I can use technology in all different curricular subjects to help all different kindergarten learners.
Classroom teachers, volunteers, administrators, parents, schoolmates and siblings can assist the kindergarten learner. Students come to school with varying background knowledge with technology, so students can help each other. Technology is an inclusive tool that can help all types of students; including students with special needs and English language learners.
The students can access the technology from the classroom, library, community and home. It is important to have technology easily available at school.
Children over the age of three are more suited for computer use as they can gain more meaningful outcomes.
It is beneficial to have technology within the kindergarten classroom when technology is directly related to the curriculum, allows for active and open-ended discover and relatable to a real function.
Technology can be used in all curricular subjects.
Specifically, the Kindergarten Program 2006 states Investigate and use familiar technological devices and describe their use in daily life.
There are several technological devices, listed below that are not exclusive, that can be used to help the kindergarten learner.
o Smartboard
o Laptops, desktops, netbooks
o CD, mp3 players
o T.Vs, DVDs
o Ipads
o Video recorders, cameras
o Assistive technology Kurzweil 3000
o (Various uses: Photostory, Bitstrips, digital calendar, Class blog, website newsletters, individual virtual portfolios, Ebooks, Google-translate, social-networking, etc.. )
Technology and the link to many curricular areas:
Math –
number tracing: Kid Genius itunes Application
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/kid-genius-13-in-1/id353092867?mt=8
Language – It is important to have a variety of experiences and having a print-rich and writing for a real purpose develops can help promote literacy skills. Actually fine motor skills required for writing may even be eased by typing. As students use the computers, students demonstrate oral literacy skills, speak about what they’re doing on screen and communicate orally while working together.
Reading:
Writing
Alphabet letter tracing à Kid Genius itune Application
Create pictures of out words!
www.wordle.net http://www.tagxedo.com/
Media Literacy
Watch the video about Media Literacy in Kindergarten
Arts
Drama and Dance:
Lesson plans for teachers:
Visual Art
Kid Pix program
artpad.art.com
Physical Education
Microsoft Xbox Kinect Nintendo Wiifit
Science
www.sciencekids.co.nz
Social Development – Technology is often used as a trigger for social development.
