For the younger grades it is harder to incorporate technology in the classroom because there are so many other areas that need to be developed physically and emotionally. The article also states that the danger can be enforcing that there is more technology needed and needs to be started earlier, so other parts of education will be ignored.
In better light the technology can help enforce knowledge. For example if a class is not able to take a field trip to the ocean, they can go online and see the websites or photos and get a better understanding. The students can also practice their writing skills on a computer and gain knowledge of computer navigation.
In an early education class you should have it set up as an equal area of learning. There should be many chairs close by to encourage small group time at one computer so that it does not have to be an individual project. The suggested ratio for students to computers in a classroom is 7 to 1.
Choosing software is just as important as any other curriculum that you choose. You should always look at the software and determine its quality and enrichment chances. A teacher should not just buy a program and use it as an option. There are so many things that could be flawed or be teaching in a poor way.
You should however have many options available for students so that they are able to keep active and enjoy their time learning with technology.
The main thing to watch for is to keep it as an equal academic area so that it is not a reward but a learning area. There should be hand-selected software so that your students are learning to their full potential. Look at what your classroom needs and what will help influence your students to their full potential in the classroom.
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