'But How Do We Use It?': Discovering Hidden Barriers and Unanticipated Successes in Integrating Computers in a Preschool Curriculum.

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Title: 'But How Do We Use It?': Discovering Hidden Barriers and Unanticipated Successes in Integrating Computers in a Preschool Curriculum.
Language: English
Authors: Groves, Melissa, Jarnigan, Michele, Eller, Kendra
Peer Reviewed: N
Page Count: 7
Publication Date: 1998
Document Type: Reports - Descriptive
Speeches/Meeting Papers
Descriptors: Classroom Environment, Computer Selection, Computer Software Selection, Computer Uses in Education, Educational Technology, Preschool Children, Preschool Education, Professional Training, Staff Development, Technology Integration
Geographic Terms: U.S.; Tennessee
Abstract: This paper describes the integration of computers into two preschool classrooms in the Child Development Laboratories at the University of Tennessee. Before the placement of the computers in fall 1996, conversations with teachers revealed concerns about how best to use the computers. As a result of these discussions, a plan for training and evaluation was developed that focused on how to increase teachers' familiarity and comfort with the technology. Shortly thereafter, hardware and software were purchased, and training was initiated. Observation of the classrooms in spring 1997 revealed unintended outcomes and effects. Even with an ongoing training plan for the computers in place, teachers struggled with the integration of the computers in the curriculum. On the positive side, the computer center became a significant parental interest and a place of frequent parent-teacher communication. Hence, as teachers became comfortable with the use of the computers into their classrooms, they also focused on how to use the technology as a tool for child observation and how to share that information with the children's families. A plan for integrating the computers into the whole curriculum still needs to be developed. The major challenge has been finding the time and resources to use computers effectively. Only continued planning, evaluation, and reevaluation will allow for the full and optimal use of computers in the early childhood setting. The paper concludes with two appendices: (1) "Instructional Technology Standards for Teacher Licensure in the State of Tennessee" and (2) "Some Examples of Teacher Ideas for Extension of Software Activities." (LPP)
Notes: In: Proceedings of the Families, Technology, and Education Conference (Chicago, IL, October 30-November 1, 1997); see PS 027 175.
Journal Code: RIEAPR1999
Entry Date: 1999
Accession Number: ED424998
Database: ERIC
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  Data: 'But How Do We Use It?': Discovering Hidden Barriers and Unanticipated Successes in Integrating Computers in a Preschool Curriculum.
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Groves%2C+Melissa%22">Groves, Melissa</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Jarnigan%2C+Michele%22">Jarnigan, Michele</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Eller%2C+Kendra%22">Eller, Kendra</searchLink>
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  Label: Peer Reviewed
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  Data: N
– Name: Pages
  Label: Page Count
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  Data: 7
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  Label: Publication Date
  Group: Date
  Data: 1998
– Name: TypeDocument
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  Data: Reports - Descriptive<br />Speeches/Meeting Papers
– Name: Subject
  Label: Descriptors
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Classroom+Environment%22">Classroom Environment</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Computer+Selection%22">Computer Selection</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Computer+Software+Selection%22">Computer Software Selection</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Computer+Uses+in+Education%22">Computer Uses in Education</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Educational+Technology%22">Educational Technology</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Preschool+Children%22">Preschool Children</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Preschool+Education%22">Preschool Education</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Professional+Training%22">Professional Training</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Staff+Development%22">Staff Development</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Technology+Integration%22">Technology Integration</searchLink>
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  Label: Geographic Terms
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22U%2ES%2E%3B+Tennessee%22">U.S.; Tennessee</searchLink>
– Name: Abstract
  Label: Abstract
  Group: Ab
  Data: This paper describes the integration of computers into two preschool classrooms in the Child Development Laboratories at the University of Tennessee. Before the placement of the computers in fall 1996, conversations with teachers revealed concerns about how best to use the computers. As a result of these discussions, a plan for training and evaluation was developed that focused on how to increase teachers' familiarity and comfort with the technology. Shortly thereafter, hardware and software were purchased, and training was initiated. Observation of the classrooms in spring 1997 revealed unintended outcomes and effects. Even with an ongoing training plan for the computers in place, teachers struggled with the integration of the computers in the curriculum. On the positive side, the computer center became a significant parental interest and a place of frequent parent-teacher communication. Hence, as teachers became comfortable with the use of the computers into their classrooms, they also focused on how to use the technology as a tool for child observation and how to share that information with the children's families. A plan for integrating the computers into the whole curriculum still needs to be developed. The major challenge has been finding the time and resources to use computers effectively. Only continued planning, evaluation, and reevaluation will allow for the full and optimal use of computers in the early childhood setting. The paper concludes with two appendices: (1) "Instructional Technology Standards for Teacher Licensure in the State of Tennessee" and (2) "Some Examples of Teacher Ideas for Extension of Software Activities." (LPP)
– Name: Note
  Label: Notes
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  Data: In: Proceedings of the Families, Technology, and Education Conference (Chicago, IL, October 30-November 1, 1997); see PS 027 175.
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  Data: ED424998
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RecordInfo BibRecord:
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    Languages:
      – Text: English
    PhysicalDescription:
      Pagination:
        PageCount: 7
    Subjects:
      – SubjectFull: Classroom Environment
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Computer Selection
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Computer Software Selection
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Computer Uses in Education
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Educational Technology
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Preschool Children
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Preschool Education
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Professional Training
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Staff Development
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Technology Integration
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: U.S.; Tennessee
        Type: general
    Titles:
      – TitleFull: 'But How Do We Use It?': Discovering Hidden Barriers and Unanticipated Successes in Integrating Computers in a Preschool Curriculum.
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            NameFull: Groves, Melissa
      – PersonEntity:
          Name:
            NameFull: Jarnigan, Michele
      – PersonEntity:
          Name:
            NameFull: Eller, Kendra
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          Dates:
            – D: 01
              M: 12
              Type: published
              Y: 1998
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