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Hello teacher and classmates,

Regarding this padlet about MULTIMEDIA, I do agree with Pat and Eliana. With kids from 3 to 5, Multimedia can be used but with a pedagogical purpose.

I loved the idea of creating an app to develop the “expert thinking” of children as in “Applying Technology to Inquiry-Based Learning in Early Childhood Education”  is mentioned.

I think it depends on the institution and its teachers of english. In El Chaltén -Where I live-, the internet is not a good idea to use in a class because of its bad connection. Furthermore, there are not only teachers for kindergarten but also for primary school from 1rst to 3rd grade.

Even though El Chaltén kindergarten sometimes lets kids watch a movie, teachers are more focused on books than in digital literacy as in the “Technology and Interactive Media as Tools in Early Childhood Programs Serving Children from Birth through Age 8” is mentioned.

On the other hand, the access to the internet lets teachers access information to enrich their classes. As Rolandi (2012) established, a blog to share experience as a teacher. Nowadays, websites, channels or apps can help teachers to teach or manage a problematic situation inside a classroom. Example: a channel on youtube about how to teach simple songs https://www.youtube.com/@SuperSimpleOnline

Best Regards,

Rosana Mañarey

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kindergarten education "super simple" "super simple live" preschool "teaching tips" esl efl "teach english"

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Super Simple Learning is the place for teachers and caregivers who use Super Simple songs and videos in early childhood education environments. Here you'll find teaching tips, ideas for classroom management, and more content created to support adults who educate and care for young learners.

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Hi everybody!

After exploring the reading materials, I’ll posted about Multimedia and multimodality:

It´s a fact that children use technology at increasingly younger ages as we are deeply immersed in a digital era. Technology is a great resource for teachers not only to catch children’s attention but also to “gain insights into how L2 use works with others modes of representations to create meanings”.

Moreover, Guernsey claims that “creative play, real-life exploration, physical activity, outdoor experiences, conversation, and social interactions are important for children’s development” and, I agree with my classmates that teachers should not replace the traditional modes aforementioned but complement them with the technology as a tool, and this should be done with the appropriate use of it, teachers’ digital skills and their digital literacy as well.

For this reason, you may present a story book, puppets and finally, the DVD story which gives a ‘plus’ because children can observe the story as a whole, that is, the scenario, the performance, the voices and the expressions of the characters.

Furthermore, “students who are more motivated tend to engage in learning tasks more actively on behavioral, emotional, and cognitive levels, devote greater concentration, and become more enthusiastic about their learning” (Fredricks, Jablon and Wilkinson 2006). Maybe a simply “memory game” with flashcards could be more motivated if it is played on an interactive board.

Regards

Araceli Sanchez

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Hi everybody! What an interesting discussion this topic can be! As I was reading Walsh Multimodal Literacy I got caught by this statement: "..emphasizing the importance of teachers knowing how to use multimodal texts and how to develop multimodal learning environments to enhance students learning". This made me think about nowadays technology paradigm. Plus, before making my contribution I read my classmates' and Josela writing about how overwhelming some stimulus can be for young learners triggered my thinking of balance. We all live in today's world and know how much kids are exposed to technology, there is not much we can do about it outside of our classrooms and also inside of them I think we should find the way of using it in our favor. Maybe first read a story and make them draw whatever they imagine about what they heard and then play them some video or introduce them to a song.

Thank you!

Manuela Canova

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I'm conflicted about how multimodality teaching is applied to young children. Early childhood education recognizes the significance of exploratory play, where children engage with their environment through tactile exploration. Children should be able to  understand the physical world through their senses of touch, taste, and smell. It is a basic understanding of their surroundings, providing the initial building blocks for later stages of learning.

As children grow and develop, their sensory experiences become more refined. Sensory play, which includes activities like feeling different textures, smelling various scents, and tasting different flavors, becomes more primordial in their learning journey. These sensory experiences deepen their connection to the world.

Whenever children are ready to engage with stories, songs, and oral traditions, SL teachers could play a pivotal role in their multimodal learning journey. The spoken word and auditory experiences are powerful tools for building vocabulary, understanding narratives, and fostering imagination. The use of language and storytelling helps children make sense of the world around them and lays the groundwork for what's to come.

Finally, as children progress in their development and accumulate a language foundation of sensory experiences, they could be ripe to acquire visual and artistic expression. This includes creating images, drawings, and engaging in art techniques.

Waldorf pedagogy, with its emphasis on holistic and experiential learning, aligns with this developmental approach to multimodal learning. It recognizes that children's growth and understanding evolve over time and that their educational experiences should reflect this progression.

What I’m saying is this: please, don´t go ahead to teach your kids the video of the song ‘baby shark’. It's an overwhelming stimulus. Even if they're big enough to take it, are we really as teachers using this kind of material? Whenever we tell a story, do we foster enough time for them to listen and create the image for themselves?. Let me say this: if you're a flash card teacher, ask them to help you create them. Don´t always resort to the printer.

Josela Martín

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Hi everyone!!
To begin with, I consider the following quote (from the theory notes of Unit 6) a key point related to the different modes of learning that we should all take into account when planning our lessons: "Pretend play, multimodality and narrative, three pillars in early childhood education, lead us to the world of imagination as a way of being and becoming. Multimodal stories allow for the creation of in-between spaces towards cultural inclusion and more flexible and creative ways of understanding the world.  Eric Fromm says, “Creativity requires the courage to let go of certainties”, which children naturally have, and I believe all teachers should embrace." (unit 6, page 18).

So, when exploring the area of multimodality, early childhood education, and imagination, we can generate some useful ideas and insights.

1.    Pretend Play as Cognitive Development: Pretend play is often seen as a cornerstone of early childhood development. Delving into the suggested reading, we might consider how various modes of expression, such as acting, drawing, or storytelling, can enhance cognitive growth in children. It's fascinating to think about how engaging in different modes of play can stimulate creativity and imaginative thinking.

2.    Multimodal Storytelling for Cultural Inclusion: Multimodal stories can serve as a powerful tool for fostering cultural inclusion and diversity appreciation. These stories can incorporate various sensory inputs - visual, auditory, tactile - to help children connect with and understand different cultures, traditions, and perspectives. This approach aligns with the idea of encouraging children to let go of certainties and embrace different worldviews.

3.    Digital Devices and Multimodal Learning: In today's digital age, children have access to a wide range of digital devices and media. How can educators harness the potential of these devices to facilitate multimodal learning? This could involve using interactive apps, e-books, or multimedia presentations to engage children in storytelling and imaginative exploration.

4.    Encouraging Courageous Creativity: Eric Fromm's quote about creativity and letting go of certainties is thought-provoking. Educators play a vital role in creating an environment where children feel safe to explore their creativity and take risks. This could involve encouraging them to experiment with different modes of expression and not fearing failure.

5.  Assessment and Multimodal Learning: Traditional assessment methods often focus on written or standardized tests. Exploring multimodal learning raises questions about how to assess and evaluate children's progress in a way that accounts for their diverse modes of expression and understanding. This could involve developing new assessment tools or adapting existing ones.

6.    Parent Involvement in Multimodal Learning: Engaging parents in their children's multimodal learning journey can be crucial. Parents can extend the learning experience beyond the classroom by participating in creative activities at home or discussing stories and ideas with their children. This collaboration can strengthen the child's development and support their imaginative growth.

All in all, I think that by incorporating the above ideas and insights into early childhood education practices, we can create a more enriching and inclusive learning environment that encourages children to explore the world through multiple modes and digital devices, all while nurturing their creativity and imagination.

Regards,
Melisa Martin

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Hello everyone!

After reading the bibliography I can realized that nowadays teachers include digital technology as tools of teaching. A lot of books are digital texts. The multimedia experience is used in different fields of education.

Today’s children are growing up in a digital age, for them is very common the use of variety of technologies for studying. In schools there are a lot of digital materials or programs to make learning more entertainment. Teachers use technology tools, such as computers, tablets, interactive whiteboards and e-book readers. The objective of this is engage children to learn the new knowledge using technologies.  Digital education should be a vital part of teaching and help teachers improve their lesson plans.  Through educational content teachers can boost the curiosity of the children.

Technology should be combined with conventional teaching to get a better result in the class.

Maria Eugenia

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"Balancing the Benefits and Responsibilities of Technology in Education"

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"Balancing the Benefits and Responsibilities of Technology in Education"

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Hello everyone!

I completely agree with Eliana's opinion in relation to the fact that technology can offer numerous benefits in the field of education, especially for young learners. The idea that it encourages children to question, investigate, and explore their surroundings is crucial. Technology has the power to make learning a more interactive and engaging process, which can captivate young minds and keep them focused for longer periods.
Moreover, the concept of multimodal learning is highly relevant in today's digital age. Various modes of learning can cater to different learning styles, making education more inclusive and effective. When children can access information and resources related to their interests, it adds a personalized touch to their learning journey, enhancing their overall educational experience.
However, I also agree with the authors' perspective that technology should complement traditional teaching methods rather than replace them entirely. Face-to-face communication and interaction with teachers and peers are essential for developing vital social and interpersonal skills. It's crucial to strike a balance between technology-assisted learning and in-person engagement.
Furthermore, responsible usage of technology is essential. Educators should ensure that students understand both the benefits and drawbacks of technology. Teaching digital literacy and responsible online behavior is as important as using technology as an educational tool.

Hugs,
Corachan, María Eugenia

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Hi Teté, Hi Group!

As stated in the texts analysed, technology can have an important role in kindergarten  only if it  is well balanced, enhances the pedagogical proposal, is used to adapt material for children with special needs, and if it complements traditional methods, making the learners construct knowledge in a significant way. In this respect, it is essential that educators are properly and continuously  trained and updated, so digital literacy is key for appropriate tool selection to promote a "learning by doing" experience that considers students to be the center and the educator, the guide in their learning journey.

Additionally, to guarantee a proper use of technology, the teachers  should also raise awareness among kids that they should learn to be good digital citizens,  respectful, and safe in this changing connected scenario.

Also, among the great number of tools, the ones that appealed to me most are the collaborative ones because they promote communication and critical thinking. Today, there are also some traditional apps that have been enhanced with AI,  considered generative technologies , which make them more attractive and user friendly for all ages.

Al in all, we should bear in mind that technology is part of our lives, so we should continuously prepare ourselves to use it in a creative and significant way to equip students with the necessary skills for the future.

See you!

Pat

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Hello everyone

After reading the text "Applying Technology to Inquiry-Based Learning in Early Childhood Education"

I could say that learning with the help of technology has numerous benefits as it may encourage children to question, investigate and explore things around them. In addition, the various modes of learning (multimodality) may engage students and make the learning process more effective as it helps keep the kids entertained and concentrated for a more extended period. Another advantage of technology in young learners is that they may find information about specific matters and topics of interest, so the learning experience is a little more personalized.

However, the authors propose that it is a good idea to include technology as a useful tool to teach and learn but teachers should not forget about the conventional ways and most importantly the communication and interaction with others. Also, the authors highlight that technology should be used responsibly and all users must know the benefits and drawbacks of it.

Regards, Eliana.