I have the fortunate opportunity to be a part of a school community that has many technology resources. In my classroom, I have a document camera, a projector, a laptop, a desktop computer, speakers, and 6 iPads that ‘belong’ to my class. I also have the option of signing out a class set of iPad minis.
I have tried to integrate technology into my practice by using it to enhance my lessons, as well as allow students to use it for research. Before I ask my students to use a certain website or look something up, I first research and find which websites are suitable and factual. As my inquiry project progressed, I found information that suggested that we, as teachers, must first familiarize ourselves with the technology and resources we want our students to interact with. I have found this to be very true while on my practicum. But I have also come to realize that the students themselves are a huge resource! They have had the opportunity to explore with various modes of technology, and as such, are well versed. If I am teaching myself how to use a new form of technology, I ask the students if they have ever used it or tried it. They love to teach me new things and how things work. I have also found that even if I do know how something works, asking my students to show me allows me to see how much they know and where I should begin my instructions.
For one of my lessons, I had initially devoted a whole block of time to showing my students how to use book creator. That was until I discovered that many of them are pros when it comes to book creator. Instead, I was able to focus my lesson on what the subject matter and I had an extra block of time to use to my advantage!
One area where I will always do my homework before allowing students to engage with technology is when I ask the students to research a certain topic. You can type a single word into google and it shows you thousands of websites that offer snippets of the information you are looking for. A lot of this information is great, but there is also a lot that is not appropriate for students. Because of this, I have made sure to do the research myself and ask students to use specific websites, rather than just let them browse the thousands of links that google provides!
Your emerging understanding about students ‘using’ digital technologies vs. teachers ‘teaching’ these ‘tools’ is of interest to me Sara. Even if your students had never used book creator before, I would venture that with some ‘play’ or ‘messing about’ time, they could in groups teach themselves and likely teach themselves more effectively and with much wider engagement than any teacher directed lesson could do!
With research and young children (all children really), it is so true that the teacher needs to be aware. It is definitely important for the teacher to do some initial work him/herself. It is equally important to engage students in ongoing discussions and provide opportunities for them to critically evaluate the information they find. It would be of value to consider how you might do so in the early years to help scaffold students for future research (or even the googling they undoubtedly do at home).