October 2003 — Features
Print this article | Email this articleClick here to receive your FREE subscription to T.H.E. Journal
Wireless Tots
Teachers are now able to send parents the Web addresses their children explored that day, while at home, children can show their parents what they learned at school. This builds stronger school-to-home connections and fosters self-esteem among students.
Project Evaluation
The use of computers for young children has not been widely accepted until recently. Many believed that the use of computers by young children was not developmentally appropriate. However, new findings point to the positive effects of technology use on cognitive and social learning and development. However, not all preschool companies have embraced this new research.
The other imperative issue for preschools has been cost, because most do not provide high-speed Internet connections within classrooms and only have one or two computers in each room. Adding additional resources and access would improve the integration of technology into the classroom, but it can be an expensive proposition.
At the Primrose Bentwater project, the school only has the laptop solution for classrooms and did not include the purchase of any stand-alone PCs, except in the after-school program where there is a large-screen monitor with wireless keyboards and a PC for large group explorations. At Primrose, we felt the wireless laptop solution was actually a more efficient use of the tight technology budget in the long run.
The typical Primrose School has at least two PCs in each classroom, beginning with the preschoolers. The laptops are shared throughout the day by the classrooms, so the extra cost was minimal. The total project cost for Bentwater was around $15,000, which included eight laptops and a cart with base, extra items such as a digital camera and printer, and the after-school program equipment described above.
Primrose will continue the pilot at Bentwater through the 2003 school year before expanding the program to other Primrose Schools. The evaluation of its success will be focused on two key areas:
1. Equipment. How has it held up to use by young children, was it easy to learn, was it easy to use, and has it been easy to maintain?
2. Enthusiasm. Have the teachers fully integrated the use of laptops to enhance the learning environment? What areas need improvement, did the activities keep the children's interest, and has the use been consistent?
After the evaluation, Primrose will offer a complete packaged solution for all of its schools. The planned roll out will initially be the schools' choice to replace old PCs with the laptop solution. However, all newly built schools will be required to implement the wireless program upon opening.
Computers are not a substitute for human interactions and relationships, nor can they take the place of activities such as reading a story together, dramatic play or hands-on projects. When used appropriately as an educational tool, computers can open up a new world of learning. The interactive, inquiry-based activities can support and enhance the curriculum. The critical factor is how the use of technology is in balance with the learning experience, as balance is at the heart of Primrose educational programs.
Cite this Site
copy text (above) for proper citation
