Teaching Literacy by Liz Hanlin https://padlet.com/ehanlin01/185cxwlh9ew A Discussion of Literacy Teaching Theories en-us 2017-02-17 17:51:44 UTC 2024-06-26 20:50:29 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/icons/Pictureland.png Literacy in Early Childhood ehanlin01 https://padlet.com/ehanlin01/185cxwlh9ew/wish/154658855 In the book, Technology and Critical Literacy in Early Childhood, I found the case studies about exposing preschool children to computers (in chapters 2 & 3) very enlightening. Like most people, I would have assumed they were too young for the complexities of a computer. This idea is proven wrong through a case study in which four-year-old students are exposed to computers, and a program called VoiceThread. Within days, the students far exceeded the teacher's learning goals.

 Some of this was achieved through their own exploration. I would have assumed you teach technology by placing a student in front of a computer, and teaching them step-by-step what to do. In this case, the students spent time on their own exploring the computer keys and mouse (such as pushing the same key several times). It's very interesting that something perceived as "play," is valuable learning. 

Because the students approached the computer program introduced (VideoThread) with their own creative and interpretive view, the teacher noted, "Clearly, what we think we are teaching is not necessarily what they (the students) are learning." 

I also thought it was a valuable idea to teach technology through things the students are interested in, as noted in both chapters. Focusing on causes young students can relate (building schools and saving endangered animals in this case) was very effective in teaching them how to combine literacy and technology to express their ideas. 

While these chapters point out that preschool children can master technology, my question is, "What is the right balance between technology/media tools, and traditional materials, when teaching literacy?" How do you get a student hooked on reading and seeing the joy in books, if they can turn instead to something that's entertaining and interactive?
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