Sarah Dexter writes about how the use of technology adds value to the teaching and learning that takes place within a classroom. I find this to be a very general statement. As a teacher in an Early Childhood Program, I find technology to aid curiosity and an important tool to capture a students learning within the classroom, yet I am very cautious with the use of technology. The child’s brain is very delicate, and it is important that as teachers we are able to provide developmentally appropriate material to stimulate the brain accordingly. Although many computer programs for young children are becoming popular with parents, we often encourage families to find creative ways of encouraging learning at home without the use of the computer.
As a program we came to this decision through research and consultation with professionals in the cognition field. It was a very difficult decision to come by, but much of the technology that was marketed for parents of young children was not entirely developmentally appropriate for the age. As Sarah Dexter asked, “what is the cognitive demand on the learner?”
Technology can be a tremendous tool for the classroom when used appropriately. Technology can bring the solar system to life and take children on adventures to lands they have never seen. I feel that technology has the potential to promote curiosity and motivate students.
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