My personal ICT pedagogy

The leading principle for integration of technology in classrooms is essential to be guided by the teacher’s belief, knowledge and reflection on the learning theories and technological pedagogical content. These, I feel are fundamental aspects of integration. Leaders in technology play a key role in supporting teachers to model learning activities that offer opportunities that link learning theories to real-life authentic situations. “Digitally literate educators who are grounded in child development and learning theories and developmentally appropriate practices have the knowledge, skills, and experience to select and use technology tools that suit the ages and developmental levels of the children in their care” (NAEYC and FRC, 2012, p.4). I strongly believe that it is important that they know when and how to integrate technology into the program effectively.

The use of technology in the curriculum should be based on the needs of children, focus of the curriculum, and whether the technology will add to children’s educational opportunities and experiences. Furthermore, the impact of technology being expanded when teachers use consistent developmentally appropriate principles and practices to guide the use of learning tools and content for children. Therefore, I believe that good pedagogy and sound learning objectives should guide the choice of materials and tools, including technology, to be used in learning activities. In classrooms, teachers must strive to identify appropriate ways to use technology tools without undermining sound pedagogical practices.

To benefit teachers who play the key role of integration of technology, schools should strive to have networked learning environments with schools or businesses that provide educational resources for them, develop a community-wide planning and visioning process, participate in extensive professional development workshops, and establish network to work on-site with curriculum and technology integration specialists

In conclusion, in most early childhood programs and schools, technology will be part of the learning landscape of the future. For integration of technology to be effective in classrooms, digital literacy facilitates schools and equip them with the knowledge and experience to think critically about the selection, analysis, use, and evaluation of technology for young children in order to evaluate their impact on learning and development. Appropriate use of these stimulating and exciting technology tools will serve to promote learning and social interaction so that children will become confident and skilled users of technology as they progress in their schooling and throughout life. The following image presents an overall idea of the role of adults in integrating technology in the classroom:

Reflections on field trip to Odessey Preschool @ Fourth Avenue

This field trip to Odessey Preschool @ Fourth Avenue has presented a slightly different concept of technology integration as compare to Child First @ Dunearn. Odessey Preschool incorporates a variety of technology tools in their classrooms, such as computers, iPads, cameras, projectors, interactive whiteboards and many more. In my opinion, children need to be exposed and taught to use different technology tools that can serve to enhance their learning and development. The video that we watched about their theme on "Science and Technology" has provided me with authentic first hand information on how technology can be integrated into the curriculum, and how the children have benefited greatly from it. It was interesting to watch how the teachers worked closely with children and their families on projects, and providing children with opportunities to handle different technology tools. Even though integrating technology into classrooms require a lot of hard work and collaboration between teachers, school admins, policy makers, parents, members of the community and technology specialists, I believe that it is all worth it as we watch children learn and grow to become competent individuals. 

Reflections on field trip to Child First @ Dunearn

This visit to Child First @ Dunearn had been an eye opener in allowing us to see and experience how technology can be effectively integrated into preschool classrooms to serve as teaching aids to enhance children's learning and development. With the rapidly changing digital age, technology has become a common element in most children’s lives. After this visit to Child First, in my opinion, technology integration is indispensable to enhance and support learning. I felt that the software programs that the preschool is currently using is age and developmentally appropriate. The stimulating colors and interactive activities are appealing to motivate children to construct their learning. At the same time, it is very well catered to the Singapore context, where children are becoming more technologically-savvy. Also, the computer lab that they have in the preschool is a great opportunity to encourage peer learning as children communicate with each other while working on individual computers.