The world around us in constantly changing and today’s schools are becoming increasingly more diverse. “Advances in technology and interactive media rapidly are transforming how we communicate and use information in our homes, offices, and early childhood settings” (NAEYC, 2012, p.1). Throughout my time in my third grade field placement classroom, I have found this statement to be very accurate. It is crucial for teacher’s to understand that in today’s society, technology is continuously improving and teachers no longer solely rely on traditional methods of learning, such as textbooks and memorization. To allow students to succeed, teachers need to incorporate specific technological tools into the classroom. Teachers should integrate technology into education because it allows all students, especially those who are diverse learners, to learn more efficiently. Today, there are students in every classroom who are culturally and linguistically diverse, such as English Language Learners. Teachers should “make an effort to get to know the children’s families and learn about the values, expectations, and factors that shape their lives at home and in the communities. This background information helps us provide meaningful, relevant, and respectful learning experiences for each child and family” (Copple & Bredekamp, 2009). Having students with a variety of backgrounds allows the teacher to learn a lot about what is culturally and developmentally appropriate for students of that specific age rage and group. A great way to learn about children’s individual cultures and backgrounds could be through creating events, such as Digital Storytelling Night. ... (Click below to continue reading)
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Standard 6d and 7a:
ISTE Standards:
6. Facilitator: Educators facilitate learning with technology to support student achievement of the ISTE Standards for Students. d. Educators model and nurture creativity and creative expression to communicate ideas, knowledge or connections
7. Global Collaborator: Students use digital tools to broaden their perspectives and enrich their learning by collaborating with others and working effectively in teams locally and globally. a. Students use digital tools to connect with learners from a variety of backgrounds and cultures, engaging with them in ways that broaden mutual understanding and learning
References
Copple, C., & Bredekamp, S. (2009). Developmentally appropriate practice in early childhood programs serving children from birth through age ( 3rd ed.). Washington, DC: NAEYC. Retrieved July 20, 2016 from http://www.naeyc.org/dap. Donohue, C. & Schomburg, R. (2015). Chapter 4: Teaching with technology: Preparing early childhood educators for the digital age. In C. Donohue (Ed.), Technology and Digital Media in the Early Years (p.36-50). New York & London Rougtledge. ISTE, (2016). International Society for Technology in Education Standards for Educators: www.iste.org/standards.aspx. National Association for the Education of Young Children [NAEYC] and the Fred Rogers Center for Early Learning and Children’s Media at Saint Vincent College. (2012, January). Technology and interactive media as tools for early childhood programs serving children from birth through age 8. Retrieved from http://www.naeyc.org/content/technology-and-young-children.
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