reflections


 * my reflections/week 1**

I was blown away when i found out that my youngest son high school classes do not use text books. Everything is done through the use of computers. We actually have access to our own passwords to check on our kids grades, attendance and work habits everyday for that day This is how I came to the conclusion that technology is everywhere and everyone needs knowledge on how to access this not so new tool.to use. And yes, it should be apart of the learning tools that are used in early childhood education. Especially when intergrating children with disabilities. It is important for practitioners, because it would help them to introduce children to technology correctly. It is also important to understand the domains of growth and development and how we select the proper tools, and create a learning environment when we intergrate technology.Developmentally appropriate practices give opportunities to learn and practice new skills (Cyber Start Initiative Program). Children should be challenged, but not way beyond their level of mastery. There psychological and physical needs should be met first. We must remember that they need the time and access to develop the comfort, knowledge, and skills for using a variety of technology applications before they can use them independently.

I see that I may struggle a bit going in and out of different applications as well as understanding technology terminology. But challenges has always kept me going. I am not familiar with this group, so I feel kind of like the new kid on the block, and kind of skeptical about working with a partner. But if that is what I have to do, I will. In addition I am excited that I will finally learn how to use a digital camera. I am tired of someone saying, "give it to me, I'll take the pictures.


 * Final Course Reflections**

1. Technology could facilitate both social and cognitive interactions. Good software encourages children to talk about their work as well as engage in more advanced cognitive types of play. Through experience I've found that a computer center engendered high levels of both language development and cooperative play.Technology can engage, entertain, and delight young children. Especially children with disabilities. Devices such as voice synthesizers, braille readers and switch activated toys will allow these children to participate within a integrated classroom. This may be the only way a child may be able to express ideas, play with toys and demonstrate an understanding of developmental concepts. But we must remember that we need to know the level of technology that should be selected for these children.Overall technology will help prepare children for modern society. 2. First we will do a small fund raiser to purchase another computer and two digital cameras. I plan to train my staff on taking pictures with a digital camera, how to create power point presentations, as well as creating a portfolio for their students. This would be great when we review child assessments with our parents. I would also like the children to have an opportunity to create a power point presentation for their parents. This would be a wonderful project approach activity. The challenges I foresee is where will I get the time to do all the training. But knowing my young vibrant staff, they will need little or no training. So it is hard to say if there will be any challenges at all at this point. 3. Honestly, my line painting project is used a lot. It helps me explain abstract painting in simple terms. Kids Pix has an activity that holds several line activities. They use this activity and try to recreate what they printed by using cars, string, rulers, sticks, almost anything they feel they can create a line with. About seven years ago my center was apart of the Cyber Start Initiative Program that was sponsered by the Delaware Valley Association of Young Children. We received a new computer for our preschool classroom. The person who installed the programs included games and activities for our children. And surprising it is still the best hands on activity I've found so far that gives them an understanding of how line design can create all types of images.