The National
Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) had a really
interesting article that I felt is relevant to my current professional
development. There was a particular
article called "Touch and Grow: Learning and Exploring Using
Tablets." This article pertains to
me because many preschools in my area are now entertaining the idea of using
tablets in the classrooms as a learning tools.
I feel this is great idea since we live in a society where almost
everything is associated with technology in some way. However, like many parents, as a teacher I do have some reservations. This article helped me realize that tablets
are safe for children but there special precautions teachers have to do. Teachers must use safe apps and explore all
the functions of the tablet and the apps.
Also needing parental approval is strongly encouraged just in case there
are parents who don't agree with their children using the tablets. I learned that tablets can increase mental processes and brain development through the children using different activities in order to play the apps. This information helped me to understand why some neuroscientists recommend young children using tablets. Also it helps economists argument about the importance of investing in the future. By teachers and parents keeping children up to date with the fast pace of technology, they helping children to stay competitive globally.
Another factor about the using tablets is how it can help
teachers track developmental progression and keep documents
electronically. Also for preschools
teachers who run schools out of their homes, tablets can help teachers take
electronic payments from parents and keep record of those payments, which can
help during tax season or if parents miss payments.
If you're interested in looking at the article here is the url, http://www.naeyc.org/tyc/article/touch_and_grow. I hope it helps you like it helped me.
Hi Dawn
ReplyDeleteIt is so timely that you shared this article with us, as my center is hesitating whether to bring in tablets for children or not to extend their learning. This article explained quite in detail of how tablets should be explored if they are used by children for learning. Thanks for sharing. Wong
Dawn, I loved the title of you post, it made me giggle. The center where I work has two touch screen computers in each room, which are, in essence, giant tablets. I love the idea of using tablets, if affordable. They can be customized for the developmental stages of individual children. Technology is not going away and will only be growing. Today's children do need to learn using today's technology if they are to successfully compete for jobs in the future.
ReplyDeleteCindy
Dawn,
ReplyDeleteVery interesting post! I am with you on having reservations on using a tablet, but I think if used properly it can be a great tool for young children. I feel sometimes children may know how to work technology, but sometimes they are not applying what they have learned from the technology to paper or pencil because technology can be so over stimulating sometimes. I personally feel it depends on the child on how effective technology can be.
Thanks,
Kelly
Dawn, I have struggled with this as an adult. I have been lucky enough to watch children use a tablet to help them with their education. They can be very powerful tools if they are used properly. I liked your comment about the fact that using a tablet can improve a child's mental processing skills.
ReplyDeleteMarquis