Journal #7

Technology in the Early Childhood Classroom
By Elizabeth Ross Hubbell

In this article, Hubbell starts by pointing out articles discussing technology in the classroom are not directed towards children ages 3-6. She goes on to discuss that many educational models in use, such as those of Maria Montessori and John Dewey, put emphasis on learning through “practical life” exercises and everyday tasks. Since technology is rapidly becoming part of daily life for citizens in today’s society, Hubbell suggests that it technology fits into these educational models and then becomes a necessary part of the “practical life” exercises. Many age appropriate websites and software resources for early childhood education are listed in the article as well.

1. How can technology be used as part of a “practical life” exercise?
Just by having children use the computer, mouse and software, and become familiar with these tools are considered “practical life” exercises. This is especially true since many children have seen technology in use even before entering elementary school, for example, adults e-mailing, scanning items in the store, and surfing the Internet.

2. What software or website can help children ages 3-6, that are pre- or early readers utilize the computer and how?
Hubbell recommends www.starfall.com as a good source to help build reading skills, also software like kidspiration use graphical organizers to help support written materials. The pictures and graphs as well as the kinesthetics of building them on the computer help the many different kinds of learners to process information.