Setting expectations for using ICT

Summary

Mel Simpson, a kindergarten teacher at Clarendon Center in inner-city Melbourne, discusses the integration of ICT into the educational program. The center uses iPads as a tool for children aged 3 to 5, with a focus on fair usage and educational content. Children are encouraged to express their thoughts on the iPad, establish expectations for its use, and learn to self-regulate. The script highlights a collaborative approach where children set rules, wait for their turn, and explore educational apps like 'Pizza Up' to learn about healthy food, demonstrating a scaffolded learning environment.

Takeaways

• 🏫 Mel Simpson is a kindergarten teacher and educational leader at Clarendon Center in inner-city Melbourne.
• 👶 The center caters to 17 children aged 3 to 5, with three educators including Mel.
• 💻 ICT (Information and Communication Technology) is integrated into the educational program at the center.
• 📱 Children are encouraged to explore the iPad to research or further explore their interests.
• 🤝 A group meeting was held to discuss children's likes about the iPad and to set expectations for its use.
• 🚫 Expectations include no snatching, waiting for turns, and writing names on a list to manage wait times.
• 🎨 A smaller group of children worked on drawings to illustrate the expectations for the rest of the group.
• ⏱️ A timer is used to manage the duration of iPad use, promoting fair sharing among children.
• 🍕 The iPad is used to support learning outcomes, such as researching healthy food, which the children are currently focused on.
• 🔍 Children are taught to resource their own learning, with guidance on how to use new apps and support from peers.
• 🤝 Peer scaffolding is encouraged, where children support each other's learning and use of the iPad.

Q & A

What is Mel Simpson's role at Clarendon Center?

Mel Simpson is a kindergarten teacher and educational leader at Clarendon Center.

What is the setting of Clarendon Center?

Clarendon Center is located in inner-city Melbourne and operates as a long day care center.

How many children and educators are there at the center?

There are 17 children aged 3 to 5 and three educators, including Mel Simpson.

How does Clarendon Center integrate ICT into its program?

ICT is integrated into the program to support research and exploration of ideas that interest the children.

What was the discussion topic during the group meeting in the script?

The discussion topic was about the children's likes regarding the iPad and setting expectations for its use.

What expectations were set for using the iPad?

The expectations included no snatching, waiting for one's turn, writing one's name on a list, and being patient.

How did the children contribute to defining the expectations for iPad use?

The children contributed by sharing their ideas, writing their names on the list, and working in a smaller group to create drawings that illustrated the expectations.

What was the purpose of creating a poster with the iPad expectations?

The poster was created to serve as a visual reminder for the children to govern the iPad use on their own and to reduce conflicts.

How does the center decide what to use on the iPad?

The center decides based on learning outcomes focused on in their program, such as exploring healthy food.

What teaching method does Mel Simpson use to help children learn about new apps?

Mel Simpson uses peer scaffolding, where children support each other's learning, especially when introducing new apps.

What is the ultimate goal for children's iPad use at Clarendon Center?

The goal is to teach children how to resource their own learning and to use the iPad responsibly with minimal educator intervention.