This week in my advanced child development class we were asked to think about the idea of "...engaging children with technology" (B.Mathieson, personal communication, October 18, 2010). I am very new to this realm of technology myself and I find it challenging to think of how I would communicate coherently. The world is changing rapidly and I am a witness and active participant to this as I write my thoughts and post on this blog. I have learned to use a web based tutorial, post and respond to discussion forums, use voice threads, create a wiki, and access pod casts.
In reading some of the resources presented this week I am filled with many questions. How would we as educators begin the dialogue of engaging children with technology? How much should we be bringing into the classroom? What methods or mediums of communication will we explore? For instance, there are computers which are present in many classrooms. What about the addition of video cameras, iPod's, iTouch's, MP 3 Players, and scanners? In examining this from a socio-cultural context what web pages or applications would we subscribe to? Will we use Skype, Twitter, Facebook, Wiki's, blogs and websites?
It is clear there are so many mediums and methods in which to communicate surrounding technology. We must be aware and use caution when using technology in early childhood settings if it decreases social interaction, participation and making meaning together. We must be aware of what it is used for, and have limits around safety and security. As teachers we can facilitate the co-construction of ideas and knowledge with technology. Technology has the potential to create a richness for children that enhances their ways to communicate amongst themselves and within the wider world that surrounds them.
"...if we teach today as we taught yesterday, we rob our children of tomorrow"
John Dewey (Cassidy, 2010, www.plan4tech.wikispaces.com/The+Slides)
References
Cassidy, K. (2010). Let's Do It! Planning for Tech in Early Childhood Classrooms. Retrieved from: www.plan4tech.wikispaces.com/The+Slide
