Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Thoughtful Analysis

     In our article today , we read about early childhood, 4 and 5 year kids, and the use of technology in the classroom. As amazing an asset the use of technology is within the classroom. I think the most important part of my article was the constant option and reference back to the old method of pen and paper. In the early years, children are exposed constantly to technology from their toys to the world around them. However technology does have its cost on human development. Fine and gross motor skills rely on children actually using a pen and paper to build up the muscle and skills needed to hold a pencil and write with legible penmanship. In my classroom, especially if I teach at this young of an age, I will remember and encourage the importance of the old ways as equally important to the technological new ways.
    This being said, I can still see great uses of all the technology mentioned in my article. Electronic newsletters are a fast and efficient way to get important information to parents without having to rely solely on the memory of a four year old. Also, in the classroom the use of a digital camera is so great. By including photos of families and step by step instructions, students will be surrounded by powerful stimuli to help them throughout their days.
     In listening to other people present their articles, I greatly disagree with the article about removing computers completely from school settings. Mot only is it irrational, but its downright insane to take ten steps back by removing this important asset from the classroom. Instead of going to the extreme of removing these classroom elements, monitoring and restrictions can be made to limit the variance from assigned tasks.

2 comments:

  1. I completely agree that removing computers is an insane idea. Technology is a huge part of our lives and if we took away the chance for students to experience and practice their skills, then they will be lost once they get a job or go on to college.

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  2. Great thoughts Brittany! I agree that it is important for young students to develop their fine motor skills by using pencils. It is great that you said you will remember to include the traditional methods in your classroom. I also like the way you interpreted having pictures of children with their families around the classroom!

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