I have recently been sent an email which introduced me to Montessorium who are making apps for the iphone and iPad to introduce Montessori materials for children to use on the iphone/ipad.
From what I understand there are 2 apps in the works one is based on letters the other numbers.
Go to the Montessorium website to read about it in more detail.
I am interested in your views, do you think that the introduction technology like this is a step in the right direction or do you have the opposite opinion and what do you think Maria Montessori would have done with the technology available these days? Would she have embraced it or turned her back on it? How do you feel about the use of computers in the classroom?
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So, what do you think?
I'm not entirely sure, but I know I'm wholeheartedly embracing it.
ReplyDeleteThere's not a single profession I can think of today that doesn't use advanced technology of some sort. And I am all about educating my daughter for the real world, using real-life tools.
Not to mention all the educational opportunities now easily available because of technology.
The iPhone is an ideal tool to start with, since kids don't have to master a mouse in order to use it - that's been one of my 3yo daughter's challenges.
Just like with books, the use of technology is subject to abuse - waste of time with computer games, etc. Which only makes me want to start early in training my daughter to manage her computer time to her best advantage, rather than let it manage her.
Montessori says “We never give to the eye more than we give to the hand.” In this case we giving all to the eye and nothing to the hand. These activities need movement and touch. I don't agree with any computer work for the Casa classes.
ReplyDeleteI have mixed feelings about this too, I certainly don't think that technology should replace the equipment used in the classroom but I do think that because of the advance in technology we should prepare our children so that they can take advantage of it.
ReplyDeleteThere is a lot of Montessori equipment which has a secondary purpose and that is to strengthen the pincer muscles used in writing, which, is important but should we not be training the muscles to use a mouse and keyboard too? So much is done on the computer these days that would have been hand written in Dr Montessori's time. Some jr/high schools even insist on reports to be typed not hand written.
I think, that new technology should compliment the equipment already used, I don't think that a child that is not yet reading should need to work on a computer, although hand-eye co-ordination skills are important in today's technological world but that can be taught without computers. Children that can read should be allowed access to computers, learn how to do research for projects etc on them. Although the touch screen technology is becoming more popular, I think it will take a while for it to replace the traditional keyboard.
Well, that is my 2 cents worth, I would love hear more opinions....
Ack. There is going to be plenty of time for them to learn to use technology. I used to provide opportunities for my first graders to use the computer when I taught first grade and now regret it. There is only so much time in a day, and for young children I think there are a lot better ways to spend it. They need to be outside, they need to create things, to interact with peers and older children and the important adults in their lives, and they need hands-on experiences. Every second spent on an iPhone or computer is time away from those vital experiences central to their development and understanding of the world. It seems to me there is plenty of evidence as well as international recommendations from pediatrics and medical groups that young children should not be engaged in screen time.
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