childhood education. Lewisville, N.C. Gryphon House, Inc.
ReplyDeleteReading chapters 9 and 10 in the Digital Decisions book helped me to understand how important digital cameras are for creating different activities to help with different learning objectives. Also it explained what is considered appropriate and inappropriate technology for your classroom. Chapter 9 talked about the importance of incorporating digital cameras in the classroom, for both you and the children. I was just having a conversation the other day about taking pictures with phones and digital cameras and the pictures get stuck in the cloud and never printed. She reminded me of the times when people printed pictures and put them in albums to be able to share for years to come. Its true that this barely happens anymore. Another important fact is that all parents should sign a request for their childs picture to be taken and shared. We also have to remind parents that if they are going to take pictures of their children in class with other children, they need to make sure that the other children are cropped before posting online.
Some things that are appropriate technologies are smart pens, robotics, listening centers, digital voice recorders, reading machines, and overhead projectors. A brief description of each activity is explained in the Digital Decisions book, chapter 10, pages 108-110. Some inappropriate gadgets listed were, children educated computers, video games, toy imitations of technology. Digital Decisions page 110. it is important to use technology to enhance what your already doing in your class.
Hello Simone,
DeleteI really enjoyed reading your initial response on the importance of using digital cameras and creating age appropriate activities for young children. Digital Cameras are a wonderful tool because they help to capture a moment or an event in action. They help children to remember what happens on their field trips and while completing projects. It is exciting to hear as I am working on the investigation project, children enjoy taking pictures using a digital camera because they can see the picture afterwards and they can tell you what they have learned from the lesson. Children should be using age appropriate digital cameras and something that can be held easily and too big for children to hold. On the first day of the project, children learn how to hold the camera the right way to take pictures. They also learn how to zoom in and zoom out. We as teachers and educators are always there to provide children access to materials and support to become successful learners.
Wonderful Post!
Alexis Levine
After reading the chapters, I have noticed how pictures can be used in multiple ways. Chapter 2 "Photography for Demonstrating Conclusions" of the text Picture Science suggests that pictures are very helpful in forming the conclusion of the investigation. Since visuals have always been helpful for children, the text indicates, "Even children who cannot read yet can illustrate all kinds of scientific ideas with digital photographs. Digital images connect data, and conclusions can be made visible." (Neumann-Hinds, 2007, p.52) Children need to be able to see the final out come because for one if some children tend to forget, it reminds them of what happened with the materials used or at the end of their experience of investigating especially when they revisit it. As some children look back, they may even notice things that they didn't see before. I remember a time when I was reading to a child. I asked the child what happened at the end of a story for example and he had difficulty responding. So to help him understand, I revisited and discussed the pictures in the book of events that occurred at the beginning and walked him through it until the end. So maybe this sort of thing can be done with science investigations. As children observe pictures, they can discuss and revisit the steps taken from the beginning until the conclusion.
DeleteI also liked the idea that was explained in chapter 2 about using the pictures from one investigation again for other topics of investigations that may be related in some way. In the text it says,"during a unit on living things, you may produce photographs that could be reused later in an investigation of a particular animal or habitat." (Neumann-Hinds, 2007, p.53)
Resource:
Neumann- Hinds, C. (2007).Picture Science:Using Photography to Teach Young Children. St. Paul, MN: Redleaf Press.
I am glad to see that 4 of you are continuing to discuss your weekly readings. We seem to be missing some students in this weeks blog. Remember this reading blog is assigned in place of writing a weekly paper. I will be putting in two blog grades next week based on your participation in the weekly blog.
ReplyDeleteI look forward to hearing from each of you. If you read or experience something new on Technology please be sure to share it with the class.
Thank you so much Professor Gavin. I enjoy completing these reading blogs and the information that I am reading from my classmates is also helping me . I look forward to doing a classroom blog in the near future and have it so that parents can also view it and give me feedback. I look forward to being in class this week. I am excited about how where I am doing my project investigation for this class , the children are using I Pads in the classroom and for educational purposes only. It is a great way for children to go back and remember what they have accomplished while doing different projects and lessons in the classroom.
DeleteWeek 5 Reading:
ReplyDeleteThe information in Chapter 4 found in the Picture science book, the information is all geared toward photography and how it should be used to create documentation. According to the textbook, it states, " children feel especially proud when some of the photographs used for documentation are ones they took themselves." ( Neumman Hinds 2007) Children know that their work means something when it is used for documentation and when they are able to see it used throughout the classroom. This causes children to wanting to do more investigation projects and helps them to develop a high level of self -esteem knowing that they care about their learning. Pictures and photography capture the moment and an event of what has already taken place in time. Children are able to recall what they have learned and observed by looking at the photography that has been taken. A couple of weeks ago, my Friday night activities group( 5-6 year olds) made cards for the elderly who are in convalescent homes and these cards were delivered to them. They meant a lot to the elderly knowing that a young child took time out of their busy night and thought of them. When the children saw how happy the people were, it put smiles on their faces and helped them to remember a great thing that they did for someone else. In relation to this example, pictures are used to help children recall their experiences and what they have learned throughout the process. Pictures tell a live story of what has taken place and what the children have been completing as well.
These pictures can be printed out and posted in the classroom so that parents can see what their child has been working on throughout the school year. It also causes the child to feel proud of their accomplishment and dedication towards school projects. The investigation projects that we are completing with a small group of young children is a great way for them to learn how to use the technology when taking the pictures of the investigations and observations. Children are also learning how to work with other children.
Citation:
Nuemann-Hinds, C. (2007). Picture science: Using digital photography to teach young children. St. Paul, MN: Redleaf Press.
Simon, F. S., & Nemeth, K. (2012). Digital decisions: Choosing the right technology tools for early childhood education. Lewisville, N.C. Gryphon House, Inc.
Hello Alexis. I like all that you mentioned about how much children appreciate when they are noticed and so is their work. It boosts their self- esteem. When children feel confident about themselves and their abilities they will grow and develop into a happy, confident individual. Using their hard work for documentation/ activities is a wonderful feeling to them. My children love when I go to their school and see their pictures/ work displayed around the classroom and in the hallways. Knowing their accomplishments is being acknowledged is valuable. Through photographs, families as well as other people are able to see what the children are participating in. The children would be able to reflect on their experience and share insights with others. According to the text, "Besides knowing that they are valued and appreciated, children develop a sense of responsibility for their own learning" (Neumann- Hinds, 2007, p.76). If pictures are not taken, they may forget what they did and how they did something. Documentation through pictures adds more to the lesson and keeps the children interested.
DeleteReferences:
Nuemann-Hinds, C. (2007). Picture science: Using digital photography to teach young children. St. Paul, MN: Redleaf Press.
Week 5
ReplyDeleteThe many ways photography can be used is unbelievable. Photography can be used to create books, top- related books, and yearbooks. It can also be used to create presentations and for assessment (portfolios). When photographs are taken, the image tells a lot about what is happening. It is an excellent way for families to see what their child is doing at school. Not only can pictures be taken of children participating in an activity, but pictures of their work can also be taken. It will serve as a documentation that can be placed in the child's portfolio. Teachers and families would be able to refer back to the picture to help them in determining if the child has mastered a skill or requires additional help. Depending on the information the teacher or parent noticed on the picture, he or she would be able to set a goal and plan activities. I asked a preschool teacher at my center if the children use cameras in the classroom. Her response was "no". I informed her of all that can be done with a camera and its benefits. She was excited to begin incorporating photography in her science center as well as in other centers. Since children have little hands/fingers, the size of the digital camera is important. Also the more simple the operation of the camera is, the better it is for the children to use. If the camera is to complicated, the children may get frustrated and lose interest in the camera. The teacher will be doing some research on the recommended digital camera for preschoolers before adding it to her monthly shopping list. According to the text, "Digital cameras offer a lot of bells and whistles, a lot of technical niceties. The key thing is to try out the camera as a tool to enrich your students' learning" (Neumann- Hinds, 2007, p.100). The children and the teachers will enjoy all of the documentations they will be able to create from photography.
References:
Nuemann-Hinds, C. (2007). Picture science: Using digital photography to teach young children. St. Paul, MN: Redleaf Press.
Hello Maria,
DeleteYour insight on photography and how it should be used appropriately in the early childhood classroom has helped me to understand this topic area in a deeper way. Photographs are a great tool because they can tell a real life story of an event or moment in time. They also allow children to go back and recall the field trips that they have been on and refer to them. In tonight's class, we learned about documentation panels. These are a powerful tool because they help to capture the children's learning throughout an entire project investigation and parents can also see what their child is learning on a daily basis. These documentation panels can be displayed throughout the classroom and children can refer to them when they reflect on their learning of the information gathered throughout the project investigation. I look forward to reading more of your blogs and your insight has given me a better understanding of what I can bring into the classroom to create positive learning experiences for all children.
Alexis Levine
Hello Maria,
DeleteThank you for taking the time to respond to my weekly five reading blog. Photographs allow children to also see how their learning has progressed during a certain time or an event that has occurred. They are able to see the results after it has happened. Children are also able to keep these photographs as an important memory. Documentation panels are great for families because they are able to celebrate with their child of what has already been completed. Thank you for all of your insight.
Alexis Levine
Week 5.
ReplyDeleteI want to reflect on the reading from Picture Science. I want to implement parent reports. I feel that is truly important for parents to be involved with their childs learning. this is a great way for the parent to reflect with the child on that activity. the photos of course are the bonus. the parent sees what the child was experiencing, and it will help the child recall the activity. pictures are also a great way to show skill level in a particular area to have evidence for the parent at conferences or weekly meetings.
Side note: I purchased an Ipad Air 2, and a cardboard VR and have begun implementing appropriate technology into my classroom, from what Professor Gavin has taught us so far. My goal is to write a letter to my director explaining the importance of technology in the classroom, so that they can provide us with WIFI. Professor I would love your guidance on how to word/approach this. It has been unsuccessful for others in the past.
Hello Simone,
DeleteI really enjoyed reading your reflection on the Picture Science book. One of the things that stood out to me was how you stated that parents want to be involved in their child's learning. Parents want to make sure that their children are also getting the support from their teachers within the classroom. The parents can then plan appropriate activities to help their child/ children meet their goals. Our job as teachers and educators is to plan and teach intentional. We also need to know how children learn and what method works best to help them understand the material. Some children learn through visuals while, other children learn through hands on experiences. These should all be included into our daily learning experiences. Conferences are a wonderful idea because parents are able to see where their child is at and what needs to be accomplished for them to meet their goals.
Wonderful post!
Alexis Levine
Week 6 Readings from Digital Decisions ( Simon& Nemeth) and Young Investigators ( Helm& Katz).
ReplyDeleteThe information on Chapter 7 in Digital Decisions focused on the importance of Mobile Devices such as Tablets and smart phones and how they should be used with young children. There are many ways in which teachers can use these mobile devices in a meaningful way. According to the textbook, it states," mobile devices can be used to take pictures of class activities or field trips, and upload them to your program's website." ( Simon & Nemeth 2012) This pictures can also be used for families to see how their child is learning throughout the classroom and what they are doing on the field trips. Mobile devices should only be used for school purposes only. The type of device that I am using during the project investigation is a digital camera where I am teaching the children how to take pictures using it. The pictures are only being used for this class purposes only. That is how the technology should be used and pictures also.
The Young Investigators project approach book focuses on the Project approach and the appropriate projects to do with young children. It also focuses on how these projects should be child initiated in which the children get the choice of choosing the project and the teacher is their to guide and support them. Many children learn through hands on experiences and projects. According to the textbook, it states, " children learn to use tools for investigating to experiment and observe the results. " ( Helm & Katz 2001) For the investigation project, the small group that I am with, the children are learning the importance of holding the digital camera the right way and how to take an effective picture. I have also given each child practice time with using and taking pictures. I am looking forward to this project and seeing what the children are going to learn throughout the process.
Citations:
Helm, J,H., & Katz, L.G., (2001) Early childhood education series: Young investigators: The project approach in the early years. ( 2nd ed.) Washington DC: National Association for the Education of Young Children.
Simon, F. S., & Nemeth, K. (2012). Digital decisions: Choosing the right technology tools for early childhood education. Lewisville, N.C. Gryphon House, Inc.
Hello Alexis. As you mentioned there are many ways mobile devices can be used. Not only are children able to be involved in the devices as a method to learn but parent are also able to follow how their child is doing and what they are learning. Teachers can post pictures of the children as well as their learning progression. Keeping track of children’s behavior can also be done electronically which can then be viewed at anyplace. Parents are able to log in from anywhere to see what is happening in the classroom. Mobile devices are beneficial for every age group now a days including the elderly. I find that more learning occurs ever since mobile devices have come to be. Chapter 4 states, “If you choose to use computers, you can find software to support any aspect of learning you want to cover, and you can find developmentally appropriate ways to use the computer and the software as you go” (Simon & Nemeth, 2012, p.36). As long as children are using the devices appropriately, not just in a passive way, then they are accomplishing its educational purpose.
DeleteReferences:
Simon, F. S., & Nemeth, K. (2012). Digital decisions: Choosing the right technology tools for early childhood education. Lewisville, N.C. Gryphon House, Inc.
Hello Maria,
DeleteThank you so much for taking the time to respond to my initial response. When teachers take pictures of what they are learning about and focusing on in the classroom,parents are also able to see how their child is doing in the classroom. This also helps parents when their child is at home because they are able to give their child the one on one focus that is needed. Photography is a powerful tool because children are able to receive the pictures at that instant and they are able to recall that event that has taken place. Children can also reflect on their learning through going back and viewing pictures. Computers should also focus on the learning development and activities that will help lead young children towards a successful future. I appreciate all of your feedback and insight.
Alexis Levine
When it comes to the documentation part of photography, Chapter 4 provided me with more of an idea of additional purposes of it. Also, If parents see that their child is part of the documentation such as photos that are showing what their child is involved in during the process of an activity or investigation then parents will most likely appreciate it more than just hearing about it. I think by using pictures as documentation, they can understand it better.
ReplyDeleteIt would also be helpful for all parents as well as parents who may speak another language to see what their child has been working on. The text indicates, "Using photographs in portfolios also offers a great way to communicate with parents who are English language learners with limited English reading abilities. (Neumann-Hinds, 2007, p.83) If possible, some of the things that we share with parents should be taken a picture of. In a way, not only should it be visible for children but also for parents when they are not present. There may be some children who try to explain what they did in school or tell about for example an interesting activity that occurred in school. For a child who may have some difficulty either finding the words to explain it to the parent or the parent might not understand what the child is trying to say. For children who may be verbal may or may not be able to explain for instance how it happened. If the activity is made in the form of a year book, topic related book, portfolio, or parent report showing the entire lesson. This can help both of them and it becomes easier for the child and parent to look through the pictures and discuss. I had a parent come to me asking me to explain or clarify what their child was talking about at home because they didn't pick the child up that day. It turned out that it was about a picture that their child drew and it was posted on the board in the classroom. The child was very excited about their accomplishment. I know children would feel excited when they take pictures. I thought that the appendix provided some helpful information that I should know and things to be aware of in regards to the process of using the camera.
Reference:
Neumann-Hinds, C.(2007). Picture Science:Using digital photography to teach young children. St. Paul, MN: Redleaf Press
Hello Saphire,
DeleteDocumentation panels are a great tool to use throughout the classroom and especially when doing projects and field trips. They help to not only capture the moment, but also the children's learning and how they are completing the hands on experiences. These documentation panels can be displayed throughout the classroom and families are also able to see them. Parents are able to gain a better understanding of how their child is in the classroom and how they are learning also. The parents and teachers can provide better supports to meet the needs of every individual child.
Wonderful post!
Alexis Levine
Week 6
ReplyDeleteSo before laptops, we had just desk top (with the box back). Now we have mobile devices. Because these devices are portable, children more prone to using them. According to the text, “Mobile devices have special features that make them especially attractive to- and useful for- young children. They are shiny, have lots of buttons, and respond to touch with interesting graphics and cool sounds” (Simon & Nemeth, 2012, p.82). With parental control, children have easy access to the internet and are able to navigate through useful information, activities, stories and ideas that will benefit them. For instance, children are able to follow a recipe when helping their parents in the kitchen. Not only are the children involved in the cooking process, but they are also gaining mathematical, reading skills, etc. My favorite app for children are interactive books like the ones Professor Gavin showed us. The ones with 3D pictures and words that stand out as it reads. The children are able to follow along. It helps with letter and word recognition. It is a great way for children to learn how to read. This all occurs from having a mobile device in their fingertips. If they did not have mobile devices, they will not be surrounded by educational materials which they would be able to interact with any time they wanted to. It is because of Professor Gavin that I bought my daughter an I PAD a couple of years ago. I was interested in those book apps for her. My daughter works on I READY. It is an app her school requires them to work on to help with reading comprehension and with math. She is able to log in from her I PAD or phone while in the waiting room to her doctor’s office. For Christmas, I bought my daughter a phone. I was worried about buying it for her because I found her to be too young. She is 10 years old. But I came to realize that many things revolves around technology now a days. But as a parent, I have to be on top of what she is doing on it and the time spent on it. I have the same concerns that many educators have such as loss or theft, protecting them from damage, avoiding distractions, and protecting confidential information. On the other hand, all of the many kinds of appropriate activities children can learn with technology is worth investing on a mobile device.
References:
Simon, F. S., & Nemeth, K. (2012). Digital decisions: Choosing the right technology tools for early childhood education. Lewisville, N.C. Gryphon House, Inc.
Hello Maria,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your chapter 6 blog about the purpose of mobile devices and how they should be used in the classroom. Some mobile devices are great tools because children are able to use them while learning and it helps them to retain information. I Pads and digital cameras are important because children can use them in the classroom to capture their learning and recall what they learned from an event or something that has taken place at that instant. They are able to see the pictures immediately and can be used for documentation throughout the classroom. When these devices are used appropriately that is when they are okay to be used and for a meaningful purpose.
Alexis Levine
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteWeek 7 Reading and Webinar Reflection:
ReplyDeleteChapter 12 in the Digital Decisions textbook focuses on the importance of having rich technology classrooms and how parents should be involved with their children's learning. As teachers and educators we are there to not only support the children in our classroom, but also meeting the needs of the parents as well. Parents need to know how their child is doing in the classroom and through technology we can communicate with parents and also send them pictures of their child/ children's exploration and completing projects. According to the textbook, it states, " being a teacher in a technology- rich classroom means intentionally balancing materials, experiences, and projects you offer everyday." ( Simon & Nemeth 2012) We make sure that the materials focus on meeting the standards and needs of every child. The materials should be age and developmentally appropriate. If the teacher has materials in the classroom that the children have never used before, the teacher should do a mini lesson with the children on how to use it and the children should also be practicing. For example, in the investigation project, I am teaching children how to use the digital camera, and the children are practicing with taking pictures using the camera and I Pad in the classroom. Parents also enjoy receiving news letters and the remind me app sends the parents of only children in your classroom what the children learned throughout the day. The teachers can also send good reports of how their child behaved in the classroom. Technology is constantly evolving and more parents are using their technology.
The Blogging for Community Building in Early Childhood Programs and Organizations by Dawn Braa webinar was about blogging and why blogging is important for programs and for families. According to the webinar, " blogs give families access to what is going on in the classroom, daily activities, and how their child is behaving in the classroom." ( Braa Dawn 2013) Blogs are used as a type of powerful communication to deliver news to parents of the classroom activities and projects. Teachers also use blogs to receive suggestions from the parents of how to become more intentional teachers and to continue meeting the needs of the children. As a future preschool teacher, I look forward to blogging about the children's learning and documenting their learning in the blogs. I hope that my blogs can meet the needs of each family and also make room for suggestions in my classroom.
References:
Braa, Dawn. (2013) Early Childhood Webinars: Blogging for Community Building in Early Childhood Programs and Organizations. Engagement Strategies.
Simon, F. S., & Nemeth, K. (2012). Digital decisions: Choosing the right technology tools for early childhood education. Lewisville, N.C. Gryphon House, Inc.
The information in Chapter 7 about what to look for in terms of apps were helpful to know such as "one dimensional activities that are uninspiring and offer no challenge or choice, Apps that do things for children instead of encouraging independent actions, devices or apps that are too slow or too complicated , coloring pages" (Simon & Nemeth, 2012, p.83) Children learn more from programs that they can touch and move than just pressing it and getting one or the same reaction. If they are playing a game that is difficult then depending on their level of frustration or staying with a task, some can get frustrated and change to a different game. I have heard many children say "that's too hard." The program should be one that meets their ability.
ReplyDeleteI also thought it would be interesting to have a multi-touch table in the classroom. I imagined how my children would react. I liked the features of the multi-touch tables including 2. The teacher can actually design applications that match her goals to student abilities and interests; 4. Multi-touch tables track each child's actions from their position around the table and collect that information to form learning portfolios; 8. Programs can be designed to respond to the child's accomplishments, so the activity can change as the child develops more skills; 11. Working around the table can foster collaborative play and exploration and allow abler children to learn alongside children who are not as advanced cognitively or linguistically. (Simon & Nemeth, 2012, p.75) There are not many programs that I know of that work like this. At least the teacher can have some control over what tasks they may want the children to focus and work on and children can be challenged instead of staying at the same level. I can see some of my children helping their peers with the activities.
Resource:
Simon. F.S.,& Nemeth, K. (2012). Digital decisions: Choosing the right technology tools for early childhood education. Lewisville, NC.: Gryphon House, Inc.
Hello Saphire,
DeleteI really enjoyed reading your initial response on the importance of using appropriate apps in the classroom and how parents should also be involved with their child's education. It makes a difference when parents and families are able to connect with you of how their child is doing in the classroom and how they are able to understand their children. This also helps them to support their children when they are at home and they know what to do to meet all of their needs. It is important as teachers and educators that we focus on all areas of development in the classroom to help support and to meet what the children need. The activities, materials, and lessons should always be age and developmentally appropriate. When doing projects, it is important that a project is broken down into smaller chucks so that it does not become overwhelming for them. They are able to focus on the tasks for that day.
Hi All
ReplyDeleteI am so glad to see that you are all finding great new ideas for your classrooms in your readings.
I have one favor to ask can you all please start posting in the same area so we all read your posts.
I tried to do the post using a weekly format but that failed so lets all post to the link that says
ECE 320 - Welcome😀 Welcome to our new classbook ...(not week 4 Please)