Electronic Technology for Curriculum Observation & Documentation Michelle Valladares MGMT 7003 December 4, 2014 Many childcare centres in North America have introduced technology as a natural element of the classroom. Young learners have become part of the iGeneration in which the use of technology comes to be a natural way of learning, interacting with others and making sense of the world (Pellerin, 2012). In regards to documentation and assessment, there have been different digital tools that are creating a new way of evaluating and observing how children learn. According to research by Pellerin (2012), “assessment for the 21st century learning and teaching requires a shift from assessment of learning toward assessment strategies for learning.” In order for teachers to understand assessment strategies for learning they must see documentation under a new digital perspective. Documentation now includes gathering of tangible evidence from a variety of means such as learning stories, photographs, video and audio recordings of the students learning process (ELECT, 2007). Effective documentation will not only gather information but also tell a story and purpose of an event, experience, or development. In a digital era, technology tools and applications like Ipads and Ipods are creating a learning experience for children, teachers and families unlike any other tools in the past. In the 21 century, almost every educator and adult in North America has a
All portions of a differentiated literacy lesson can be enhanced by the use of technology. Presenting literacy materials in many forms, including technology components can create a more interactive and engaging lessons (Parette et al., 2009). Value for technology is increase when one has the opportunity to explore it individually and in ways which are tailored to the (Gritter, 2009). Embedfing technology in early childhood should not substitute face to face instruction, but rather to enhance it by meeting the diverse needs of both students and teachers.
iPads and tablets have become a popular choice of teachers in many classrooms worldwide due to the positive impact it has on the students. Tablets offer a wide variety of educational applications that have the ability to be downloaded onto the tablet for the students to use. The use of tablets in the classroom, “offer a unique home-school connection by providing students with a classroom experience that relates to the technology-saturated real world” (Blackwell, 2013, pg. 233) The use of iPads and tablets in the classroom provides students with a hands on learning approach to any
In the first three years of primary school, educators are required to use a number of assessment categories to assist them to evaluate and monitor children’s progress. This allows educators to understand where students are in their learning (School curriculum and standards authority [SCASA], 2014). The purpose of these assessments is to gather and analyse information about children from a large range of contexts, including written, pictorial, audio as well as children’s interactions with others, including their families and communities, this can be known as pedagogical documentation (Arthur, Beecher, Death, Dockett, & Farmer, 2015). Assessment purposes and assessment principles allow for educators to guarantee that a student’s achievement is measured in a meaningful way using the
Learning methods have also been transformed by technology. Before technology was incorporated in schools, essay writing was hand written, regardless of how long the essay was. Mathematical problems were solved mentally or calculated on paper until the solution was found. Handwriting skills in children was good, because of the amount of practice they had using it everyday in their school work. Furthermore, children developed a vast amount of book knowledge by using library resources from actual books. However, today it is not the norm. Almost every school issues students with devices like iPads or tablets from as early as kindergarten. It is important to realize that with the use of technological devices, children would prefer the quick action of iPads and tablets in contrast to handwriting or reading a book to find reference points. To put it another way, children will end up using mobile devices both in and out of school, leaving no room for outdoor forms of recreation. A Northlines article, “Information Technology and Children”, mentions that the availability of Internet connection on mobile devices is harmful, because they can use it negatively, giving children an uncontrolled source of entertainment and connectivity. Similarly, the availability of
Misty has incorporated many types of technology into her 6th grade classroom. Her students use Edmodo and Google Apps daily to collaborate and create projects. Misty continually teaches and reminds her students how to be digital citizens that respect others and cite sources when used. She also uses a plethora of websites that students can access from home or school to practice skills. Misty knows how to advance student achievement by maximizing technology as a formative assessment tool so she knows where each of her students are in their learning and what skills need to be retaught.
With the explosion of technological advances in the 21st century comes the increased need for the incorporation of technology in the educational field. The classrooms in America can all benefit from the use of technology to increase the understanding of academic content whether in the general education or special education setting.
The role of technology in early childhood education is a controversial topic to both teachers and parents. The main concerns of both teachers and parents is the potential benefits for young children’s learning and development.. Supporters and non-supporters agree on the importance of young children’s social, emotional, cognitive and physical development. Supporters feel children should have the opportunity to use the computer as another tool to aide in and encourage their development. Non-supporters agree the computer may be a useful tool for young children but feel many teachers may not be using the computers in the best way to promote a healthy development in the child.
Technology is a tool for developing children’s inquiry-based learning through research and evaluation of information, and its relevance or if it requires further investigation. The role of technology in the curriculum should be to build on prior knowledge, of ‘what we know about learning, communicating, creating knowledge and sharing it, remains valid in the face of connected digital technologies.’ Understanding this leads teacher to the best practices to support authentic, meaningful teaching and learning (McFarlane, 2015,
Now kids are being assessed with paper and pencil but with access to computers in the classrooms teachers can
We can utilize iPads or tablets and provide students with fun educational games. They can also utilize computers for several activities. Technology also offers exceptional methods to assess children. When we observe a child at the computer it provides us with a “window into a child’s thinking process” (Weir et al. 1982). Technology in some cases can mean that a child can talk through a special device that helps him/her communicate such as an Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device. A device as such is known as an Assistive Technology device. Assistive Technology devices are used to help individuals with special needs in life. “Integrated curriculum allows students to employ technology in ways that enhance learning” (Jackson, 2009). A SMART board can also be classified as an assistive technology device because it magnifies the information that teachers are showing to students. “As technology becomes increasingly infused in instruction for the general student population, the options for curriculum access, participation and progress increase for students with disabilities” (Jackson, 2009). When it comes to students who speak a different language, they can utilize a translator to help them translate from their language into English and vice versa. Technology can fit into a developmentally appropriate program because students can do age appropriate work such as educational games and assignments. Developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) is “a framework of principles and guidelines for best practice in the care and education of young children, birth through age 8” (Helm, 2008). Technology can fit into a DAP because students learn at their own level. Play is an important vehicle for children’s social, emotional, and cognitive development, as well as a reflection of their development. Understanding that children are active constructors of
Teachers are aware of what they should do in the classroom when teaching young children. Teachers should provide opportunities to develop positive dispositions toward learning when working with young children to make sure they are using their knowledge and skills. Teaching young children, the skills that need to learn about is the big key of understanding what the information that you will need when you are assessing the young children. In this paper, the reader will read about observation and documentation as assessment and why is it important? The reader will also read about the difference between looking at and authentically or genuinely observing a child, the types of documentation, two types of documentation that relate how teachers use the documentation in the classroom and how documentations would be useful as assessments.
Technology has revolutionized the human experience by changing the way one learns. Technology can best be defined as a tool that supports and promotes human learning. This can be seen through the usage of calculators, tablets (example: iPad), Smart Boards, video cameras, and, of course, the computer. These are all innovations that can have a profound impact on classroom learning. Although there are some schools that have a strict policy that technology should be removed from the modern day classroom, other schools believe that integrating technology into the classroom helps prepare our students for the elaborate world they will face going forward. Throughout this essay, I will be focusing on the technology policy and how it has a positive
The education system around the world has progressed and changed in a plentiful amount of ways, and the concept of knowledge and learning has changed in modern day. For example, certain schools around the globe are moving on to implementing technology in classrooms because it provides many benefits and statistical research that states how students are improving their academic readiness because of the instant access to information, a greater engagement and interactive process in learning, and the personalization that instructors can do towards the educational experience that students receive. The benefits of technology in class can be rather debatable, for there are people who think it's a distraction, but it certainly seems to be beneficial according to the increase of passing percentages in schools.
John Dewey, a leader for the progressive movement in education in the United States once said, “If we teach today as we taught yesterday, we rob our children of tomorrow.”
Education has found its way into the loop of technology. Teachers are using ipads and laptops during class time to help conduct experiments, or share a presentation. This is allowing the students to gain instant access to the information they are seeking. Students also receive the opportunity to complete their homework online and print off their assignments instead of just using paper and pencil. Another pro for Technology in Education, there are countless sources out there which help enhance learning. In one research conducted, they compared the performance of teaching kids how to read a clock. One group was coached by an online app, another was shown by a toy clock, and the last group was trained by a drawing example. The results revealed that the children that were taught by the toy and app exceeded the paper drawing group (Galetzka).