ICT lessons for young children.
27 June 2011, 07:54 AM
#1
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ICT lessons for young children.
I'm not expecting people to agree, and it's not my opinion, but I was just wondering if there is anyone else with children in or who have gone the infant school...?
If so, do you think children benefit from these so called 'ICT Lessons'?
The lesson at my sons school for his age group (5) consists of a 30 minute stint sitting at an old PC, playing some pre historic matching game.
Now, don't get me wrong, I know not all children have access to a pc/computer at free will BUT, my issue is that at least the lesson should be taught using modern equipment, and not something outdated that seems a total waste of time?
I imagine it's all down to poor funding, lack of resources etc. However, as a parent I would much rather my children do something a bit more productive with that time. Rather than using outdated equipment and outdated softwear.
Maybe it's just me?
If so, do you think children benefit from these so called 'ICT Lessons'?
The lesson at my sons school for his age group (5) consists of a 30 minute stint sitting at an old PC, playing some pre historic matching game.
Now, don't get me wrong, I know not all children have access to a pc/computer at free will BUT, my issue is that at least the lesson should be taught using modern equipment, and not something outdated that seems a total waste of time?
I imagine it's all down to poor funding, lack of resources etc. However, as a parent I would much rather my children do something a bit more productive with that time. Rather than using outdated equipment and outdated softwear.
Maybe it's just me?
27 June 2011, 09:00 AM
#3
I'm not expecting people to agree, and it's not my opinion, but I was just wondering if there is anyone else with children in or who have gone the infant school...?
If so, do you think children benefit from these so called 'ICT Lessons'?
The lesson at my sons school for his age group (5) consists of a 30 minute stint sitting at an old PC, playing some pre historic matching game.
Now, don't get me wrong, I know not all children have access to a pc/computer at free will BUT, my issue is that at least the lesson should be taught using modern equipment, and not something outdated that seems a total waste of time?
I imagine it's all down to poor funding, lack of resources etc. However, as a parent I would much rather my children do something a bit more productive with that time. Rather than using outdated equipment and outdated softwear.
Maybe it's just me?
If so, do you think children benefit from these so called 'ICT Lessons'?
The lesson at my sons school for his age group (5) consists of a 30 minute stint sitting at an old PC, playing some pre historic matching game.
Now, don't get me wrong, I know not all children have access to a pc/computer at free will BUT, my issue is that at least the lesson should be taught using modern equipment, and not something outdated that seems a total waste of time?
I imagine it's all down to poor funding, lack of resources etc. However, as a parent I would much rather my children do something a bit more productive with that time. Rather than using outdated equipment and outdated softwear.
Maybe it's just me?
As it sounds about the same as it was when I was at primary school: 30 kids sharing one BBC Master computer which had a few word games. Meanwhile I had a commodore 16+4 at home and was coding in Basic on my own accord.
TBH I think teaching IT at that level is pointless IMO, and English/maths games are a bit of a gimmick, unless well designed.
Last edited by ALi-B; 27 June 2011 at 09:04 AM.
27 June 2011, 09:08 AM
#4
Modern PC's at our Primary and they still end up playing on games.
However I know I only hear the half of what goes on. If I ask about a normal day from my two the "playing on the field with my mates" was the only thing they did all day.
I forget with kids that they remember the things that they liked or were excited by. Occasionally that's lessons, actual education learning - but most of the time they like to tell me about what they found fun and if ICT included 5 minutes of playing a game, that's what I'll hear about despite 25 minutes of some other "that's so boring" subject being taught.
However I know I only hear the half of what goes on. If I ask about a normal day from my two the "playing on the field with my mates" was the only thing they did all day.
I forget with kids that they remember the things that they liked or were excited by. Occasionally that's lessons, actual education learning - but most of the time they like to tell me about what they found fun and if ICT included 5 minutes of playing a game, that's what I'll hear about despite 25 minutes of some other "that's so boring" subject being taught.
27 June 2011, 09:14 AM
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Education is more about socialisation at that age IMHO anyway.
I played these adventure games on BBC Micro at junior school - one was the Magic frog. LOL. Awesome!
Not a MacBook in sight!
27 June 2011, 11:01 AM
#6
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I really don't think it is right for children of that age being associated with computers. There are far more important lessons for them to learn at that age.
Plenty of time for that later on, trouble is-they seem to spend all their spare time on them later anyway. Not the healthiest of ways to grow up.
Les
Plenty of time for that later on, trouble is-they seem to spend all their spare time on them later anyway. Not the healthiest of ways to grow up.
Les
27 June 2011, 12:08 PM
#7
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I really don't think it is right for children of that age being associated with computers. There are far more important lessons for them to learn at that age.
Plenty of time for that later on, trouble is-they seem to spend all their spare time on them later anyway. Not the healthiest of ways to grow up.
Les
Plenty of time for that later on, trouble is-they seem to spend all their spare time on them later anyway. Not the healthiest of ways to grow up.
Les
I would have thought more 'outdoor play' or extending the classroom outside as they call it would be better. Rather than sitting down and doing things that are irrelevant.
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27 June 2011, 12:12 PM
#8
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Also in primary school, computer games isn't very social, as when it comes to things like computers and other gadgets they are still quite selfish and egotistical.
Another reason why I think it's pointless.
27 June 2011, 01:11 PM
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To a certain extent, but there is a degree of learning that needs to be done.
Also in primary school, computer games isn't very social, as when it comes to things like computers and other gadgets they are still quite selfish and egotistical.
Another reason why I think it's pointless.
Also in primary school, computer games isn't very social, as when it comes to things like computers and other gadgets they are still quite selfish and egotistical.
Another reason why I think it's pointless.
Like I said mostly they are being socialised, how to sit down etc, how to cooperate with other kids, how to do as they are told etc.
I remember when I played the Magic Frog at school there was maybe 3 or 4 of us at one computer so we have to work together to make decisions. The game involved reading etc and making choices.
27 June 2011, 01:22 PM
#12
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I think you may be expecting too much from a 5 y/o to be honest.
Like I said mostly they are being socialised, how to sit down etc, how to cooperate with other kids, how to do as they are told etc.
I remember when I played the Magic Frog at school there was maybe 3 or 4 of us at one computer so we have to work together to make decisions. The game involved reading etc and making choices.
Like I said mostly they are being socialised, how to sit down etc, how to cooperate with other kids, how to do as they are told etc.
I remember when I played the Magic Frog at school there was maybe 3 or 4 of us at one computer so we have to work together to make decisions. The game involved reading etc and making choices.
I think you know little about what to expect from a 5 year old.
Even my 3 (almost 4) year old daughter can boot up their net top, and manually connect it to the wireless. Then open up their section of the computer with all their sites on.
They still have acsess to google and YouTube but there is always an adult with them in case of any unfortunate typos.
Like I said, not all children have that at home, but I would be pretty confident in saying that what they get at school, isn't a patch on what most have acsess to at home.
Last edited by Hysteria1983; 27 June 2011 at 01:23 PM.
27 June 2011, 01:28 PM
#13
I think you know little about what to expect from a 5 year old.
Even my 3 (almost 4) year old daughter can boot up their net top, and manually connect it to the wireless. Then open up their section of the computer with all their sites on.
They still have acsess to google and YouTube but there is always an adult with them in case of any unfortunate typos.
Like I said, not all children have that at home, but I would be pretty confident in saying that what they get at school, isn't a patch on what most have acsess to at home.
Even my 3 (almost 4) year old daughter can boot up their net top, and manually connect it to the wireless. Then open up their section of the computer with all their sites on.
They still have acsess to google and YouTube but there is always an adult with them in case of any unfortunate typos.
Like I said, not all children have that at home, but I would be pretty confident in saying that what they get at school, isn't a patch on what most have acsess to at home.
You have to be careful with youtube as people have dubbed over the audio on some of the childrens content. My son was watching sesame street videos the other day and came across one titled bert and ernie do gangsta rap. Needless to say it had 1 or 2 swear words .
27 June 2011, 01:35 PM
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I think you know little about what to expect from a 5 year old.
Even my 3 (almost 4) year old daughter can boot up their net top, and manually connect it to the wireless. Then open up their section of the computer with all their sites on.
They still have acsess to google and YouTube but there is always an adult with them in case of any unfortunate typos.
Like I said, not all children have that at home, but I would be pretty confident in saying that what they get at school, isn't a patch on what most have acsess to at home.
Even my 3 (almost 4) year old daughter can boot up their net top, and manually connect it to the wireless. Then open up their section of the computer with all their sites on.
They still have acsess to google and YouTube but there is always an adult with them in case of any unfortunate typos.
Like I said, not all children have that at home, but I would be pretty confident in saying that what they get at school, isn't a patch on what most have acsess to at home.
Like I said primary school, certainly the early part of it is more about socialising kids, not training them as IT monkeys. I think in some Nordic countries (Finland?) they don't even bother teaching reading and writing until 7? I think. They reckon it takes 1 year to learn at 7 but if you start at 5? It takes 3 years. No point in trying to learn to read and write if kids can't sit still for 5 mins etc and they just can't take it all in.
27 June 2011, 02:05 PM
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Oh, I know! Lol.
27 June 2011, 02:12 PM
#17
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I didn't get online until I was 18 (mid 90's), I wouldn't say it has impaired my IT skills, things move so fast that 20 years time what you can do now is going to 100% irrelevant.
Like I said primary school, certainly the early part of it is more about socialising kids, not training them as IT monkeys. I think in some Nordic countries (Finland?) they don't even bother teaching reading and writing until 7? I think. They reckon it takes 1 year to learn at 7 but if you start at 5? It takes 3 years. No point in trying to learn to read and write if kids can't sit still for 5 mins etc and they just can't take it all in.
Like I said primary school, certainly the early part of it is more about socialising kids, not training them as IT monkeys. I think in some Nordic countries (Finland?) they don't even bother teaching reading and writing until 7? I think. They reckon it takes 1 year to learn at 7 but if you start at 5? It takes 3 years. No point in trying to learn to read and write if kids can't sit still for 5 mins etc and they just can't take it all in.
I think I have been lucky that my son (aged 5) is in a school where their day not structured massivly. The foundation stage (age 3-5) is pretty much child led. Then BANG year one ICT lessons, maths lessons, PE lessons!
I think we are catching up, but it's still not quite there yet.
27 June 2011, 02:17 PM
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When I went in to help at my daughter's primary school a few years ago, the teacher's IT skills were so poor, I ended up supervising a group of 5 or 6 year olds! So it's probably the teacher's lack of skills rather than the kid's holding them back. She didn't even know what programme to use.... Disgraceful really in this day and age.
27 June 2011, 02:22 PM
#19
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When I went in to help at my daughter's primary school a few years ago, the teacher's IT skills were so poor, I ended up supervising a group of 5 or 6 year olds! So it's probably the teacher's lack of skills rather than the kid's holding them back. She didn't even know what programme to use.... Disgraceful really in this day and age.
There is an electronic White board in my daughter classroom which is rarely in use. Simply because it's forever getting pushed out of alignment for one reason or another, and nobody seems to know how to re calibrate it!
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