The document discusses reasons for integrating information and communication technologies (ICTs) into teaching a class of 6 five-year-olds with diverse backgrounds and learning needs. First, using ICTs like online math games can cater to different ability levels. Second, technologies like digital cameras and blogs can help develop English skills and confidence. Third, tools like document cameras can aid visual learning and focus attention on science experiments. The goal is to engage students and enhance learning across the curriculum using technologies.

1. EDC 3100
ICT & PEDAGOGY
ICTs: WHY and WHAT

2. The Teaching Context
Class Dynamic:
• Six 5 year olds who come from different social cultural backgrounds:
• 2 students who have very little experience with the English language
• 1 short-sighted student who is a visual learner
• 2 students who are technology savvy
• Lack of confidence and have low self-esteem
The School
• Directed teaching
• A well established school located in the city
• Equipped with 2 cameras and 4 computers

3. The Teaching Context
Curriculum
• The Australian Curriculum
• The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting (ACARA, 2012)
• Foundation Year (5 year old)
• English, Science and Numeracy will be used to illustrate the examples

4. 1st Reason for Integrating ICTs
• To cater the individual needs of students apart from work sheets
• The levels of challenge in different Numeracy worksheets may vary in each child.
• In delivering lessons with the use of ICT, it caters for the students’ learning needs in an efficient and engaging
way
• Collaborative technology use motivates children to be active and involved learners (Morrison, 2011)
• Children are more likely to retain concepts and make connections through the integration of technology
(Pitler, Hubbell, & Kuhn, 2012)

5. Example
• Connect number names, numerals and quantities, including zero, initially up to 10 and then beyond
(ACARA, 2013)
• http://www.abc.net.au/countusin/games/game3.htm
• There are 2 levels of difficulty in this activity which caters for the different learning needs and styles of
the children.
• Reinforces basic concepts before moving on to a higher level.

6. 2nd Reason for Integrating ICTs
• To develop emergent literacy learners and confident students
• By creating their own learning journal, it encourages children who are considered English as a Second
Language (ESL) learners to express their ideas confidently.
• Helps children to develop language skills.
• Provides children and parents to access information and to express their ideas or comment on their weekly
posts.
• Technology can support and facilitate educational and cognitive processes as critical thinking skills and
reflective practices are encouraged in the process of writing. It strengthens vocabulary and written expression
(Inspiration Software, 2013)

7. • Create short texts to explore, record and report ideas and events using familiar words and beginning
writing knowledge (ACELY1651)
• Children are encouraged to use digital camera to capture significant events that happened throughout
the week.
• They will upload these photos, review their learning, type a few sentences and share their experiences
by publishing it on their blog.

8. 3rd Reason for Integrating ICTs
• To capture attention and enhance learning with the use of assistive technology
• Integrating ICTs challenge and motivate students in science and math through hands-on discovery and
exploration while also developing critical thinking skills.
• Draws attention and enlarges a specific information displayed on a wide screen.
• Technology helps children with vision impairments to gain information from print, their environment
(ATSTAR, 2007)

9. • Science involves exploring and observing the world using the senses (ACSHE013)
• Children are able to focus in on insects and plants which are enlarged
when placed on a document camera.
• It gives them the opportunity to explore
and observe the properties of the living organisms.
• Documents can be enlarged and draw the children’s attention to details.
Image extracted from http://www.pre-kpages.com/images/cheap-document-camera.jpg

10. References
ATSTAR. (2007). How doe IDEA define Visual Impairments?. Retrieved March 23, 2013 from
http://www.atstar.org/atinfo/info_disabilities_visual.htm
Document camera [Image]. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.pre-kpages.com/images/cheap-document-camera.jpg
Inspiration Software Inc. (2013). Case Study: Fairview Elementary School. Retrieved March 23, 2013 from
http://www.general-files.com/download/gs4b981b5ch32i0/CaseStudy_Kids_Fairview.pdf.html
Morrison, G. (2011). Early childhood education today. Upper Saddle River: Pearson.
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., & Kuhn, M. (2012). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria: Mid-continent Research
for Education and Learning.
The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA). (2012). The Australian Curriculum: English. Retrieved March
23, 2013, from http://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/English/Curriculum/F-10
The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA). (2012). The Australian Curriculum: Mathematics. Retrieved
March 23, 2013, from http://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/Mathematics/Curriculum/F-10
The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA). (2012). The Australian Curriculum: Science. Retrieved
March 23, 2013, from http://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/Science/Curriculum/F-10