Standards

Any course requires a rubric or standards.  Course standards do not apply to preschool however, I take a lot of these standards when thinking of what I would like a course to look like.  These are the 10 most important elements that I consider.  When creating an online learning module for parents, these are the elements:

2. Design and develop digital age learning experiences and assessments

            (c) Customize and personalize learning activities to address students’ diverse learning styles, working strategies, and abilities using digital tools and resources.

This is relevant to my OLM because I need to customize the course to my unique classroom and personalize it for parents.  I would need to present this information using the online format and presenting information that all parents can access with Internet access.  A lot of my parents speak another language and I think this is an important aspect to consider for my OLM.

 1.2 Students are introduced to the purpose and structure of the course.

I feel that this is very important to state why they should take this course.  I know that toilet training is always one of the first questions that I am asked about at home visits.  I would explain all of the topics we will be discussing and hopefully the course will answer those questions while providing resources.

1.3 Etiquette expectations for online discussions, email, and other forms of communication are stated clearly.

Since the subject matter that we will be addressing, it is very important for all parents to know what is appropriate and what is not appropriate in regards to discussions.  Names will not be said (initials or pseudo names can be used).  Parents cannot shame other parents but offer solutions in a productive way.

1.6 Minimum technical skills expected are clearly stated.

I feel that is important to be up front with my parents and let them know what technical skills and what programs they should be familiar with before the class starts.  If they need to ask someone for background information or use the programs beforehand to become familiar, that will help them with the course.

2.5 The learning objectives are appropriately designed for the level of the course.

Since this course is unique, the learning objectives should designed as such.  My priorities are for the parents to get all of the information, view the techniques, and use the program successfully at home. 

3.1 The types of assessments selected measure the stated learning objectives and are consistent with course activities and resources.

I will have to look into different types of assessment that are appropriate for the skills that I am presenting.  It will be tricky to assign homework and give an appropriate assessment.  That is why I think Badges would be an appropriate to be awarded for completing the course. 

4.1 The instructional materials contribute to the achievement of the stated course and module/unit learning objectives.

The material presented should contribute to the course and the learning objectives.  Instructional materials should be meaningful and if they are not, what is the point of having them?  I plan on presenting all of the materials that are given during the face to face course, but the parents can do it step by step at home.

5.3 The instructor’s plan for classroom response time and feedback on assignments are clearly stated.

I know that I personally value appropriate responses and feedback in a timely manner.  If it is not given, I could keep doing my work and possibly be heading in the wrong direction.  It is frustrating and I would want my parents to know that I will respond within 24-48 hours to assignments or questions. 

6.4 Students can readily access the technologies required in the course.

In addition to having parents speaking different languages, most of my families live in apartments and do not have Internet access.  When the parents know they will need internet, they can make accommodations or find someone who has access beforehand.  The same can be said for different programs such as Microsoft word, PowerPoint, etc.

8.3 The course design facilitates readability and minimizes distractions.

I feel that it is important for the course to be simple and easy to use.  If I have trouble navigating, I know my parents will as well.  They should find all the materials and all of the links or information should be easily accessible.

Resources:

ISTE Standards. 2008. ISTE Standards Teachers. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/docs/pdfs/20-14_ISTE_Standards-T_PDF.pdf

Quality Matters Program. 2011. Quality Matters Rubric Standards 2011- 2013 edition with Assigned Point Values. Retrieved from http://www.tacoma.uw.edu/sites/default/files/global/documents/academic-affairs/qmrubric.pdf.

Digital Wisdom

Distance learning is in large part technology based and in digital format.  Based on  readings, technology is the primary means of communication in the distance learning format.  We also know that just one single form of technology is best for all learners.  In that regard, we as educators should cater to some extent to digital immigrants or those who have not grown up in the digital world.  Some forms of technology/delivery could be adapted to fit that learners needs. This also applies to preschoolers because they have not had the chance to become fully independent in the digital world. 

Based on the Prensky readings, educators should get to know their students and how they learn.  Those digital immigrants that are taking distance learning courses must be willing to accept technology and accept help with technology.  Some things to ease that transition could be to teach step by step and focus on one topic at a time.  We generally do that when teaching distance learning.  I would also be willing to incorporate legacy/traditional content along with digital content to ease that transition. The same concepts can be applied with preschoolers when incorporating technology.  Teach the concepts step by step and focus on one topic at a time.

One of the most important things that I took away from the Prenksy readings was that it is important to listen to the students and empart digital wisdom.   It is important to listen to the students an use technology to support their learning in the classroom. Through the Prensky readings, passion and inspiring teachers go hand in hand.  I can get to know the students and what they want to learn/what they are passionate about and work together with the students.

As I said in the previous statement: Through the Prensky readings, passion and inspiring go hand in hand.  I can get to know the students and what they want to learn/what they are passionate about and work together with the students. Instructors have the job to impart their passion of learning and their passion of the material to inspire the students.  Once the students are inspired, I should step back and provide the materials to allow them to continue.

Empathy on the other hand is something that a teacher needs to keep in mind.  Since distance learning lacks that personal connection it is extra important to really communicate and listen to the students and get to know them/how they are feeling.   Preschoolers are open with their feelings and empathy is one thing that is extremely important to make children comfortable in the classroom

References:

Prensky, M. (01, October 5). Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants. Retrieved April 9, 16, from http://www.marcprensky.com/writing/Prensky – Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants – Part1.pdf

Prensky, M. (2011). From Digital Natives to Digital Wisdom. Retrieved April 9, 16, from http://marcprensky.com/writing/Prensky-Intro_to_From_DN_to_DW.pdf

Prensky, M (2012). What Isn’t Technology Good At? Empathy!. Retrieved April 9, 16, from http://marcprensky.com/writing/Prensky-What_Isn’t_Technology_Good_At-EDTECH-Sept-Oct-1012.pdf

Prensky, M (2012). What Isn’t Technology Good At? Passion!. Retrieved April 9, 16, from http://marcprensky.com/writing/Prensky-What_Isn’t_Technology_Good_At-(Part%202)-EDTECH-Nov-Dec-1012.pdf

Seven Things You Should Know About...

There are several new ways of thinking and learning that are emerging in online learning.  Some of the most promising for technology integration in preschool classrooms are badges or microlectures.  Badges are digital tokens that you earn online to signify accomplishments.  The student needs to meet certain criteria to earn the badge.   Microlectures are short videos (audio or video) on a certain topic or used together with certain activities to reinforce topics.  The children can watch at their own pace and the microlectures can be used as a resource to students.

We now know that preschool students shouldn’t be expected to use technology for prolonged periods of time.  We also know that online learning isn’t appropriate for preschool students.  Badges and age appropriate microlectures would be a nice way to introduce online learning concepts to preschoolers. 

The preschoolers in my room are easily motivated by tangible rewards and positive praise.  Badges would be a positive way to incorporate online learning aspects into the classroom.  According to Davies, “Even though children who enter school are often inclined to be either intrinsically or extrinsically motivated, a worthwhile goal for educators is to foster intrinsic motivation in children”.  Simple interactive technology or educational games incorporate badges of some sort at the end of each level to provide that motivation and signify the accomplishments.

Microlectures are another way to introduce online learning concepts that could be incorporated into the classroom.  Short videos could be pre-recorded on devices/computers for the children to watch on certain concepts that are being taught.  Since the videos are short, it would be beneficial to the young learners.

References:

Davies, L. (2004) Rewards in the Classroom. Retrieved April 10, 2016, from http://www.kellybear.com/TeacherArticles/TeacherTip45.html

Educause. 2012. 7 Things You Should Know About Badges. Retrieved from https://blackboard.cmich.edu/bbcswebdav/pid-4145741-dt-content-rid-34537419_1/courses/EDU708-16500-22289244/badges.pdf

Educause. 2012. 7 Things You Should Know About Microlectures. Retrieved from https://blackboard.cmich.edu/bbcswebdav/pid-4145749-dt-content-rid-34537405_1/courses/EDU708-16500-22289244/Microlectures.pdf

Integration

Integration of technology should be interactive at the preschool level.  Young children have short attention spans and cannot be expected to sit or do an online blended course.  Learning at the preschool level is very hands on and children learn through play.  Before preschool students can do a blended or any online course, they must first be exposed to technology.

According to NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children), one principle to guide the appropriate use of technology and interactive media as tools in early childhood programs is when it is integrated into the environment, curriculum, and daily routines. Once implemented, media should be part of the routine and the focus should be on the extension of the lesson that is being taught, not on the technology.  They also recommend that passive screen technology usages are not recommended but interactive media should be used to enhance lessons that are being taught and not replace the lessons themselves.

One lesson that I created which integrated technology into the classroom was using iPad technology to enhance a letter recognition and writing letters lesson.  I start by introducing letters to the children and discuss the sounds of the letters.  After introducing the letters, we will practice writing the letters.  When forming the letters, we will work on conventions of writing/reading such as: writing top to bottom, lifting the writing instrument off of the paper or iPad, and going from left to right.  Using the iPad Little Writer App to enhance the lesson will also improve hand/eye coordination with preschool students.

A second lesson that I created which integrated technology into the classroom, was using iPad technology to reinforce a lesson about identifying, recognizing, and naming shapes.  I start by introducing shapes to the students and we discuss what the shapes look like.  We will discuss the number of sides, curvy lines, straight lines, etc.  After introducing and discussing the shapes, we will look at pictures of shapes and find them in our environment using iPad cameras.  Students will be given individual practice writing shapes on the iPad using the Little Writer App.

All of the points listed above further prove that online or blended learning is not appropriate for preschool students.  The online format would not be conductive for young children but should be integrated into their daily routine or curriculum at school.   As an educator, I try to incorporate those positive technology experiences into lessons.   Some children have never even used a computer or a mouse to navigate.  The children should be exposed to the technology in school. Preschool students are getting computer screen time at school; their screen time should be limited at home.  According to Mary Ellen Mazza, “Young children are still learning to focus and self-regulate, so short, purposeful use of interactive media can bring a creative advantage to children.

Resources:

 "Technology and Young Children." NAEYC. NAEYC. Web. 7 Feb. 2016.

<http://www.naeyc.org/content/technology-and-young-children. 

Mazza, Mary Ellen; Bright Ideas for Blended Learning: How We Teach Preschool: Respecting the Student and Teacher esparklearning; Jan. 18.2016

http://blog.esparklearning.com/how-we-teach-preschool