HOW WILL TECHNOLOGY BE USED IN KINDERGARTEN?

Technology is a very effective and engaging learning tool for students of all grades. It creates possibilities for authentic learning of skills and concepts to be embedded in learning. Students develop skills of collaboration and teamwork, creativity and imagination, critical thinking and problem solving when using the various types of technology tools. Learning is made visible when using technology, as students produce a final product, implement newly mastered skills and build on these to enrich what the tool can do for a specific task. This can be shared with peers and teachers for reflections and feedback.

• Students use technology across the week in many ways. In the area of Mathematics students may use technology to learn and explore position, sequencing, estimation and problem-solving. Additionally, in English students could use technology to type recounts about weekends, create and sequence stories, and identify sight words.

• The teacher will implement technology across other Key Learning Areas such as Creative Arts, Science, History and Geography to ensure students develop and explore technology in multiple ways and for different purposes.

In Kindergarten at North Rocks Public School, students will engage with:

• Bee Bots (an easy to operate and instruct robot)

• iPads (touch screen portable computer)

• Laptops and Desktop Computers

• Interactive Whiteboards

Examples of programs students will be using:

COMPUTERS

Whole School Programs (Costs are included in school fees)

Wushka and Mathletics (Logins and passwords provided for use at home and school).

Computer Programs: Jolly Phonics, Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, Paint, Tux Paint.

Websites: ABC Ya (number, reading and writing activities), Count Us In, Starfall, Topmarks.

iPADS

Applications: Seesaw, Camera (e.g. for photographing work and recording read alouds), Various Apps to reinforce literacy and numeracy skills.

SCREEN TIME

Recommendations

For children 2 to 5 years of age, sitting and watching television and the use of other electronic media (DVDs, computer and electronic games) should be limited to less than 1 hour per day.

Children benefit more from talking, singing, reading, listening to music or playing with other children.

Evidence suggests that long periods of screen time are connected with:

• less active, outdoor and creative play

• slower development of language skills

• poor social skills

• an increased risk of being overweight

Family guidelines should focus on:

• How often children have access to screens (you may choose to have screen-free days).

• How long children can use them for (splitting the time between different types of screen and using a limiting device such as a stop watch or screen lock as a control measure).

• What children can view (the quality of what your child is viewing is more important than the time spent)

Like all parenting decisions, it is important to focus on modelling the preferred behaviour to your children and involving older children in the decision-making process. Monitor what they are accessing and use the opportunity to start conversations and learning, making sure that screens are used in family/shared areas and not in bedrooms.

Once your child begins school, then as a family, you need to discuss how best to use screen time to reduce excessive use.

Department of Health (Australian Government): http://www.health.gov.au/internet/publications/publishing.nsf/Content/gug-indig-hb~inactivitiy

The Sydney Children’s Hospital Network:

https://www.schn.health.nsw.gov.au/fact-sheets/screen-time-and-children