Once I have my own classroom I envision it being an inclusive space where all children can learn and have the best opportunity to be successful. The classroom would have a lot of assistive technology for those children who have a need for it. Children will have access to iPad's with communication apps and alternative switches for other adaptable equipment. The children in my classroom will always have the technology available for them to use and can use it all day. One concern I would have is for the children who don't need the technology because of their ability feeling left out when the other children use it. I could remedy this by creating a time for them when they can use it each day.
The students in my classroom will be ages 3-5 both with and without disabilities. These children may encounter challenges in the classroom with learning how to use their technology. Some students may have to use multiple technologies in the classroom and will only have that time to learn how they work because of how widely it may be available elsewhere. The technology that the children in my classroom will use might be too expensive to have in the home and the world for the most part isn't adapted for many disabilities. In my classroom we will always make the best attempt to give the children what they need to effectively communicate and interact with others in the classroom since this may be the only opportunities they have. Some people would argue that technology in the classroom negatively affects the children because of access to the internet but because the children in my classroom will be so young that is not a concern of mine.
Throughout this last semester I've been reflecting a lot about the best ways to incorporate technology into an early childhood classroom. I'm a firm believer in children learning best through play and when it is child directed. I had a main concern of technology being a more of a hindrance than a help with this group of children. After reflecting on everything I've learned in this course, I now believe there is a place for technology in the classroom and it can be a benefit to many children. I didn't grow up with a lot of varying technology but I'm not brand new to it so it is mostly a challenge for me to find different types of technology to use. I'll always be wary of technology becoming too prevalent in the classroom and taking the place of some hands on play but a healthy balance can be maintained. Using different technologies in my classroom excites me because it gives the group of children an opportunity to express themselves and have an environment that is the least restrictive. The classroom may be the only chance these children have to take that opportunity and I'm happy to be a part of it.
