Reflection












 

You Can Reach Me At:  ahodel@juno.com



Northville Early Childhood Center - Thornton Creek Elementary School



Reflecting on Shapes

Overall, the unit on shapes went well.  The children were actively engaged throughout the exploration of shapes and reflected on their own learning, which was largely made possible due to the integration of technology.  

As a result of this lesson, I learned how technology can be successfully integrated into a preschool curriculum, increasing student learning and exploration.  If technology had not been used throughout this unit, I believe the explorations of the children would have ended much sooner and as a result, with much less learning and interest.  

Additionally, due to the integration of technology, it became my responsibility to screen possible software, research software, and determine whether or not it was age appropriate, if it would support the learning objectives, and if using the software would support children's learning.  This was an experience that I had previously not had an opportunity to confront.  Throughout this screening process, I learned not only a lot about various software possibilities but also a lot about the different aspects of software that may impact learning, either positively or negatively.

Reflecting upon the entire experience of teaching using integrated technology, there are a few things I may change in the future.  The most important, personally, would be time.  I would create a unit in such a way that I would begin simply and move through more difficult software, and the "unit" may last the entire semester and cover a variety of objectives and technology uses.  In conjunction with this, the use of technology was so effective and meaningful to the children that I would have liked to have more time to give them opportunities to further their exploration using the computer, the digital camera, and software.
 
 
 

     
     
     




Introduction
Overview
Narratives
Exhibits
Reflection