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ICT

6/1/2014

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I'm happy to say that as of this afternoon we now have internet access again. Apparently. I didn't actually have my laptop with me to check, but I've been assured it is now up and running again.

This got me thinking about how much we rely on ICT now. That's Information Communication Technology to those of you who aren't heavily immersed in the Education World, or didn't like to guess. Until this summer I was an Advanced Skills Teacher, as those of you who know me or read the About page will know. What I didn't write on that page was that I was an Advanced Skills Teacher for ICT (as my main subject). I'm pretty sure that makes me completely biased in the growing debate (read hysteria) concerning ICT and our children, particularly in regard to the Early Years.

For those of you who don't know, there is concern amongst some about our children, particularly our very young children, engaging too much with technology. I can see their point. Sort of. They're imagining a Nursery where all the children do is sit around on an ipad and become totally dependent on instant gratification, developing in to obese children with poor social skills. I'd be concerned too, so I see their point.

What seems so obvious to me though, is that it's all about balance. I've been there, I've seen it. I know I'm biased towards ICT, but even with that, it's still about
balance. A piece of ICT used for the sake of including ICT is pointless. A piece of ICT used because it's going to enhance learning is totally brilliant. No good teacher is going to rely on ICT to teach for them. No good teacher is going to advocate very young children - or any children - spending a vast majority of their time staring at a small screen.

However, we have to accept that our children are digital natives. I remember being gobsmacked a year or so ago when I watched two tiny tots, barely three years old, both sitting on the sofa independently using ipads. What got me more is when one left and the other was using both ipads at the same time. Incredible. Does this child rely on technology? No. Does he interact well with others? Yes. He has now just turned four and can read on a par with an average Year 1 child. Yes, I know a lot has to do with his family, who support him wonderfully with his learning (and not just academic learning) but my point is that his confident use of technology has not held him back in any way. He is empathetic and caring, bubbly and full of life, and yes, academically ahead in his Literacy. It's all about balance. Technology is a tool. It's how we use it that matters. Don't be afraid of technology, embrace it and use it to your advantage.  I firmly believe that ICT has a place in our schools and nurseries, as long as it is used appropriately. What do you believe? I'd love to know what you think.
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Welcome to 2014

1/1/2014

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I just came back from my first day at the office in 2014. I would have written this there, but apparently there is no internet in our building in 2014.

A new year. A new start? Plenty of people make new year resolutions, are you one of them? A popular one is to get fit or keep healthy. I started off this year by driving the incredibly short distance to work. Ahem. It was influenced by the torrential rain and gale force winds, along with the four bags I had to carry. Ah well, there's always tomorrow.

At the end of every year I look back and take stock. What's happened? Any major changes? What would I like to have accomplished by the end of next year? This year has probably seen the biggest changes in a long time. New business, new nieces (my brother had twin girls this year!) and a new future. I was thinking about this as I was packing up at work and I suddenly tuned in to the music that was playing. I won't trouble you with the entire song, but here's a snatch.

If you want it, then you got it -
Don't let this moment pass you by, 
Take a long shot,
Give it all you got -
You'll never know unless you try,
You can only sink or swim,
Baby, just dive in... 

So what's the worse thing
That could be happening?
(You test the water and you 
find that it's a little too hot) 
Make your move, you gotta choose -
Are you ready or not?
Don't waste a lifetime waiting,
You know its now -
So turn around...
Just dive in.

It caught my attention. Wise words indeed. Let this be the year to try something new. Just because you've never done it before, or think it might not work, don't let it hold you back. Go for it. I know I will.

Happy new year one and all.
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    My name's Alison and I run the Daisy Education blog. Get in touch! I'd love to hear from you.

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