ICT in the Foundation Stage © Crown Copyright 2004

Outline of the day What do purposeful ICT activities look like in the FS? How do we develop ICT in the Foundation Stage? Coffee Creating a meaningful ICT environment Lunch Using ICT in role play Using digital images

Objectives Increase our understanding of how to embed ICT in the Foundation Stage Clarify how we create a purposeful ICT environment Develop an ideas bank of meaningful ICT activities

What is ICT in the Foundation Stage? Think about a young child’s environment, at home, in the street, in shops In 2’s or 3’s discuss all the technology that a young child comes across…it can be objects such as traffic lights or remote controls or language such as switch, press, button etc. Gather your ideas

The Challenge Ensuring that the use of ICT reflects the Principles of the Foundation Stage Ensuring ICT is seen as a tool for enriching learning and teaching, not just about learning the skills for using technology

How do we build on children’s home experiences of ICT in the Foundation Stage?

Show an interest in ICT Know how to operate simple equipment Complete a simple program on the computer and/or perform simple functions on ICT equipment Find out about and identify the uses of everyday technology and use information and communication technology and programmable toys to support their learning. Early Learning Goals for Information and Communication Technology

The value of ICT play Confidently handle equipment Repeatedly practise manipulative skills Use language to explain and discuss Solve problems Seek help when needed Develop their awareness of when to use certain programs, e.g. using a paint program to ‘draw’ Use technology as it would be used in the ‘real world’, e.g. in role-play

What does ICT look like in your setting?

What is ICT? Computers /Internet Activity Centres Musical keyboards Play telephones and tape recorders Radio controlled toys Talking toys Video tapes Telephones Fax machines Television Walkie talkies Metal detectors Kitchen appliances Memo/voice recorders

The Role of the Adult Adults may need to model initial use of ICT Children need time to explore and investigate

How do we create a meaningful environment in which children can use ICT?

Purposeful ICT activities A wide range of ICT devices A range of educational and games-type software Links to other areas of learning Engaging in activities which reflect everyday life Planned involvement by the practitioner Monitoring children’s progress

Activities Using the sample planning sheet, choose a theme and identify cross curricular, activities, key questions linked to ICT

Why use technology? Technology is a significant part of everyday life It can make learning and teaching more effective; it’s a motivational tool, can engage children across areas of learning and give opportunities for practice and reinforcement It encourages social interaction and develops children’s language skills Children should have the opportunity to explore ICT applications as technology can empower young children Technology can support all learners in an inclusive way and enable better access to the curriculum for all children

Issues to consider Limited expertise and training in personal ICT skills of practitioners Limited access to up to date and appropriate hardware Difficulty of storage Limited internet access Balance of active and passive learning Supporting material needs to reflect educational context The Foundation Stage has a diverse workforce and operates in a variety of provision

How to develop ICT in the Foundation Stage? To look closely at how to develop ICT in the Foundation Stage we are taking two examples, one an area of experience and the other a frequently used ICT resource. The first, the area of experience, is role-play. Role-play is the child’s link between their worlds and the setting’s environment. It is found in all settings and engages children in play that reflects their lives and gives them opportunities to experience and recreate roles, emotions and relationships. They can handle tools that they see in the world about them, experiment and take control and learn about these objects and their place in the world. We are going to look at how ICT can be an integral part of role-play Role Play

How to develop ICT in the Foundation Stage? For the second example of how to develop ICT in the Foundation Stage we are going to take an increasingly used resource, a digital camera. We’ll look at some of the benefits and ideas for using a digital camera and then focus on an example of using a digital camera in a Foundation Stage setting.

Digital Cameras Instant viewing and feedback Reflects the widespread use of digital photography – e.g. mobile phones Use can be extended to reviewing, editing and using on a computer Stand alone ICT and/or with a photo printer Cost effective – you print only the pictures you want Easy to use – minimum training required

Digital Cameras Develops: communication, language and literacy creativity and composition confidence as a user of technology self-esteem co-ordination Encourages: discussion decision making reviewing modifying evaluating

Using a digital camera Context Nursery children in the outdoor area have been asked to take a picture of their favourite place in the playground. Whilst watching the following clip consider: What might happen next? How could this activity be extended? What could you do with the photographs? What assessment opportunities are there?