Technology

Should technology be incorporated into a preschool classroom?
 

In the modern world today, technology has become an integral part of our lives. On a daily basis, most people come in touch with technologies such as watching the television, using the computer, listening to the radio, making a call or texting on their cell phones and the list goes on and on. Since technology has evolved our daily lives and we have relied on it unknowingly. Then why do we still hesitate to use technology with young children? We often hear comments saying that preschoolers are too young to know how to use technology. Since everyone has to have a basic knowledge of technology sooner or later then why don't we start nurturing such knowledge from young? Integrating technology into a preschool classroom does not mean that they will be taught difficult task such as to create a blog or a website. Technology can be blended into the curriculum in many ways. However, teachers have to select the technology followed by planning an appropriate activity for the particular age group. Children need real-time social interactions; technology such as television cannot provide such interactions hence the time allocated for watching television have to be limited. But watching television also has educational benefits as it is very informational for children. 

Children are inquisitive by nature. They love exploring new technologies. I taught a class of 4 year olds last year. Our curriculum does not incorporate technology. Yet I have a computer in the classroom. On many occasions, I reprimanded my preschoolers for tapping on the computer keyboard in my absence. I regretted telling them off as they were only being curious. Coming to realize that my preschoolers love "meddling" with technology, I decided to plan activities which include the use of technology. For instance, I taught them to serve the internet, play online educative games, take pictures using a camera, recording their voices in a voice recorder. The activities were fun and engaging. It also helps to captures their attention. The technological devices assisted me to visually depict what I was teaching by creating more opportunities for reinforcement of my lessons.

I believe that technologies should be incorporated into a preschool classroom as young children should be exposed to technology as it greatly benefits them in their cognitive growth and enhance their curiosity towards leaning. On the other hand, incorporating technology in the preschool curriculum can make children over reliant, thus it should be used tactfully.