Technology provides many varied opportunities for children to practice and apply newly learned skills and concepts. When integrated properly, use of technology will enrich student growth in literacy, mathematical understanding and content area learning.
Computers and technology in education at East Woods, and the world, is continually growing. Technology is an exciting, challenging and forever changing field. East Woods is committed to offering our students the best possible learning environment to prepare them for their future.
The classroom teachers teach computer skills in the Early Childhood Center, as computers are totally integrated into the overall curriculum. Nursery and Transition classrooms are equipped with the IBM Young Explorer computers, specifically designed for children, ages three to seven. These computers are unique in that they combine a Little Tikes children’s desk, a fully functional child-sized IBM PC computer and software in one integrated product. Among the Young Explorers features are a desk that has a flat surface for school work, mouse pads to accommodate left- and right-handed children, a brightly colored keyboard, an easy wipe-off surface and a bench seat that can fit two students.
Early Childhood students will receive an introduction to the computer:
- to familiarize them with the keyboard and the mouse
- to familiarize them with the independent operation of computer hardware and software
They will also use the computer as a learning tool:
- to reinforce directionality, letter recognition, letter formation, number recognition, number formation, patterning, math concepts and science concepts
- to foster problem solving skills, visual memory skills, auditory memory skills, creative writing skills through dictation, cooperative learning skills and respect for the equipment
- to strengthen fine motor skills and eye-hand coordination
- to expose students to basic word processing skills
Specific learning outcomes of technology in ECC are:
- exploration of numbers/letters/sounds
- interaction - cooperation
- directionality
- fostering computer comfort
- reinforcement of patterns
- exploration of math concepts
- reinforcement of reading readiness enrichment
- supplementing of thematic units through technology