ICT

What are the ICT tools used in the Childcare Centre

ICT stands for Information and communication technologies

These are some examples:

All kinds of ICT resources for the early years

Teachers TV: Early years in action
http://www.teachers.tv/videos/ict-in-nursery
A video on integrating ICT in teaching and learning.

iPod Touch Project
http://web.me.com/jenashby/iPodTouch_Project/
Students particpated in learning activities using the touch iPods.

KidSmart guide to early learning and technology
http://www.kidsmartearlylearning.org/EN/
Conversations, teacher tips, and lesson plans submitted by teachers.

Cybersmart: young kids
http://www.cybersmart.gov.au/Young%20Kids.aspx
Internet safety advice and activities.

Avatar Generators
http://primaryschoolict.com/avatars/
A collection of avatar generators, accompanied by a video on how to print screen and crop pictures.

Early ICT
http://www.kenttrustweb.org.uk/kentict/content/earlyict/
Activities and resources for early years using various technologies.

45 interesting ways to use your pocket video camera in the classroom
http://bit.ly/Interesting_pocketvideo
Lots of ideas presented in a slideshow.

25 interesting ways to use Voicethread in the classroom
http://edublogs.org/10-ways-to-use-your-edublog-to-teach/
Examples of ways teachers have used Voicethread.

How are these ICT tools used to enhance the learning process of students?

They are usually interactive; and can act as personal, informal teachers directed by the child's interests.

What is the role of the teacher in sustaining the use of ICT in teaching and learning?

Selecting and introducing specific tools appropriate to that child's age and developmental level.

Making sure that children are not overly dependent or addicted to these tools as overuse may result in ADHD, hyperactivity, myopia, stunted social development or other adverse effects in later years.

Responding to the usage of such tools, for example, playing the real "email pen-pal" to kindergartners who are beginning to explore emailing.