Teach Middle East Magazine Sep - Dec 2020 Issue 1 Volume 8 | Page 13

Sharing Good Practice
HOW TO GET STARTED WITH TECHNOLOGY
IN THE EARLY YEARS
BY GIANNA ULYATT
Make good use of computers by
having interactive, fun games available
to support early Mathematics and
reading/language development. Allow
them to experiment and develop their
fine motor skills to move the cursor to
a specific target on the screen. Show
them the differences between left and
right clicks with the mouse, and the
impact of power keys including, enter,
escape, delete, and space bar. Teach
them the range of vocabulary they
need in order to use the equipment,
such as internet, browser, computer,
keyboard, hardware, software, digital,
printer, battery. Show them where
numbers are on the keyboard and how
to find the letters in their name. Make
sure they work in pairs, supporting
each other, socialising together and
building relationships. These activities
enhance learning.
C
hildren today are born in an
era where technology is part
of everyday life. They are not
fearful of any form of technical
equipment and willingly use it when
they can. It is therefore important to
show them how to use the extensive
range of equipment available, but not
what to do with it. Allowing students
to experiment has a strong impact
on improving their learning, cognitive
development and readiness to learn.
Through technology they make
good gains in their problem solving,
conceptual skills and social interaction.
Begin
with
simple
brick-type
components that join together. Show
students how to turn corners and
stagger the bricks to build upwards.
Once their fine motor skills are coping
with this, provide problems for them to
solve. These might include building a
cave for a bear or a hut for a rabbit or
a boat for a fisherman. The outcome is
not important, but the thinking skills
used through the process are. Ensure
students work in pairs only, so they
learn to listen to each other’s ideas and
collaborate. In larger groups, some
children disengage and little learning
takes place.
Provide special equipment including;
scissors, cello tape dispenser, glue,
felt pens, paper and a selection of
small cardboard boxes, small pieces
of fabric and plastic containers. Once
again find a problem that needs to
be solved. An example might be that
one of the classroom toys has nowhere
to sleep at night when everyone has
gone home. He has always wanted
a bedroom and his own bed. Allow
the students the freedom to solve
this issue and only offer support
with manipulative skills. Allow them
complete ownership of their ideas and
suggestions. Support discussions and
evaluations once the task is complete.
Another
important
aspect
of
technology focuses around computers,
I-Pads and Smart-phones. Setting up
situations whereby students have to
communicate with each other using
pretend phones, helps them to become
personally familiar with the apparatus
as well as encouraging focused talk. It
is useful teaching students how to use
digital cameras, so they can pictorially
record important events or pieces
of work. Show them how to record
conversations, and how to find images
related to the curriculum.
The use of technology has many
positive effects. It improves thinking
skills,
cognitive
development,
willingness to learn and visual
attention. Students make good
gains in reasoning and problem
solving and listening skills. They have
opportunities to experience situations
beyond their everyday life, such as
life under the sea, people from the
past or places far away. It is therefore
essential for teachers to carefully plan
and include activities to promote
technology every day.
Checklist
1. Consider
ways
to
include
technology in the daily plan.
2. Provide a good range of everyday
materials for students to use
3. Make sure tools are readily
accessible and students know how
to use them safely.
4. Teach students the skills and
vocabulary they need to be
productive and enjoy activities to
the full.
5. Allow students to experiment with
technical equipment.
Gianna has extensive experience as a teacher, principal and inspector. She is a
consultant with expertise in KG and has spoken at conferences in Hong Kong,
Spain and the U.K. She sometimes works in the UAE. To connect with her, email
[e-mail]
Class Time
|
|
Mar - Arp 2019
| 13