Blog Entry 6: Emerging Technology that Supports Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

In the article Beyond Gaming, Hertzog and Klein (2005) discuss their observations of exploring, inventing and experimenting with the use of technology in the early childhood classroom. They give many examples of children helping one another on the computer. They tell about the use of digital cameras in the classroom and how children use them for documentation. They show an example of a kindergarten student that demonstrates what they have learned about eggs by creating a web on Kidspiration. While most K/1 children use the programs like Microsoft Word to type up information. They can demonstrate critical thinking skills through Powerpoint, Kidspiration, iMovie, digital cameras, and scanners. Often teachers can hear discussions from other children about the steps in using the technology. The authors state that the communication between students is much greater than that of children playing in the home center or blocks.
This article was very eye opening for me. While I feel very comfortable with technology (most days), I still see kindergarten children as incapable of understanding. My mentality has to change in order for students to reap the benefits of the technology in my classroom. Since starting this program, I believe that my eyes have been opened up to the possibilities that lie ahead for my children. Now, I have to get through the planning and implementation stages to reap the rewards.

Hertzog, N., & Klein, M. (2005). Beyond Gaming: A technology explosion in early childhood classrooms. Gifted Child Today, 28(3), 24-31. http://search.ebscohost.com.ts.isil.westga.edu