|
Computers are everywhere today. They allow users to access a wealth of information with a click of the mouse. Work that in the past would have taken several people hours to complete now can be done by one person within minutes. This saves the user valuable time and enables greater productivity. Computers have become so commonplace today that their impact on our society cannot be ignored.
How do we educate parents and teachers on the importance of the computer as a teaching tool in today’s classroom? We must stress that in order for students to be competitive in our world today, they must learn to use modern technology. The computer in particular is vital to a child’s intellectual growth and development. Computers in some form or another are used in virtually every profession.
Without exposure to this technology our children will be lost. Preschool is the perfect time to introduce children to the computer. Exposing preschool-age children to the computer ensures a more level playing field as it enables children from all socio-economic backgrounds access to a technology they otherwise could not afford.
Learning the basics of computing provides children with the necessary foundation to succeed in elementary school and beyond. By carefully selecting age appropriate software, educators can reinforce skills taught in the classroom in a fun and interesting way.
Programs which enhance reading skills such as oral language, letter and word recognition, phonological and phonemic awareness abound in today’s educational publishing software.
By simply using the computer, students will learn basic vocabulary such as mouse, screen, quit, insert, select, exit, etc. These word meanings become clear to the child as he/she makes concrete connections through practical application.
In the mathematical arena, educational software replaces boring worksheets, challenging students to continually improve and “get to the next level.” Mathematical concepts such as classification, shapes, patterns, counting, data collection, spatial sense and operations are expanded upon and practiced further in stimulating “virtual” environments.
Educational software provokes a young learner’s curiosity encouraging the child to experience and take risks. The immediate feedback provides the child with an understanding of cause and effect relationships. Improved critical thinking skills, heightened decision making and problem solving skills are additional benefits of a good educational software program.
In addition to intellectual development, computers have a profound effect on the social and emotional development of the child. When computers are used in a group dynamic, children learn of others’ goals and strive to achieve similar results. They become self confident and self directed developing a positive disposition to learning. This self knowledge acquired through active pursuit of fixed goals helps children test their limits and set higher standards for themselves. Children develop autonomy and gain a sense of power and control thus taking ownership of their educational experience.
Computers also enhance children’s psychokinetic abilities. Using the mouse and keyboard daily helps improve children’s fine motor skills. Tracking the mouse to corresponding data on screen, leads to increased hand eye coordination. Visual memory, observation, listening, perception and attention are sharpened simultaneously as the child focuses without the external distractions of the classroom.
The integration of the computer into the classroom environment provides educators with an invaluable tool to assess, motivate and support the individual needs of each child. Happy, relaxed and self motivated learners become the norm and the next generation of children is now prepared for the future.
Anastasia Avram is the director of the preschool at Little People’s Learning Center of Safety Harbor.
|
Front Page 
Humor 
