The field of early childhood education (ECE) has long supported and implemented the idea of cooperative learning environments. We have been struggling in the midst of the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) push-down affect to keep our classrooms learner-centered, hands-on, individualized, cooperative, and fun. As I read more about Instructional Design (ID) and the core ideas for the Postindustrial Paradigm of Instruction, I began to realize how similar the views of ECE and ID are as we consider what we know about how children learn best. Reiser & Dempsey's "Trends & Issues in ID and Technology" lists the core ideas as being learner-focused, includes learning by doing, is attainment-based, customized, collaborative, and enjoyable (p.77-8). How ironic that two fields that seem at first glance to be on opposite ends of the education spectrum are in this sense almost identical.
It is my intent to use this blog as a means of sharing my thoughts, experiences, and new found knowledge about how the fields of educational technology and early childhood education can come together in the classroom and beyond. Please feel free to weigh in respectfully on the topics posted and shared.
Hi Berna,
ReplyDeleteIt's quite amazing to think of how much technology is available to use in classrooms, even when the students are of such a young age. I imagine it can be overwhelming at times (for both the students and educators) yet also a great door-opener. This actually reminded me of a situation, when just the other day, one of my co-workers jokingly asked my boss, "How did you live back when there was no internet?" But, in the context of your blog, I flip that question and wonder what it's like to be a younger student in a classroom where so much technology IS available. Can you imagine what it would have been like if you had learned to use Twitter as a child? Wow.
nice blog spot!!!
ReplyDeleteGreat blog work so far!
ReplyDeleteHope you are enjoying your own blog. Pls, post at least one reflection blg post per week.
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mahalo!
Aloha from Eddie MERC