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.
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