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