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How young is too young? If we look at the benefits of using computers even at a very young age…I guess never too young.

As per the article, I agree that computers in early childhood supplement the activities and materials that the educator uses. Educators need to use computers in developmental appropriate ways, which are beneficial to the child. Educators must be cautioned to appropriately use  computers.  It is true that developmental appropriate software can be used for collaborative and creative lessons. But, is it commonly done?  In my field placement the teacher spend computer time correcting homework or class work while  the children play educational computer games individually. So, time is not allotted to observing children while using the computer to identify opportunities or challenges, at least the majority of the time it does not happen. In my opinion, many of the games are basic and not very creative. Educators must use professional judgment when children use computers. I though of suggesting about flickr, scratch, etc. The children can be shown how to use it and activities can be planned. (I will suggest it when I go back). It is important to keep teachers up to date with technology, so that teachers can become active participants in using technology for educational benefits. I am not sure if teachers receive ongoing training support, they should as it adequately prepares them to effectively use technology to promote meaningful learning in a constructive way. The article talks about balancing costs between learning materials. I have observed that our educational system lacks funding, never mind balancing…teachers buy their own supplies. If a teacher wants her class to be rich with resources for her and the children it  must come out of her own budget.

 It would be interesting to use software in the classroom that helps affirm diversity and reflect the children’s cultures and ethnic heritage. As well as promote inclusion of children with special needs.

 After being in the computer lab class with the grade 1 – 2, I realized how much I have learned from this class. I was able to observe and make connections. I could ‘see’ the collaborative language activities that the children could do!

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Personally, an important aspect of learning by designing is that it takes the role of enhancing traditional subjects; hence, creating an incentive and interest for the students.  Also, it should be kept in mind that these learning technologies are designed to help students and not do the thinking for them.
I like the idea that programs such as Scratch are available for children to construct knowledge. It seems to be a program were children can use their creativity and at the same time learn basic computer skills. In this age of technology, it is important to foster children’s creative capacities. I have notice that many children are not interested or do not know how to be creative. They prefer to sit in front of the television and passively take in information, which in general is not positive. Many children consider drawing, creative writing, craft, and other 'old fashion' activities boring. It seems that the programs spoken about in chapter 8 and 9 support and develops the child’s creative skills while using computers, which are considered cool; therefore, an incentive to do the work.

I was intrigued with the visualizing tools. For visual learners and for understanding abstract concepts in subjects such as science and math it seems to be a great aid. It would have helped me do better in math! Students can now visualize difficult concepts and experiment with them.

I used video and camera for creating presentations, and I assisted older children create their own home video. From my experience, it is a great learning tool. Children enjoy it and engage in creative writing (writing the script) and children enjoy acting and filming the scenes they have created.  The process is empowering for the children involved as they contribute to the finished product. It gives children an opportunity to work as a team, share ideas, plan, and learn while working together.

 I think, Digital Story Telling is a learning tool that I would use because technology is not the focus, it is a tool used to create stories. Children have the opportunity to use their creativity, thinking and writing skills as well as using cameras, videos, and software. Children use their critical and thinking skills without depending on computers to do the thinking for them.  In my opinion, it is much more empowering and beneficial to children then most computer games or programs where not much thinking is necessary but rather a lot of clinking with the mouse. For example, for my geography class I played an Ecotourism game. Basically, I read a text and them I had two choices to click on, very simple, I would have learned the same thing by reading a text about Ecotourism.

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