Evaluation & Reflection

Reflection and Discussion page 182

                In this reflection, the text asked me to observe the computer in the classroom where I am placed at for my field experience. Well, I am placed at a Rejio Emilio style school. It is a private Kindergarten, with tuition rates as high as $16,000 per year for the 5 year olds. Parents are willing to dish out the dollar bills for this school, though, because it reinforces the basics of childhood- imagination and outdoor play. Children are encouraged to explore the outdoors, build forts from the tree limbs in the yard, and dig in the dirt to find insects. They believe that the research children find through play and exploration in the outdoor world exceeds the information a teacher can present through a technology tool, such as a presentation.
                At this age, children need to focus on the world around them and interacting with others, not necessarily focusing on technology skills. Although, computer skills and (nowadays) iPad skills are necessary as the child progresses through school, the main emphasis of every class for a four year old should not be centered around media based knowledge. Psychologically, children are still in pre-operational stages, according to Piaget, and need concrete ideas and concrete examples. Technology is more of an abstract approach to learning, with some hands-on approaches when using certain apps and games, such as a Smartboard lesson.
                Because of this, my classroom does not have technology of any kind. The children are bright, witty, and quick to analyze and deduct reasoning from the concrete examples, materials, and tools brought into the classroom. With all this being said, I do think it would be age appropriate if they had an iPad station where students could begin to practice basic technology skills that may be required of them as they enter 1^st and 2^nd grade. Skills such as knowing how to type their name and exit out of pages, perhaps how to type in an appropriate website, too.