Posted by
Cliff
on from the improving-the-K-experience dept.
andres32a asks: "I currently run a private preschool located in Latin America. I have been always interested in finding new ways of giving kids a legitimate educational advantage through fresh applications of technology. What technology would you like to have seen applied in your kindergarten?"
Technology is the one thing I can think of that, above all others, would have made kindergarten WORSE. The extent of readily-available technology we had in my kindergarten in 1986 was the cassette player for random songs for us to dance to and sing along with.
Biotech was another issue entirely. Our teacher had an extra set of eyes IN THE BACK OF HER HEAD!!!!!! And we learned of a sharp tooth snail that lives IN OUR NOSES and will cut off any fingers that end up inside.
As far as giving kids an advantage, though, I think keeping tech, especially computers, OUT of kindergarten is the best thing you can do.
-- -- I prefer the term "karma escort."
I think the best way...
by
Fullhazard
·
· Score: 3, Funny
To use technology to make Kindergartens better would be to make stronger bars for the cages.
Teach the kids...
by
Bin_jammin
·
· Score: 4, Funny
how to solder. Basic electronics is also a must. This all ties in together, because kids need to learn basic electronics, and nothing says fun like 20 kids with 40 watt irons.
I think children should learn programming languages and good software design principles as early as possible, especially scripting languages, and especially software security.
C, Ruby, Javascript, Actionscript/Flash are what I'd push now.
Kindergarten may be a bit early, but certainly by third grade, I think all students should be required to program as an integral part of all the curricula. An emphasis should be placed not on just computer languages, but on robust and secure software design methods.
And yes, you did read that correctly: third grade.
I also think that children should play online strategy games (like prisoner's dilemma, chess, and poker, at different ages) until they reliably and repeatedly win against novice players.
Slashdot Mirror
"What technology would you like to have seen applied in your kindergarten?"
Rubber pants.
Technology is the one thing I can think of that, above all others, would have made kindergarten WORSE. The extent of readily-available technology we had in my kindergarten in 1986 was the cassette player for random songs for us to dance to and sing along with.
Biotech was another issue entirely. Our teacher had an extra set of eyes IN THE BACK OF HER HEAD!!!!!! And we learned of a sharp tooth snail that lives IN OUR NOSES and will cut off any fingers that end up inside.
As far as giving kids an advantage, though, I think keeping tech, especially computers, OUT of kindergarten is the best thing you can do.
-- I prefer the term "karma escort."
To use technology to make Kindergartens better would be to make stronger bars for the cages.
how to solder. Basic electronics is also a must. This all ties in together, because kids need to learn basic electronics, and nothing says fun like 20 kids with 40 watt irons.
I think children should learn programming languages and good software design principles as early as possible, especially scripting languages, and especially software security.
C, Ruby, Javascript, Actionscript/Flash are what I'd push now.
Kindergarten may be a bit early, but certainly by third grade, I think all students should be required to program as an integral part of all the curricula. An emphasis should be placed not on just computer languages, but on robust and secure software design methods.
And yes, you did read that correctly: third grade.
I also think that children should play online strategy games (like prisoner's dilemma, chess, and poker, at different ages) until they reliably and repeatedly win against novice players.