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?"
Truthfully, I think that it would be better to let the kindergarteners play with blocks, color with crayons, and generally let them act like little kids.
They'll have plenty of time in the coming years to learn all about computers, iPods, and cellphones. There are enough problems with people being addicted to their computers without getting the kids hooked at such a young age.
If you have loads of money, then hire somebody to put up a Windows or Mac box loaded with all sorts of commercial software, which is exactly what many here will suggest. But since you are writing here and asking about it, I will assume that you are not Bill Gates. Instead, use Linux/BSD and there are a number of good applications out there. I am currently having my 3 y.o. use ChildPlay and gcomperie (sp). She is learning all about the mouse and loving it. There are a number of educational type games out there that encourage this behavior. And in general, you can even run the Windows apps in wine (keep in mind that these are simple apps). Check out some of the memory games. In addition, check out the site for TuxPaint. It is geared towards kids. In fact, just thinking about it, there are several distros geared for education. Ubuntu has a derivative called edubuntu.
-- I prefer the "u" in honour as it seems to be missing these days.
The irony
by
michaelmalak
·
· Score: 4, Informative
It's ironic to see "kindergarten" and "technology" in the same sentence, since Frobel invented Kindergarten in the early 19th century as a "garden" for children where they can learn through physical manipulation of materials and practical life activities. This description sums it up best:
Friedrich Froebel's enduring significance was through his formulation of the 'kindergarten system' with its emphasis on play and its use of 'gifts' (play materials) and 'occupations (activities).
Friedrich Froebel believed that humans are essentially productive and creative - and fulfilment comes through developing these in harmony with God and the world. As a result, Froebel sought to encourage the creation of educational environments that involved practical work and the direct use of materials. Through engaging with the world, understanding unfolds. Hence the significance of play - it is both a creative activity and through it children become aware of their place in the world. He went on to develop special materials (such as shaped wooden bricks and balls - gifts), a series of recommended activities (occupations) and movement activities, and an linking set of theories. His original concern was the teaching of young children through educational games in the family. In the later years of his life this became linked with a demand for the provision of special centres for the care and development of children outside the home.
For those wondering how this fits in with Montessori, Maria Montessori independently rediscovered much of the same nearly a century later, but as part of a much more comprehensive and cohesive system of education.
I am curious
by
WindBourne
·
· Score: 5, Insightful
The poster RUNS a preschool. That is s?he is concerned with all aspects of a child's education. Since they are running a private one (and one with a nice web site), I would assume that they have loads of education on child development as well as how to teach. So, here you are trying to tell him how to run a pre-school (note: NOT a simple daycare). So, what experience do you have that you know so much about children pre-school AND you are also on a geek site?
Seriously, for the other posters (mgb68 and more to come), when somebody who is asking for help on something that they may not have loads of knowledge on, please do not put them down by telling them that they are wrong to explore options. It is damaging to this site, to the geek world, and the those that could use the help (and god knows that many in the world NEED help). I think that the director should be able to explore loads of good options. And yes, handling computers is now part of our society. Children will have to learn it.
For those of us with young children, I would bet that most if not all, have their children playing with the computers as well as playing on the jungle gym, the McyD's play ground, games, circle time, nap time, reading, etc. My daughter (and in about 2 years, my son) play with multiple educational packages on Linux. It is fun to watch her and she enjoys it.
-- I prefer the "u" in honour as it seems to be missing these days.
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.
The Incredible Machine
by
KlaymenDK
·
· Score: 3, Informative
"Back to basics" - check "Something to keep lego's and lincoln logs out of the plebians' mouths" - check "runs on cheap equipment" - check Actually learning something useful - check Great big fun! - check
Re:You are hereby banned from slashdot.
by
ElectricRook
·
· Score: 3, Insightful
Around here, technology is the answer to EVERYTHING.
I work in a high tech company, where the majority of the Black employees are natives of Africa (Ghana, Nigeria). Think they started with technology? One guy told me he did not even see a car until he was 16 years old. He was 24 at the time.
He speaks better English than most Americans of any race.
-- - High Tech workers, please say NO to Union Carpenters, their Union sees fit to control our compensation.
Slashdot Mirror
Truthfully, I think that it would be better to let the kindergarteners play with blocks, color with crayons, and generally let them act like little kids. They'll have plenty of time in the coming years to learn all about computers, iPods, and cellphones. There are enough problems with people being addicted to their computers without getting the kids hooked at such a young age.
If you have loads of money, then hire somebody to put up a Windows or Mac box loaded with all sorts of commercial software, which is exactly what many here will suggest. But since you are writing here and asking about it, I will assume that you are not Bill Gates. Instead, use Linux/BSD and there are a number of good applications out there. I am currently having my 3 y.o. use ChildPlay and gcomperie (sp). She is learning all about the mouse and loving it. There are a number of educational type games out there that encourage this behavior. And in general, you can even run the Windows apps in wine (keep in mind that these are simple apps). Check out some of the memory games. In addition, check out the site for TuxPaint. It is geared towards kids. In fact, just thinking about it, there are several distros geared for education. Ubuntu has a derivative called edubuntu.
I prefer the "u" in honour as it seems to be missing these days.
The poster RUNS a preschool. That is s?he is concerned with all aspects of a child's education. Since they are running a private one (and one with a nice web site), I would assume that they have loads of education on child development as well as how to teach. So, here you are trying to tell him how to run a pre-school (note: NOT a simple daycare). So, what experience do you have that you know so much about children pre-school AND you are also on a geek site?
Seriously, for the other posters (mgb68 and more to come), when somebody who is asking for help on something that they may not have loads of knowledge on, please do not put them down by telling them that they are wrong to explore options. It is damaging to this site, to the geek world, and the those that could use the help (and god knows that many in the world NEED help). I think that the director should be able to explore loads of good options. And yes, handling computers is now part of our society. Children will have to learn it.
For those of us with young children, I would bet that most if not all, have their children playing with the computers as well as playing on the jungle gym, the McyD's play ground, games, circle time, nap time, reading, etc. My daughter (and in about 2 years, my son) play with multiple educational packages on Linux. It is fun to watch her and she enjoys it.
I prefer the "u" in honour as it seems to be missing these days.
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.
The Incredible Machinen e
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Incredible_Machi
"Back to basics" - check
"Something to keep lego's and lincoln logs out of the plebians' mouths" - check
"runs on cheap equipment" - check
Actually learning something useful - check
Great big fun! - check
"Good news, everyone!"
I work in a high tech company, where the majority of the Black employees are natives of Africa (Ghana, Nigeria).
Think they started with technology? One guy told me he did not even see a car until he was 16 years old. He was 24 at the time.
He speaks better English than most Americans of any race.
- High Tech workers, please say NO to Union Carpenters, their Union sees fit to control our compensation.