Computing in the Early years

Today I was able to reflect on interactivity and computing aspects of my BS1 placement. I was in a reception class and witnessed many different forms of technology being used within the classroom. The children in my class were given access to a computer and a starboard during free flow. The computer was specially set up with educational games and drawing activities, with no internet access so whatever the children clicked meant they were safe. The computer was password protected with all the staff being given the password so they had control of when the children could and couldn’t use the computer. The computer was always a popular choice during free flow and children were trained by the teacher to use the sand timer which helped them to take turns. The interactive whiteboard was an activity that the children were allowed to experiment with during free flow and gave them a chance to use the pen to write, use shapes and helped refine fine motor skills. They also took the opportunity to incorporate it into their play by playing ‘ teachers’. There was an ipad present in the class which the teacher used to take pictures of the children, however the children themselves were not allowed to use it. I feel that the ipad could have been something that was incorporated into the classroom more, especially with free apps such as popplet and Skitch. Popplett is something I have explored myself and helps children to edit their pictures. This would be something my reception children would have been thoroughly engaged with and a good way at introducing editing and taking pictures.

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