Week 7

Title: Computers use in preschool: Trixie gets a screen name

Bibliography:

Chatel, Regina (2005). Computers use in preschool: Trixie get a screen name. New England Reading Association Journal, 41, Retrieved 5/16/2007, from http://ezproxy.library.u.edu/login?url=http://proquest.umi.com/pqdeb?did=989021701&sid=17&Fmt=4&clientld=9320&RQT309&VName=PQD

Summary:

The author points out the question used to be is it appropriate to use computers in early childhood education. Now the question is more how to use technology in early childhood education. According to a June 2004 issue of the journal Pediatrics preschool children who use a computer appear to develop better learning skills than their peers who don’t use computers. However there as no association made with how often a child uses a computer. The author asserts that children as young as three and four years old are developmentally ready to explore computers. It is important that children are given ample time to explore the computer as children learn through play.

Next the author discusses software for the early childhood education classroom. She stresses the value of computer use for children is the exploration and experimentation and not the creation of a product. She also makes certain to mention that software should be prescreened for racial and gender equity as well as violence and age appropriateness. The author discourages too much use of skill and drill programs, such as flashcards The article contains a list of websites and product descriptions. The article ends by the author urging educators to use the computers to bring children together through proper classroom configuration and an environment of shared learning experiences.

Reaction:

As an adult educator I could appreciate this article as it speaks to the fact that children are being taught differently because they are digital natives. If I were studying early childhood education, I would check the study that was conducted about computer use and obtaining learning skills. I thought the listing of websites and products would be helpful for those in the field of early childhood education.

Title: Emerging Technologies Blogs and Wikis: Environments for On-line Collaboration

Bibliography:

Godwin-Jones, Robert (2003, May). Emerging Technologies Blogs and Wikis: Environments for On-line Collaboration. Language Learning & Technology, 7, Retrieved May 22, 2007, from http://llt.msu.edu/vol7num2/emerging/

Summary:

In this article the author discusses online collaboration via the Internet. He begins the discussion by talking about the first-generation of web tools used for both asynchronous and synchronous tools. We are all familiar with email and discussion forums (asynchronous tools). Another tool we are familiar with is text messaging. (synchronous tool)

Next Godwin-Jones discussed the second-generation web. He states that blogs are a great tool for students to use as personal journals. Blogs also normally allow for the user to upload files for others to access. The author also points out that since blogs have the potential of reaching an audience larger than just the class participants, students are more thoughtful in the content and structure of the blog than their posts to a discussion board. Or at least this has been his experience. Another note worthy of mention is that because of the second-generation web tools, individuals do not need to have knowledge of HTML or other web authoring language in order to post information to the Internet.

RSS fees and Wikis are then next tools the author discusses. RSS stand for “really simple syndication”. This tool allows individuals access to rich meta-data about web-based resources. The term wiki is from the Hawaiian term wiki wiki meaning quick. Where blogs tend to be personal endeavor, wikis are very collaborative in nature. However, I should mention that the author points out individuals can post comments to someone else’s blog. Wikis can be used to created communities of practice. That is a group interested in the same topic can all access the wiki on that topic and make contributions to the page.

Reaction:

The author presented many concepts and defined them without bias. He pointed out how the web is evolving and its uses are changing. It used to be people accessed the web to find information, and with the entry of the second-generation web tools more individuals are able to contribute content to the web. I also found it interesting how the author compared asynchronous and synchronous tools as well as discussing the second-generation of web tools.

As educators it is important that we keep current on uses of technology so that we can implement the best tools for our students. This article was written in 2003 and yet it was just this past year that I began to hear a lot about blogs. This says to me I need to do a better job of keeping up with technology, and the IT certificate at WWU is helping me with that.