Session 6: Technology enhanced learning and early years art
During a session exploring digital literacy we created a character out of clay which could be incorporated into a digital media project for children in the EYFS.
The pictures represent a potential scene or page from a book which could be used to support literacy development. During the session it was great to be able to explore the clay. There is so much more to clay than just making coil pots! Often in early years malleable materials are used to support many different areas of learning so it was valuable to gain an insight into the progression of using clay. Joining up the printmaking and the clay gave the experience not only a more creative dimension but you could see how useful this would be at stimulating discussions with children and enabling them to make their own stories come alive.
Whilst I really engaged with the practical aspects of this session I did find the technological aspects more challenging. As an ‘Ipad novice’ I did find it tricky to access the apps to create the i-book. I am fully aware of the need and indeed the value of incorporating ICT into my practice. However, due to time constraints, which I am in no doubt that every other trainee teacher experiences, not having the luxury of the time to explore and ‘play’ with the plethora of apps that are available is disappointing.