journal 9

Technology in the Early Childhood Classroom
By Elizabeth Ross Hubbell

Elizabeth Ross Hubbell, author of this article is a specialist in early childhood development and is a consultant in an educational technology department in Colorado. In this article, Hubbell discusses the several different ways early education teachers can use technology in the classroom. Hubbell addresses the fact of the lack of popularity and debated issues many have with using technology with younger children, and then provides several examples and resources that one can use to help ease the tension and perhaps lessen the disputes. Hubbell’s argument states the fact of what almost every five year old could experience. She feels that almost immediately young children are exposed to technology through their parents. Because of these experiences, children can be taught different ways to use advanced technology using real life experiences. Once this idea is accepted, Hubbell explains, a child can then move on to using technology in the classroom, which then would directly enhance their learning experience. She provides helpful programs that are extremely kid friendly, such as kidspiration, which can be used by child or adult to create fun and beneficial projects. Hubbell continues with listing the advantages to using interactive educational games and programs, because of the immediate feedback they provide. In the article Hubbell proves her point well and concludes with the following, “ If used pragmatically in the early childhood classroom, students will be better equipped to begin using 21st century tools independently as they enter elementary schools.” (Page 35, Learning and Leading with Technology)

Question 1 – What do you believe would be an appropriate age to star using technology with children?

Now and days, you would be surprised with the toys and games they make that would be considered technological. I believe that as soon as a child is able to, they should go ahead and experiment with all different types of learning tools, including ones with technology. I don’t think technology is necessarily “age appropriate” as far as when to begin using it, rather their ability should be the deciding factor, for as when used in moderation, it could serve a very good purpose.

Question 2 – What is one lesson you could create as a teacher that would be appropriate for 4 or 5 year old children and involves technology?

I have worked with kidspiration before, and have witnessed its kid-friendly program. As a teacher, I would like to create a lesson that would allow the students in kindergarten to play and draw on the computer to create different art projects that they could take home, or even save on a disk to compile all of their work on.