The utility of Technology in the Early Years classroom

Something I have been thinking about, especially after our smartboard demonstration, is the utility of technology in our classrooms (especially in Early Years classrooms).  Schools seem to be trying their hardest to obtain funding for as many new technologies as they can get their hands on.  Not only the Mimio boards and smartboards, but cameras and other electronic devices are sought after items which many teachers want to incorporate into their daily lessons.  My concern is that all these technologies are sought for and used only for their novel intrigue and not for their usefulness in learning.  Are these items merely toys that are fun to play with but add no educational value to a classroom?

I would hope that when a school division is thinking about seeking funding and incorporation of new technologies, they sit down to really think about how it should be used and the benefits and possible hindrances they offer to classroom learning.  Committees should be formed to discuss these concerns ahead of time, to ensure that the usefulness of incorporating these technologies is of more benefit than detriment.  Often, new technologies are used as more of a distraction than a focus on learning.  When teachers themselves do not understand the purpose of the technology, or how to incorporate it into their lessons, this is when problems arise.  Perhaps all the School Divisions should offer Professional Development sessions throughout the year, led by consultants or other professionals on effective and useful ways to incorporate technology into the classroom, as well as enlightening them how to be cautious when adding these resources.  I do see the value that many technologies can provide in a classroom setting, however I simply believe it should be well thought out before implemented.

Some information that I have found on this topic are from Education World, Scholastic, and other articles, which address the benefits and ways to incorporate technology into the classroom.  Continually referencing resources such as these can be a simple way to stay focused and on top of our learning regarding the benefits (or otherwise) of technology in our classrooms.  I have learned a great deal about various simple technologies that are beneficial, as well as some more elaborate technologies that can provide some new opportunities for learning.  I hope to be able to incorporate many of these into my classroom and I am sure that my students will have many more to show me.  I really look forward to seeing just how technology has changed the workings of an Early Years classroom.

Technology as Art

A topic that I am not particularly knowledgeable on, is Technology as Art.  I am sure that many technologies that I encounter on a daily basis are viewed more as an art form, than a form of technology.  Many technologies that we use or experience are likely not thought of as technologies.  I do not think of a pen as a technology, per se, but more of a tool.  In the context of a museum, when I see some sort of visual display, I would think of that as technology yet also as an art form, however outside of that context, I struggle to differentiate.

Certainly in our classrooms, we can incorporate both concepts as a means to promote creativity.  As noted in class, however, some of these opportunities may simply waste time.  Once provided with some further insight on the concept, such as Norman McLaren's abstract film which fuses art and technology, I realize that I encounter a fusion of both concepts more than I realize.  Do we think that our students would be able to suggest some experiences they have had or things they have seen as technology as art?  I think we could likely learn much from them in this regard.

I will have to do some research as to ways to incorporate these concepts into the classroom, as I am sure many of the kids can identify at least with the technological aspect, as well as the art aspect.  Using new media in the art classroom would be a fun and modern learning opportunity.  Using various technologies such as iPod's, iPad's, Smartboards, or whatever technology is available, to work with programs to create simple works of art.  For example, an online art gallery of the children's creations would be a fun way for the kids to showcase their creations for their teachers and families to see.   Incorporating art and technology in the classroom is a topic for a professional development session I would be interested in!

Even more useful technology...but do we need it?

We learned a few more fun and potentially useful technologies this week, including ComicLife and Mindmeister.  Unfortunately ComicLife is not free to use, however do not fret - there are others!  One such alternative is ToonDoo.  ToonDoo is a similar type of comic building program, which has thousands of inbuilt clip art images, as well as the option to import your own images.  Basic usage is free, however they also offer private ToonDoo spaces for educational institutions to have a secure and private space for their creations.  This would be a fun way for our young students to both work with a medium they enjoy (computers and comic strips) while we sneak in some learning!  A teacher could have them create comic strips re-enacting moments in history (Christopher Columbus discovering new lands), or they can simply be creative and make a ToonBook of their interests, or just doodle with it.  I'll be sure to keep this on my list of "possibly useful programs".

In addition, we discussed the functions of different types of media technology.  Certain technologies have different intended uses, be it for providing information, entertaining, or to meet a task or need.  My concern, however, is that do we really need these technologies to complete our tasks?  Can we not look up information somewhere else, such as a library?  I am not oblivious to the fact that times change, as does technology, however I think that the rate of which this is happening is so fast and furious, that we aren't really slowing down enough to think about what we are losing and how it may affect our learning abilities or health as we move so quickly ahead.  I hate to sound like an old grump, but by the time we begin teaching in about two years, our students will likely be so far advanced (if they aren't already) in regard to certain technologies, that we may have no hope in catching up.

Of course, it isn't all bad.  Having these options and the many programs they contain can be useful for learning, which we never had opportunity to experience in the past, such as Hooda Math.  Both parents and teachers can encourage children to have fun and learn at the same time.  Programs that offer games and activities yet contain an educational aspect can really add variety to a child's learning, and all the alternative mediums to interact with these programs (computers, television, smartphones, tablets, etc) can take some of the monotony out of learning.  It isn't just textbooks anymore!

Really Simple Technologies - Who Knew?

This week we discussed the many "really simple technologies" (RST's) that are often overlooked, yet can simplify our daily use of technology.  Some of these RST's I have previously heard of, and others are new to me, and I'm sure I will make good use of them!  What really simple technologies can you think of that have made your use of technology easier?

One of these RST's that I was not previously aware of is Bitly.  Bitly can be used to shorten, share or track URL addresses.  Many URL addresses are long and difficult to simply paste into a blog or a webpage for a readers convenience.  Bitly is a simple program to use, and can shorten the URL address for simplicity purposes.  (Honestly, I had thought that these shortened links had something to do with Twitter).  Go to Bitly.com and try it out!  This can be very useful when blogging, as well, and can surely be handy for your students, too.

What about keyboard shortcuts?  There are an array of shortcut keys that once learned can eliminate unnecessary steps in many computer programs.  For example, on a PC, pressing Ctrl+Home moves the cursor to the top of the active page.  Alternatively, pressing Ctrl+End moves the cursor to the bottom.  Simple, but useful.  As well, on my Mac I frequently use Command+X, Command+C and Command+V for cutting, copying and pasting text or images.  Many of these shortcuts are second nature for some users, yet others aren't even aware of them.  Feel free to share any shortcuts that you use often.

Some additional useful tools are right at your fingertips, using Google.  Google has many Reference Tools that can be used for quick answers for a variety of inquiries, without requiring a third-party website.  For example, you can find out what time it is in India by simply typing "time India" into the search bar.  You'll get your answer (along with many websites that can do the same thing) right at the top of the results section.  Or if you need a quick measurement of temperature conversion, you can type in your value and conversion type and the conversion will be calculated for you.  It is simple and useful.
 
Have you come across some simple processes, procedures, apps or otherwise that have helped you along in your workday and you don't know how you could live without them?

The next question I suppose, is how can these RST's be incorporated into a classroom setting?  Are these useful to the students and if so, how shall they be taught and used?  A potential class exercise could be for the students to try and think of small processes they use regularly that others may not know of, and outlining them for the other students to use.

Technology Resources

This week marked the beginning of a new phase of learning, new contacts, new methods and new resources.  Although overwhelming at times, it is also very exciting to approach these next steps.  One of the things that surely we are all excited about, are the new resources we will be introduced to and that we will find along the way.

One of these new resources which I have found quite interesting is the National Film Board website and its multitude of resources.  I am really glad that Dr. Hlynka showed us this website as I have had a look over it and there are some pretty amazing things to see.  There are films of all types, from addressing World Issues, to Kids' Movies, to Interactive videos.  There is surely something that would be of interest to all age groups, nationalities, classes, etc.  The ability to have such informative and quality content that can be easily accessed and used (for a small fee) as part of a lesson in the classroom, as a reference point, or simply out of interest is pretty spectacular.  I have even come across some of the old television vignettes that I saw as a child.  Does anyone remember this animated short?  http://www.nfb.ca/film/log_drivers_waltz/

I encourage you all to explore this website as it could really be beneficial to you and your students somewhere along the way.  I know I intend to use it as a fun educational resource and not only in my classroom, but at home for my children as well!

In addition to the NFB website, I would also suggest you visit the TED website, which began as a "nonprofit devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading" and has grown into something great.  I have known about TED and their infamous Talks for a couple years now, and there are some great videos, podcasts and blogs that at the very least, may motivate and encourage you to pursue some really progressive goals.  Dr. Hlynka gave us some links to TED Talks on his course syllabus, many related to technology, and I hope to find time to view many of them.

All the best for this year, next year and in all your future endeavors.