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Finding the Balance Judy Van Scoter, Debbie Ellis June 2001 Table of Contents
This booklet is the 17th in a series of "hot topic" reports produced by the Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory. They address current educational concerns as indicated by requests for information. Each booklet contains a discussion of research and literature, implications for policy and practice, a sampling of how Northwest educators are addressing the issue, references and selected resources. One objective of the series is to foster a sense of community and connection among educators. Another is to increase awareness of current education-related themes and concerns. Each booklet gives practitioners a glimpse of how fellow educators are addressing issues, overcoming obstacles, and attaining success in certain areas. The goal of the series is to give educators current, reliable, and useful information on topics that are important to them. Other titles in the series include:
INTRODUCTIONThe role of technology in early childhood education, birth to age eight, is a controversial topic. Parents and educators have concerns about potential benefits or harm to young children. Critics contend that technology in schools wastes time, money, and childhood itself by speeding up the pace and cutting down on essential learning experiences (Cordes & Miller, 2000; Healy, 1998). Proponents suggest that children should have the advantages that new technologies can offer. Thoughtful observers are concerned that while exciting and potentially valuable things are happening with children and computers, we may not be using these tools in the best ways, or obtaining the results we expect (Healy, 1998; Kleiman, 2000). The issue is sometimes presented as a simple question: Should my students, my children, use computers or not? While this question is valid the issues are broader and more complex. Computers are already in homes and classrooms, and young children are using them. The more useful question is, What are appropriate and meaningful uses of technology with children? And, since technology is being used, how can educators take advantage of the power of these tools to enhance children's learning and development, while avoiding potential problems? Research suggests appropriate and effective uses of technology in early learning and provides guidance in selecting the tools and creating the environment essential for successful technology use. Studies point to how technology — computers and other tools such as tape recorders and cameras — can be used to support and encourage the development and learning of preschool and primary age children. The critical factor is a balanced approach to technology in learning, with thoughtful planning to provide for the important needs of childhood. This booklet reviews the important considerations for technology use in early childhood education. It presents an overview of the research, discusses strengths of technology use as well as potential problem areas, examines the philosophy behind a successful program, explores effective strategies, and profiles sites around the Northwest that are successfully using technology to support learning. BACKGROUNDBoth critics and proponents agree on the importance of the early years in a child's physical, social-emotional, language, and cognitive development. Much of the controversy revolves around the specific needs of young children, and whether technology can support those needs, or will take away from essential developmental experiences. Knowledge of children's development and studies of children and technology use can guide understanding and inform decisions. Recent research on brain development has focused attention on the capabilities of young children, the stages and styles of learning, social-emotional development, and successful educational practice. A National Research Council study (Bransford, Brown, & Cocking, 1999) reports, "Children lack knowledge and experience, but not reasoning ability" (p. xiv). Appropriate stimuli, such as close interaction with caring adults and engaging hands-on activities, enhance the brain's development (Healy, 1998). The National Research Council study states that "early learning is assisted by the supportive context of the family and the social environment, through the kinds of activities in which adults engage with children" (p. xii). It also suggests that "a number of the features of the new technologies are consistent with the principles of a new science of learning." (p. xviii). Two key conclusions are:
These are the types of uses that early childhood experts recommend as being developmentally appropriate, allowing children to create and explore. Children can now compose and record music using synthesizers, write programs that draw mathematical shapes on the screen, and use on-screen manipulatives to deepen mathematical understanding. Talking word processing software provides immediate spoken feedback on letter names and letter combinations to novice reader/writers as they experiment with written language. These are examples of the promise of these new tools and resources.
CHILD DEVELOPMENTYoung children have needs that are real and different from those of older children and adolescents. Children from birth to age eight are learning rapidly, using all of their senses and their entire bodies to take in sensations and experience the world around them. During this period of their lives they learn through their play and exploration across five essential developmental dimensions (Kagan, Moore, & Bredekamp, 1995). These dimensions include: Social and Emotional Development. The ability to form and sustain relationships gives meaning to learning experiences. Responsive interactions provide a sense of well-being that enables children to form attachments with others and participate positively in educational activities. Language Development. Language empowers children to participate in both the cognitive and affective parts of the educational program. Experience with written and oral language provides children with the tools to interact with others, and to represent their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Physical Well-Being and Motor Development. A child's health is connected to preparedness for and performance in learning activities. Healthy children are able to focus on and actively engage in experiences crucial to the learning process. Cognition and General Knowledge. Children need opportunities to interact with the people and objects in their environment, and to learn from their surroundings. Experiences and interactions with peers and adults allow children to construct knowledge of patterns, understand relationships between objects or events, and learn ways to solve problems. Approaches Toward Learning. Children can be successful learners in many different ways. By understanding the predispositions and learning styles that influence a child's response to learning opportunities, adults can encourage and increase engagement.
What Research Says About Technology and Child DevelopmentThere is a substantial body of research on technology use with young children. A large portion of this research focuses on the use of computers to enhance social, language, and cognitive skills (Seng, 1998). Studies highlight the opportunities for language use and social interaction that technology offers, along with increased motivation. Computers also make possible experiences and representations that cannot take place in the real world, providing new experiences and improved understanding. Social and Emotional Development Technology cannot and should not replace human interaction or relationships, or take the place of activities such as reading stories together or sharing conversations with children. Properly used, however, computers and software can serve as catalysts for social interaction and conversations related to children's work (Clements & Nastasi, 1993). A classroom set up to encourage interaction and the appropriate use of the technology will increase, not impair, language and literacy development. Strategies to build socialization into computer use include placing two seats in front of the computer to encourage children to work together, placing computers close to each other to facilitate sharing ideas, and locating computers in a central spot to invite other children to participate in the activity (Clements, 1999). When used appropriately:
Language Development The variety of rich experiences that promote early literacy, including conversations with caring adults, storytelling, drawing and painting, and pretend play, is critical in the development of both oral and written language (Novick, 1998). Everyday, playful experiences in print-rich environments expose children to the processes of reading and writing for real purposes (International Reading Association [IRA] and NAEYC, 1998). Technology has a place in this environment; language and literacy development are major strengths of technology use with young children through the opportunities and motivation it provides. While critics express concerns that computer use will inhibit language development and lead to social isolation (Cordes & Miller, 2000; Healy, 1998), rather than isolating children, research shows that:
Physical Well-Being and Motor Development Fine and gross motor skills develop at varying rates, and learning to write can be tedious and difficult as children struggle to form letters. A word processor allows them to compose and revise text without being distracted by the fine motor aspects of letter formation (Davis & Shade, 1994). Following ergonomic standards similar to those for adults can help prevent muscular-skeletal injuries and vision problems. Computer use is and should be relatively brief at this age, and limiting screen time and encouraging frequent breaks will decrease the risks. Lack of exercise and obesity are serious problems that need to be addressed during both in-school and out-of-school hours. On a typical day children two to seven years old spend an average of 11 minutes using a computer, and more than three hours watching television and videos (Roberts, Foehr, Rideout, & Brodie, 1999). Screen time (including TV, computer, and video games) should be limited to a maximum of one to two hours per day for young children (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2000; Healy, 1999). Vigorous physical activities and play should be encouraged. As with television monitors, electromagnetic emissions from computers are minimal. Exposure can be lessened even more by having children sit two to two and one half feet from the monitor and allowing distance between computers.
Cognition and General Knowledge Technology offers unique intellectual experiences and opportunities for young children. Computers allow representation and actions not possible in the physical world. For example, children can manipulate variables such as gravity or speed, and discover the resulting effects (Clements, 1999; Seng, 1998). Research points to the positive effects of technology use on cognitive and social learning and development (Clements, 1994; Haugland & Shade, 1994). In similar studies with different ages of children, using computers along with supporting activities (e.g., manipulatives, objects that children use to help them understand concepts) provided even greater benefits than either one alone. Compared to children in a similar classroom without computer experience, three- and four-year-olds who used computers with supporting activities had significantly greater gains in verbal and nonverbal skills, problem solving, abstraction, and conceptual skills (Haugland, 1992). Similarly, third-grade children who used both manipulatives and computer programs showed more sophistication in classification and logical thinking than children who used only manipulatives (Clements & Nastasi, 1993). Technology use that is connected to what children already know and can build upon leads to greater motivation and self-direction. Loss of creativity can be a problem if children use drill-and-practice software. Open-ended software — software that provides opportunities to discover, make choices, and find out the impact of decisions — encourages exploration, imagination, and problem solving.
Approaches Toward Learning Technology offers additional ways to learn, and to demonstrate learning. For some children who have unique learning styles, computers can reveal hidden strengths. At the computer, children can approach learning from a variety of perspectives and follow various paths to a goal (Clements, 1999). Poor concentration and attention problems can be addressed by limiting screen time, helping children focus on the task, and choosing software that does not employ excessively stimulating noises or constantly moving graphics. Concerns that technology speeds up the pace of learning and cuts down on childhood can be lessened if unprogrammed playtime is included as an essential part of the child's daily routine, including any technology use. Play is important for intellectual development and, as such, should be included as a vital part of early childhood education. Used appropriately, computers can be a positive element of children's play and learning as they explore and experiment.
Technology in the CurriculumUsing Technology for a Real Purpose The use of technology in the curriculum is based on the needs of the children, the focus of the curriculum, and whether the technology will add to children's educational opportunities and experiences. The age of the child and his or her developmental stage must be taken into account when considering computer use. Two important questions need to be asked when introducing young children to anything new, including technology:
For very young children the answers to these questions are usually "no." Computer use for most children under age three does not have meaning for the child. Three to Five Years, or Preschool Children's activities and experiences with computers will evolve over time as they grow and develop. Very young children often use computers with help from an adult or older child. As they mature children use computers more independently, and the teacher's role moves from guidance toward monitoring and active facilitation. Young children learn through exploration and discovery. If computers are used with children in kindergarten, preschool, or childcare settings, the computer should be one of many activity choices they can explore (Bredekamp & Rosegrant, 1994). During choice time, for example, a computer center may be one of several options. Children frequently use computers for short periods, then become interested in another activity. Three- to five-year-olds generally spend about the same amount of time at a computer as they do on other activities such as playing with blocks or drawing. They are more interested and less frustrated when an adult is present, and much of the computer use will be facilitated or mediated by the teacher, which is consistent with best practice at this level (Clements & Nastasi, 1993). For this age the value of the computer is in its open-ended use, not in creating a product (Davidson & Wright, 1994). The teacher's role is to create an environment in which children become aware and explore, and then act to support their exploration and inquiry in many different ways. Software programs for this age group should be limited in number and appropriate for children's skill level and the intended use. Five to Eight Years, or Primary Grades As children become more able to read and write on their own they are not limited to icons and pictures on the screen for understanding. More opportunities for independent use become available with increasing language and literacy skills. For example, simple word processors become important educational tools as children experiment with written language. The teacher's role is to set up the environment and activities, matching technology use to the curriculum as well as to the children's needs and interests. The teacher is less involved in directing the activities, and more involved in monitoring student activities, intervening as necessary to guide and pose questions that encourage thinking.
USING TECHNOLOGY FOR A REAL PURPOSEGood pedagogy and sound learning objectives should guide the choice of materials and tools, including technology, to be used in learning activities (Bredekamp & Rosegrant, 1994; Davis & Shade, 1999). "Whatever materials or tools are best suited to the activity will be used; sometimes computers are the best tool for the job, and sometimes they are not; the secret is knowing the difference" (Davis & Shade, 1999, p. 237). Computers are powerful tools that, as with other technologies, are most beneficial when used as a natural part of the learning experience. This includes:
Written language, like oral language, is learned by doing things with words in the real world, using language for a purpose (Novick, 1998). Early childhood classrooms encourage written literacy by providing materials to use in pretend play, and by encouraging children to express themselves in writing (IRA & NAEYC, 1998). Studies indicate that word-processing software encourages writing, and leads to increased motivation and improvement in writing skills. Computers and writing programs can be used with preschool-aged children to explore written language, and their use can be successfully integrated into process-oriented writing programs as early as first grade or kindergarten. (Clements & Nastasi, 1993). Such software:
Computers also provide students a private place for practice while learning, without fear of public failure. "Especially during the primary grades, when children are expected to acquire an acceptable level of mastery of mathematical content and literacy, the computer can serve as a supportive tool for those children who have more than average difficulty succeeding" (Bredekamp & Rosegrant, 1994, p. 59).
COMPUTERS IN THE CLASSROOMStudies show that when computers are located in the classroom, children's developmental gains from using appropriate software are significantly greater than when they are in a computer lab (Davis & Shade, 1999). Reasons cited include:
Other studies offer additional support for locating computers in the classroom:
As detailed in the Social and Emotional Developmental section, arranging the classroom to allow and encourage conversation around the computers is essential in creating opportunities for student interaction.
CHOOSING SOFTWARETo allow children to reap the greatest benefits from using technology, the software must be developmentally appropriate, that is, consistent with the way children learn and develop, and support or extend the curriculum (NAEYC, 1996). Select software that:
Drawing programs and music-making programs are examples of software that may have these characteristics. Children can create pictures and music that reflect a variety of abilities and interests, limited only by their imaginations.
Drill-and-Practice Software Drill-and-practice or computer-assisted instruction (CAI) software, similar to electronic worksheets or flashcards, is frequently used to strengthen academic performance. This type of program should be used for limited amounts of time, not as the major focus of computer use. While such software can lead to gains in certain skills, it has not been as effective in improving children's conceptual skills (Clements, 1999). "The effectiveness of computer learning depends critically on the qual-ity of the software, the amount of time children work with the software, and the way in which they use it. Not surprisingly, studies indicate that CAI can be effective only if teachers consider such critical features" (Clements, 1994, p. 33). These results are consistent with evidence from educational research that does not focus on technology. Such studies suggest that "preschool programs based on child-initiated learning activities contribute to children's short- and long-term academic and social development, while preschool programs based on teacher-directed lessons obtain a short-term advantage in children's academic development by sacrificing a long-term contribution to their social and emotional development" (Schweinhart, 1997, p. 3). The child as active participant in the learning process is an important element of long-term learning gains.
OTHER TYPES OF TECHNOLOGIESIn addition to computers, many other types of technology can be used effectively with children. The setting, the purpose, and the developmental stages of the children will help decide the best choices for a particular situation. The technology available and commonly used in the community may also influence the choice. Tape recorders support early literacy experiences. They allow children to listen to recorded stories or songs, or to follow along in a book as they hear it being read on tape. Children can record family stories, their own made-up stories, poems, and songs, or themselves reading aloud. When adults write down children's stories — from children's dictated words or from the tape recorder — children see how the spoken word can turn into the written word. These activities integrate all aspects of literacy: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. They help children develop their storytelling ability and an understanding of how sound translates to print. Children learn that:
Cameras — film, video, or digital — record students' activities while they are at work, as well as performances and special events. Children can tell a story in pictures and write or dictate captions. Photos share the learning with other students, parents, and community members. Photos can also introduce teachers and staff members to new students and families during home visits. TV/VCRs play back videos of class activities and recordings of students. Children and families have a chance to see the results of their projects and learn from watching the performances. Videos may be loaned to family members who were not able to attend in person. Fax machines are a way to reach out to other schools and outside organizations, to gather information, and to keep in touch with parents. Fax machines can provide immediate feedback that keeps children involved. Portable keyboards are lightweight, inexpensive machines that are easy to carry around and use in many different situations — in the classroom, out in the schoolyard, at home, or on field trips. They allow children (or adults who take children's dictation) to type, edit, and electronically store text. The text can be transferred to a computer for formatting and graphics if desired, or sent directly to a printer. Addressing Inequities
An important role of the school is to address inequities in society and to help level the playing field so that all students can realize their full potential, and build the foundation for later successes in life. The National Association for the Education of Young Children states that "a decade of research on the educational use of computers in schools reveals that computers maintain and exacerbate inequalities" (NAEYC, 1996, p. 3). In early childhood, addressing these inequalities has been an important consideration in deciding when and how to add technology to the educational program. The literature discusses three main areas of potential inequity: access, type of use, and curriculum (Warren-Sams, 1997): Access: Access to educational technologies varies greatly both in quantity and quality. Differences in funding mean that many lower-income and ethnic-minority children have limited access to computers and are often restricted in the types of software and purposes for which they use the computer. Children need to receive the message that the ability to use technology is valuable and within reach of all students. Type of Use: Different groups of students often use computers in different ways, and the types of learning opportunities they receive are very different. Students in underserved (poor, inner-city, and rural) communities are more likely to use drill-and-practice software and integrated learning systems, in which the computer is in control and leads the students through the lessons. Students in other communities are more likely to use computers for their own purpose in project-based, inquiry-based, and collaborative learning (Kleiman, 2000).
Low-achieving students may be given limited computer time for working on basic skills, and not allowed access to programs that promote more creativity and independent thinking. Girls may receive unequal encouragement and opportunities to become fluent users of technology. All students deserve the opportunity to benefit from using software and other forms of technology that challenge and provide rich experiences. Technology use should be a part of the curriculum, not used by only some children or as a reward for good behavior. Curriculum: Software can support the curriculum, but may contain many biases. Teachers can avoid the use of such programs, or point out these biases as an educational strategy to counteract them. As with other learning materials, classroom software should:
Educators must consider all of the essential conditions for effective technology use when looking at equity; presence of computers alone does not ensure access.
When adults facilitate acceptance of others and model appropriate roles, and software is chosen to promote equality, technology use can contribute to children's understanding and acceptance of diversity (Haugland & Wright, 1997). Conclusion
Technology is a tool that can provide another way for children to learn and make sense of their world. Computers can be used in developmentally appropriate ways that are beneficial to children, or they can be misused, just as blocks or any other materials can be misused. And just as pencils do not replace crayons but rather provide additional means of expression, computers, or cameras or any other forms of technology, do not replace other tools but add to the array of tools available to children to explore, create, and communicate. When used appropriately by skilled teachers, technology can support and extend learning in valuable ways and can increase educational opportunities for children. The key is finding the balance, knowing how to align the elements of a healthy childhood with the unique capabilities offered by technology. For more information about us-ing technology in early childhood education, visit the Early Connections Web site at www.netc.org/earlyconnections/
Northwest Sampler
Oregon | Alaska | Idaho | Washington The following pages contain examples of sites around the Northwest that are using technology to support early childhood learning. These are just a few of the many excellent programs in the region and throughout the country. Educators at some sites have integrated technology into their classrooms for several years, others for a much shorter time. The scope of the use varies. Though each has a unique approach, all share the common philosophy that technology, used appropriately, can enhance children's learning. Included for each site profile is contact information, observed outcomes from the thoughtful use of technology, and tips from these educators for incorporating technology in schools.
Oregon4800 NE 74th St. Portland, OR 97218-3824 Contact Melissa Kolb Phone: (503) 916-5724 Fax: (503) 916-2670 Web site: www.pps.k12.or.us/district/depts/headstart/ Description Portland Public Schools Head Start has five sites in North, Northeast and Southeast Portland. Six hundred and twelve three- and four-year-old children 12 diverse cultures and languages are enrolled in full- and half-day sessions. The district recently received a small amount of funding specifically for technology integration. Before adding technology to their curriculum, staff members from the five sites formed a committee to answer the question, "What will be most beneficial and useful in supporting student learning?" The committee agreed that any technology should be a tool and not a teacher, and that it should not take the place of something else in the program, or replace interaction among the children. After carefully considering the needs of the students, the current curriculum, potential uses for the teachers, and available resources, they recommended purchasing a computer scanner, and printer for each classroom. They looked at software in light of its appropriateness for the development needs of young children and selected an open-ended drawing program. In addition, they purchased a digital camera for each school. The classroom computer is available to the students as one of their choices during center activity time. Two chairs are placed in front of the computer to encourage interaction and conversations. Children are encouraged to work together and share their projects. One piece of software, the drawing program, is provided, and children are encouraged to explore it in depth. The digital camera has become a useful and versatile tool for the teachers. It is used to enhance learning in several ways:
Looking ahead, the staff anticipate purchasing an additional computer for each classroom. They are also considering additional software purchases. But the priority is to get additional digital cameras, which they see as more useful and beneficial to their program. The Portland Public Schools Head Start committee developed a philosophy statement to guide any use of technology in the classroom. This brief document sums up the reasons for their success: technology should be interactive and empowering, promote creativity, support language development and provide an opportunity for language interaction, and should be used to enhance children's learning. Observed Outcomes
Keys to Success
AlaskaP.O. Box 157 Hoonah, AK 99829 Contact Howard Diamond, Principal Phone: (907) 945-3611 Fax: (907) 945-3492 E-mail: howarddiamond@yahoo.com Web site: www.hcs.k12.ak.us/ Description Teachers often say that technology opens up new worlds to their students, that it brings information to their students that otherwise wouldn't be available to them. Tammy Halfacre, kindergarten teacher at Hoonah Elementary, thinks so as well, especially considering the unique location of her school. Hoonah, is a community of about 900 on Chichagof Island, forty miles west of Juneau, Alaska. Hoonah's population is about 80 percent native Tlingit. Getting to and from Hoonah can be quite involved. The only transportation means are by a twice-weekly ferry or by three to six passenger planes that flies to Juneau and back several times a day, depending on weather, and other factors. Technology has provided Hoonah's children learning opportunities similar to those children in larger communities have. Besides providing access to information, technology can be used to show Hoonah's children how other children live and learn all around the country. Halfacre's students are penpals with kindergarten classes in New Jersey and in Texas. Halfacre takes digital photos of her students and emails them to the other classes. The classes also have exchanged videotapes of their activities. The children communicate with their penpals frequently, either writing individual letters on class stationery they created themselves, writing group letters or through email. Halfacre says on her web site: "Starting the year writing to our new pen pals is an exciting way to introduce writing, letters, sounds, signing their name and patterns. Later in the year this is excellent for mapping skills, social studies, and literacy lessons about letter writing." Technology is used to celebrate student achievements. Every class at Hoonah has a part of the hall's wall to celebrate their successes. Halfacre has covered her wall with dozens of vibrant colorful digital photos of her students engaged in all sorts of activities. The pictures show the children doing everything from saying the pledge of allegiance at the Potlatch, to working on various projects. In the middle of the pictures is the caption "Look How Far You Have Come!" Halfacre takes pictures at every opportunity, and they are displayed around the school, in the monthly school newsletter, on her class web site, and in the school yearbook. As Halfacre says, "When the children see their pictures everywhere, they have a sense of pride and ownership of their school." Sharing the pictures with parents encourages family-school-student communication, and is exciting for the parents to see their children's accomplishments. "The kid's excitement is what prompts me to do this," says Halfacre. The pictures also give the children immediate positive feedback, because the digital pictures can be displayed instantly. The advantage to having instant pictures is especially important when it can take a week to send pictures to Juneau for developing. Like other schools that are beginning to integrate technology into the curriculum, Hoonah's administration has supported the staff by listening to their suggestions, and giving them the resources and independence to experiment and implement their ideas. The staff is currently exploring how technology can be used for authentic and project-based, cooperative learning. Staff have encouraged the administration to use a grant to purchase a project-based learning science curriculum that utilizes computer technology. This would replace a computer lab used primarily for drill-based skills. The program builds on children's current knowledge with students working collaboratively on science activities in small groups or in pairs. The projects are correlated with the curriculum standards for kindergarten through 6th grade, and so they will enhance educational goals rather than being an add-on. The replacement of the drill-based computer lab for this hands-on module lab, will be an adjustment for some. However, says John Halfacre, one of the teachers involved in the new lab, most of the staff are willing to try something new if it is aligned with the current curriculum and will benefit the students. The staff and administration's enthusiasm for trying new ideas if they benefit the kids' whole learning is one reason this school is a wonderful learning environment. Infusing various technologies in the classroom, whether it is a digital camera, videotape, or project modules enhance learning and encourages children to learn. Observed Outcomes
Keys to Success
Idaho520 N. 21st Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814 Contact Char Soucy, First Grade Teacher Jim Gray, Principal Phone: (208) 664-2659 Fax: (208) 769-2923 E-mail: csoucy@usa.net Web site: www.sd271.k12.id.us/fernan/ Description Appropriate use of technology to support learning is taken seriously at Fernan Elementary. Principal Jim Gray says in his welcoming remark on the school's Web site: "Implementing all of our available technological resources is exciting. It does not, however, displace Fernan's commitment to provide the highest quality education possible; it only enhances our efforts. As a professional educational team, we will use any tools within reach to more efficiently promote the school and hook our kids on the power of education." This philosophy is evident in the school's focus on literacy and character education. Char Soucy, a first grade teacher, is concerned about the negative influences that children receive daily, and envisions her students as "productive, caring members of society." In line with this vision, she teaches her students to use technology responsibly, and how to decide when technology is appropriate to use for a given purpose. She notes that technology is now part of our world and is here to stay. Her role is to teach them the best uses of technology to support communication, build community spirit and as a tool for learning. Soucy keeps her focus on the curriculum and on her purpose. She uses technology with her students to help meet the curricular goals by providing resources and saving time. The children learn that sometimes technology, such as the Internet, can make information collecting faster. When they are collecting data as part of a science unit they look up information on pre-selected web sites. Technology can be used during every stage of the inquiry-based learning model. In the data analysis stage the children create slide show pages by using a template set up by the teacher. They also import their own artwork to the slideshow by either using a draw and paint program, or scanning in drawings for their final presentation. As the children work on the pages, each can decide individually which facts to highlight about the animal they studied. They use word processing to add text to the pages. Technology supports the focus on literacy in other ways as well-social and communication skills are developed when children use technologies together. The children work together on computers most of the time. She finds the conversation and problem solving that occurs during their work to be valuable for students. As Soucy's students learn to use scanners or other technologies they teach others how to use them. "When children have to explain how to do things to someone else," says Soucy, "it reinforces the task for them. It also reinforces their verbal communication skills to have to explain it to someone else." Soucy teaches the children to explain without using their hands, relying on their words to communicate. Soucy researches software programs to determine which are most appropriate for her students. Soucy has found that some educational programs have components that provide little educational benefit, such as coloring games. "A lot of technology isn't beneficial for children's development," she says. "Children, especially at the first grade level, need to manipulate objects to have a concrete model from which to develop abstract concepts," adds Soucy. Sometimes a computer simulation can do a better job, such as showing the way the heart pumps blood around the body, but sometimes it is a poor substitute for the real objects. The trick is to know which to use and when. At the beginning of the year most of her students' experiences with computers are limited to computer games. Soucy broadens her students' view by showing them that computers are more than games, that computers can be valuable tools for learning, depending on how one uses them. Soucy likes to use this analogy with her students: The computer is a tool, just like a pencil. "I tell them explicitly — it's a tool to learn and help present what you know. The way you use it is what counts." She adds, "At first, learning how to use the computer may be the object of the lesson, but after a while, the computer should fade into the background just as a pencil and paper do." As the year progresses, and her students learn what computers have to offer, Soucy has seen a shift in her students' attitude as they are becoming independent thinkers. While the four classroom computers are very popular with some children during "choice time," many children opt to create artwork or join writing groups. Recently, when it came time for children to choose how they wanted to present their learning, instead of choosing to create a multimedia presentation, their choice was to put on a performance for their families with songs and dances. Soucy counts this as evidence that her students are no longer viewing computers as the "best game in town," but one of many options for learning. Fernan's school motto is "Spread Your Wings and Soar." Because of Soucy's ability to integrate technology use that enhances her student's social, character, emotional, and language development, the children are indeed soaring! Observed Outcomes
Keys to Success
WashingtonP.O. Box 1279 White Salmon, WA 98672 Contact Vicki Prendergast, Principal Phone: (509) 493-1560 E-mail: prender@mail.wavcc.org Description Even before you step through the front doors at Whitson Elementary School you know that this school is all about children. Handprints of all sizes and colors cover the wall near the door, each handprint labeled with a child's name. The children have literally made their mark on this school. Once inside the school you can see and hear how enthusiastic and involved the children are in their work. Diann Beseda's second grade classroom is alive with activity. Few of the children sit at desks. On the carpet a child sews up a paper quilt. At the computers, children try a new software program — at one computer two children work together, one child using the mouse, the other the keyboard. In another area children are spread out on the floor using pattern blocks to build shapes with symmetry. They take pictures of each other's shapes using a digital camera. In the midst of all this activity, one of the guinea pigs in the center of the room (in a cage) lets out an excited squeal, and some children come over to see why. Whitson's principal Vicki Prendergast empowers the staff to use their enthusiasm and expertise to create this child-centered learning environment. The administrators and teachers have long understood the positive benefits that technology, if integrated wisely into the curriculum, can have as a learning tool. They are motivated to apply for grants that provide more resources to carry out their goals. A few years ago the school received a TELDEC (Technology and the Essential Learnings Developing Effective Classrooms) grant. This grant provides a professional development model for using technology to support and integrate the state standards into teaching and learning. Last year, the school received a Gates Foundation Grant that will expand this model to further a child-centered, technologically-enriched educational experience in every classroom for every student. The technology team includes the principal and five teachers. The team plans the direction the school wants to take, and provides leadership, inspiration, and support to other staff members in integrating technology into the curriculum. The music teacher, Mary Orcutt, provides a unique role for the team — because she teaches children in all grades, she can offer a perspective on what's appropriate for children at different levels. In her classes Orcutt takes a unique approach in using technology. The students use a music software program's paint palette to create their own songs. The program generates different sounds as the user "paints" on the computer screen. Learning how to compose music in this way is as much visual as it is auditory. The students create songs that tie in with projects in their classrooms. For a third grade project on insects, Orcutt has the children choose an insect, and then asks the children, "What would the insect sound like? Do you want to create a sound like they make, or an impression of what they sound like?" After the children create their songs, she uses the large screen television to share each student's compositions with the class. Sharing the compositions with the class is very powerful for the students, says Orcutt. The technology team models uses of technology for other teachers. Some staff members are uncomfortable with the idea of using technology, but the team encourages the staff to take their time, experiment, and observe others so they gradually become more comfortable with how certain technologies can benefit students. Some of the teachers were concerned that the children are not working on oral communication, reading, and writing skills when they use computers. The technology team demonstrates how to integrate technology into writing, spelling, and oral communication, so that it can be more exciting and fun. Some teachers use software that first tells a story with the text on the screen, and then shows the pictures again, this time without the text so that children can retell the story in their own words. Children use computer slide shows to present information, and are very eager to demonstrate their projects. The slide shows let children create their own drawings and accompanying text. The children can record their voices reading the text aloud. This enhances their literacy learning, and their verbal and written skills, as well as providing opportunities to create art. Electronic portfolios are used as an effective tool to document how well students have progressed with reading, writing, and oral communication skills. The children record samples of their reading at various times throughout the year. When they play them back, they can hear for themselves how much progress they have made. When parents hear these reading samples, says Beseda, they are excited about their child's progress. One example of how a teacher saw firsthand how technology enhanced learning involves a boy who is bilingual and not a reader. The boy found one computer program with a book on it that became his favorite — he read and listened to that program over and over again. His teacher was not quite sure if this was a good use of class time. One day the boy went to a box of books in his class and picked out the same book as the one on the software program and began to read it, the first book he had ever read. He was so excited he went to the principal and read it to her. The teacher then saw how this technology inspired the boy to learn. Whitson is evidently a place where children come first, where the staff are dedicated to giving students the freedom to explore, experiment, and grow. The phrase "all children learning" is not just a cliché here, it is a fact. Observed Outcomes
Keys to Success
Resources
Resources for Further Information on Using Technology with Young Children Technology and Young Children The Technology Caucus of the National Association for the Education of Young Children, the nation's largest organization of early childhood professionals offers research, information, and best practices regarding technology use to benefit children through age eight. www.techandyoungchildren.org Children and Computers This site offers information on developmentally appropriate software and Web sites for young children, including evaluation scales, sample evaluations, and descriptions of Developmental Software Award winners. The Web site's editor, Susan W. Haugland, is well known for her work in software evaluation. www.childrenandcomputers.com Closing the Equity Gap in Technology Access and Use: A Practical Guide for K-12 Educators Developed by the Northwest Educational Technology Consortium, this Web site is a practical guide to help identify and remedy inequities in technology access, types of use, and curriculum content. www.netc.org/equity/index.html Computer Ergonomics for Elementary School Students (CergoS) Designed by the Oregon Public Education Network, this Web site shows simple and affordable ways to make sure that a student's body is safe and comfortable while using a computer. www.orosha.org/cergos/index.html
References
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AcknowledgmentsReview Editing Production Design Bibliographic Review Site Participation Published three times per year for NWREL member institutions Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory This publication is based on work sponsored wholly, or in part, by the Office of Educational Research and Improvement (OERI), Department of Education, under contract no RJ96006501.The content of this publication does not necessarily reflect the views of OERI, the department, or any other agency of the U.S. government. ©2001 Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory |
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This document's URL is: © 2001 Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory
Date of Last Update: 09/19/2001 
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