The new vs. the old

Chapter two touched home with me for several reasons. I never thought about how there is a constructivist way to use technology instead of an objectivist approach. You would think after four years as an undergrad and over a year of grad school at UAB that this would have occurred to me. Computer programs that are test preparatory were the most commonly mentioned in chapter two. This would not necessarily relate kindergarten, however it made me think about the interaction my children have with the computer. My children often use the computer for typing their writing in a word document, emailing their parents, listening to stories online(Bookflix & Starfall), playing math games, and playing Kid Pix. I try and limit starfall.com because it contains a lot of decodable text. I personally think the online stories are more meaningful! I guess from a philosophical view point, starfall would probably be a more objectivist approach to technology. I like Microsoft Word and Kid Pix, because kindergartners are able to type and then personalize and extend their writing with clip art and background options. The math games I have on my computer are new, therefore I am not as familiar with them. So far, I have noticed it is very interactive-as the child must move manipulatives with the mouse to place them where they belong. This program also allows free exploration, which is always a plus for any introduction to a math lesson. Overall, this chapter was interesting. It was also helpful to review some of the educational philosophers main points.