In The Beginning…

Pre-K Technology Applications TEKS Summary:

When reviewing what is introduced, taught and expected of our pre-kindergarten children, I was pleasantly surprised! These children are introduced to exploring and discovering technology hardware (computers, TV’s MP3 players, digital camera’s etc.) through the use of software (audio, video, and graphic). This will help improve their vocabulary, phonological awareness and help them create original works). Also, these students will learn the basic technology vocabulary to prepare them when they move to the next grade as well as basic key boarding commands which they will learn through songs, rhymes, pictures and other oral language techniques. I think this is outstanding and can only image the loss of knowledge of the students who never go to Pre-k!

How do the Pre-K Technology Applications TEKS lay the foundation for student performance in future grades?

I believe that these TEKS lay the foundation perfectly so that when the students transition to Kinder and beyond, they will have a solid foundation of knowledge that can be built upon and used as a clear basis of understanding as they grow. As in any other subject, you learn the basics and build from there. It is clear that children are learning younger and younger ways to use technology; mostly in games, and in order for us to keep up with the 21st Century of learning, we must keep these applications in place to ensure that our children; even at this young age, are learning and building a solid foundation for the future.

What is a spiraling or scaffolding curriculum?

I believe that this is a spiraling curriculum; it ties to the level of readiness of the learner and teaches a subject/concept that the students can understand and as they grow. It becomes more comprehensible; the language becomes more familiar and builds a memory bank. It also allows for the subject to be gone over many times as the students grow and the success is based on the vertical and horizontal alignment of the curriculum spiraling up if you will to help the students learn more as they grow. An example of scaffolded technology skills are beginning with Pre-K, the students are introduced to information acquisition via technology; software and websites, and then each subsequent year (grade level), the students will be given the opportunity to gain more knowledge through additional skills and to practice the knowledge and use of those skills by navigating, accessing, and creating finished products.