Tiny technology for tiny hands
Technology is a huge subject. There are so many different types of technology that it is hard for even the most advanced minds to keep up. However, for some of the youngest learners, technology is as simple as a touch of the finger.
While the subject of technology is huge, some of the technological products are really quite small. Things such as computers, phones and appliances keep getting smaller and more adaptable. Technology changes at such a fast pace that it is hard for most people to keep up but children seem to adapt quite quickly.
Children’s toys are good examples of some of the newest technology. Many toys today have methods of interacting and education that were once reserved for classroom time. Children learn to type on a computer keyboard, recognize numbers and colors and follow directions at an early age through computer games and toys.
Hancock kindergarten teacher Ashley Christianson decided to use the knowledge children gain at an early age and expand on it in her classroom. She is implementing a new teaching method utilizing an ipod Touch in the learning process.
Christianson researched the use of ipods in the kindergarten classroom and visited with a teacher from Albert Lea, Minn. This teacher, Heather Leach, had applied for and received a grant to supply ipod Touch computers for each of her students. She told Christianson that the learning experience her students gained through the ipod Touch was tremendous and highly recommended it.
Christianson then visited with Amy Dougherty from the Hancock School Techonology Department. They decided to ask the board to approve five ipods for the classroom at a cost of $200 apiece and it was approved. Christianson also purchased headphones, protective coverings, screen protectors, and plastic cases to store the ipods.
However, in her request she neglected to ask for applications for the ipods over and above what came with them.
She then went to the parents of her students requesting help with the applications. She received several gift cards from the parents to be used for the purchase of programs or aps. She currently has 40 apps that can be used for the education of her students.
Among these apps are programs for math, reading, spelling, counting, memory and education fun and games. There is a leveled reader program in which the ipod becomes like a Kindle where students can turn the pages and read a kindergarten level book. At the end of the book there are comprehension questions to see what the child has learned. Christianson has 36 books on the various levels in this program.
With the headphones, the students can work quietly at the table on each ipod, or remove the headphones and work together as a group. Christianson also purchased, on her own, a microphone that can be attached to the ipod and used to record the child reading at various times throughout the year. This can then be plugged into Christianson’s laptop and reviewed to determine fluency and progress in reading.
The ipods are small, and fit perfectly in the hands of the kindergarten students. Christianson does group time where the students are divided into groups of five or less and work at various skills. When each group takes its turn on the ipods, things are very quiet and intense as the children work seriously on the programs. Christianson noted that this is especially good for special needs kids to learn in a quiet setting.
It is obvious how the students feel about the ipods as they love to work on the small computers. Christianson has noticed that the children are picking up a lot of new things from the programs and gaining several hidden skills such as recognizing letters when they type in their name to start the program.
She added that since the kindergarten class has gained this valuble experience, it would be nice to see it continue through the grades. Therefore, they are considering asking for similar devices in first grade and on up as this class advances.
The ipod Touch computers may be small but they are huge in the eyes of these kindergarten students. It is one new piece of technology that helps children learn in a unique, creative and fun way.