Internet literacy support
When I first read in Chapter 5 about the internet and computers helping children with their beginning literacy skills, I was not so crazy about the idea, and I’m still not completely sold on it. I think it depends on how it is used. If it is in fact, merely used to supplement other instruction, and it still engages the children, then I definitely think it could be useful. I could see it becoming a problem, however, if it is the only thing used to teach literacy skills. I know that is not the capacity in which they were talking about it, but it’s important to be aware of that fine line. I feel there are many benefits to classroom and one-on-one skill instruction when it comes to literacy. It is also important for children to communicate with each other and explore things, instead of staring at a computer screen. So, overall, I think it can be used, as long as it is how they describe, a support.
I am in complete agreement with you on the need for the computer to be an adjunct to other types of literacy experiences in the classroom rather than a replacement for more interactive experiences. I believe that best practice calls for more interaction between children and other children and adults, rather than with the computer as intermediary. The computer may be a nice addition, but a nonessentail in preschool classrooms. As children get older, the computer becomes a necessary part of the classroom if our goal is to help prepare children for success in later years.
I agree. I think the computer has the zombifying potential of television if it isn’t used correctly. I did, however, like how the preschool teacher used Microsoft Word. She taught her students basic Word skills that they will definitely need later in life. But she also used the software to teach the students literacy based on their individual interests and abilities. seeing how words are physically formed (example: having to hit they Space bar to put a space between words) helps reinforce the occasionally abstract concepts of literacy. However, “Here’s a program with a word game on it! Play for an hour!” doesn’t cut it.
I really liked what I read in the assigned chapter, but I agree with you that we seldom see early childhood classrooms using computers as the authors described. That’s not to say we couldn’t become more adept in this area, but we have a long way to go.
This reading also made me wonder about the changes being made in testing at DPI. I think most teachers working in elementary schools know that the 4th grade writing test has changed. I wonder if teachers are aware of the lengthy discussion that took place around the notion of requiring 4th graders to complete this assessment online. Ultimately DPI made the decision to delay implementation of that format, but those conversations continue. Do you have thoughts about that?
I think you are 200% correct when you say that the benefit of using compters to help with literacy depends on how it is being used. Some parents and teachers think they can sit their child in front of a computer and a game and it will teach them. Like you, I think the computer is beneficial, but there also needs to be other instruction present. A computer program should be used as a supplement to somethignt he child is learning or has already learned.