Session 8 Early childhood and technology in Singapore

Take out one mobile phone per table group. We are going to use a poll. Respond as a table group.

Socratic circles To develop critical thinking

20 minute reading Each one at your table will read a different article A: Computer Habits…. Singapore B: Better start before Kindergarten C: Any 4 of the local articles Summarise the article/ issues in 3 sentences. Create 4 critical questions from your reading.

We will have an inner circle And an outer circle. Rearrange your tables

Topic for discussion Technology for young children in Singapore. Setting the direction for the future.

The inner circle (A )will talk about the text and the questions that were asked. Others in the inner circle can answer or comment. The outer circle ( B&C) has to observe and comment on the discussion they observed. What kinds of questions generated the most interesting and useful discussion. What other questions might have been asked. What kinds of interventions and approaches to discussion took the debate forward most constructively.

To regulate the activity, we will pass the dice for the next person to speak. At least 2 persons must speak from each table group. Each person should speak for at least 1 minute and maximum 3 minutes. This activity will take at least 1 hour.

Now for something creative!

Performing Arts Collaboration Now download any free piano playing app Eg. IPAD : Virtuoso Android : My Piano Teach each other how to play a ‘Twinkle twinkle little star’ Now think of how you can perform it as a group.

Digital orchestra Use your phone. Teach each other a simple song. Do this as a group of 6.

If you were the principal of a preschool and was asked to implement a curriculum which used technology, how and what would you do?

Visual Arts Collaboration Let’s play ‘Who are your mates?’ There will be 10 administrators Create a private meeting on Twiddla Write the link 4 times on 4 pieces of paper Draw a picture together and at the same time see if you can guess who your mates are

How can this be useful for children? How can this be useful for use among teachers?

Homework Watch Digital Nation video

Roles for Debate Proposition (5) Researcher (5) Opposition (5) Researcher (5) Moderator (2) Parent advocacy group(6) Teacher Union(6) Technology start up(6) Ministry of Education Officials (6) ECDA officials (6) Primary school educators and principals(6) Early childhood business owners/ principals (6)