Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Integrating ICT in early learning

Recently I have been motivated to explore research into the integration of ICT in the early years. Following are some of the more interesting papers that contribute to ideas about the potentials with appropriate use of ICT with young learners. Some of the issues to take into consideration are also included.

I hope you find these as interesting as I did!

· Information and communication technologies (ICT) in the early years (discussion paper, SA); ‘Practitioners considered there was high potential for enhancing children’s learning and numeracy through ICT.’ P. 9

· The role and potential of ICT in early childhood education (review of the literature, NZ); ICT is useful in documenting and sharing children’s learning, strengthening relationships between educators and families and forging stronger connections between early childhood settings and children’s homes and other learning environments. pp. 71- 79.

· Integrating ICTs into the early childhood classroom (student assignment, Aust.) students come to school with vast differences in their ICT skills, however they are ready to learn to use a computer for learning and play.

· ”Click on miaow!”: how children of 3 and 4 experience the nursery computer (study findings, UK) computers provide opportunities for lively group interactions to promote language development, social interactions, collaboration and play.

· Technology in early childhood education: finding the balance (report, US) ‘Technology is another tool that can provide another way for children to learn and make sense of the world.’

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Charles Leadbeater on innovation

Charles Leadbeater is a researcher at the London think tank Demos. In this video he describes the rise of ‘amateur innovation’, where ‘users are becoming producers and consumers becoming designers’. (19 min video on TED)
This could have interesting implications in the educational context!

Monday, February 16, 2009

Integrating ICT in languages classrooms

Here are links to a selection of information on integrating ICT in the languages classroom – no comments from me! I'm not a languages teacher so have no idea of the value of each to practicing teachers.

Friday, February 13, 2009

News from the UK and US

From Britain
Digital Britain, the interim report outlining plans for making the UK an attractive place for investment in their digital economy by upgrading and modernising digital networks for universally available broadband, digital radio, digital TV, original UK content and a national media literacy plan. How exciting!

From the United States
• Stories in Classroom News (eSchool News, February 2009), an easy read. Read about the ‘Obama effect’ in education in the US, a place where education is seen as an economic imperative; some reactions to the Final report of the internet safety technical task force which focused on protecting kids online; how students are turning to online videos to help them understand concepts; and some links to new instructional web-based resources.

BTW - Has anyone considered hosting an online conference? The Learning Times Network sent this though recently.
• “The 7th Annual International Online Conference (IOC) for Teaching and Learning on March 30 and 31, 2009. IOC 2009 features wonderful speakers, an exciting new format, and a truly global program. The emphasis is on sharing, networking and generating a universe of ideas that everyone can use immediately in their practice. The event will take place entirely over the Internet on March 30 & 31, 2009 - with live sessions conveniently scheduled for participants around the world. For more information visit: http://www.internationalonlineconference.org/ IOC 2009 includes a variety of ways to connect with and learn from colleagues. Each day will feature live online presentations during which you interact with panelists and peers. All sessions will be recorded and posted immediately for those who cannot attend live.” Just a thought ...