Technology in Kindergarten
At Quakers Hill Public School we deliver outstanding educational outcomes through e-learning. E-learning is vital in engaging our students and providing them with a stimulating environment to learn. Today’s world is a digital world, rapidly changing and we are committed to preparing all of our students for this world.
Quakers Hill Public School embeds a number of technologies across all key learning areas. These include the use of iPads, BeeBots, Edisons, MaKey MaKeys, tablet devices, interactive whiteboards etc. The technology provided is used in a multitude of ways that are effective, engaging and accessible to everyone in the classroom.
E-learning in Kindergarten
A BeeBot is a fun programmable robot, which is a perfect starting point for teaching control, directional language, position, counting and estimating and programming/coding. The BeeBots are an open ended resource that teachers use as a tool to enhance learning across the curriculum.
LittleBits are easy-to-use electronic building blocks that snap together with magnets to make learning about circuitry and electronics exciting and engaging. Connect them together to create complex circuits in seconds. Kids get an introduction to STEAM and circuitry, advancing through challenges and gaining inspiration from real-life innovators.
The Dash robots provide an entertaining introduction to the world of programming. By interacting with the world around them via sensors, Dash can hear sounds, detect objects, and know if you are moving them. The iPads apps then enable studenst to program these robots to do virtually anything they want, including the delivery of messages, playing musical instruments and navigating obstacle courses.
Cue will help students transition from block-based code to state-machine and text-based programming. Cue’s motors and sensors work together seamlessly to provide accurate and versatile behavior while reacting in real time to its surroundings, inspiring students to build problem-solving skills through coding, engineering, and design.
The Makey Makey is an innovative learning tool, which transforms everyday objects into touch-pads when they are combined with the internet. Students use these engaging devices to explore engineering, creative arts, science and many more areas.
Osmo merges tactile exploration with innovative technology, actively engaging children in the learning process. It is a hardware and software that enables the iPad to merge the power of physical play with the digital advantages of real-time feedback.
Playing beyond the screen invites students to collaborate on tables or floors while manipulating tangible game pieces such as number tiles, letter tiles, and coding blocks.
Osmo inspires creativity, critical thinking, communication and collaboration.
The use of computer technology is embedded throughout the curriculum. Kindergarten classes are allocated with a number of computers which students use to develop skills such as basic operations of the computer (power on/off, log on/off, shut down), Microsoft word publishing and literacy activities.
Interactive whiteboard/Panels are an everyday tool used to enhance all areas of the curriculum. This interactive tool displays computer screens, has touch screen capabilities and offers a number of other engaging features. The use of the interactive whiteboard/panel increases student’s motivation and enjoyment in the interaction the technology offers. It accommodates to all students and their learning needs.
Each class has a 1:2 ratio of iPads to students. The iPads are used in all areas of our learning including literacy, mathematics and science etc. In literacy, the iPads are used for word processing, spelling activities, phonics activities and reading activities. In mathematics, iPads are used to engage students in counting and addition and subtraction. These are just a few examples mentioned.