In a much as technology has come to stay and has made significant impacts in the educational sector, it is important for schools not to discard some traditional learning methods. The use of smart technology based teaching method should be applied taking cognizance of the class of the pupils and the teaching orientations on ground.
A short story
A school existed that had pre school children that could do anything to guarantee their story time. Their teacher, Mrs. Johnson, always made sure to have a variety of books available for them to read. Some days, they read classic stories like “The Three Little Pigs” and “Little Red Riding Hood,” while other days they read books about animals or science.
One day, Mrs. Johnson decided to try something new. She brought in a tablet and downloaded a few digital books for the children to read. The children were excited to try out the new technology and eagerly gathered around the tablet.
As they started to read the digital books, however, something seemed different. The children were more fidgety and easily distracted. They kept touching the screen and swiping back and forth between pages, and they didn’t seem to be paying as much attention to the story as they usually did.
Mrs. Johnson noticed the difference too. She realized that the children were not as engaged as they usually were when reading physical books. She decided to switch back to the print books and see if that made a difference.
The next day, Mrs. Johnson brought in a stack of physical books, and the children were thrilled. They eagerly gathered around her as she began to read “The Cat in the Hat.” As Mrs. Johnson read, the children listened intently, turning the pages themselves and pointing to the pictures.
After the story was over, Mrs. Johnson asked the children what they thought. They all agreed that they liked the physical books better. They said that they liked being able to touch and feel the pages and turn them themselves. They also said that they didn’t get as distracted by other things when they were reading print books.
Mrs. Johnson was pleased with the children’s response. She realized that while digital books can be a useful tool, there is something special about physical books that can’t be replicated. From that day on, Mrs. Johnson made sure to keep plenty of physical books in her classroom, alongside any digital books she used.
The children continued to love storytime, and they all agreed that there was something magical about reading a book that you could hold in your hands.
DISCOURSE
The importance of early childhood education cannot be overstated. It is during this time that children develop foundational skills and attitudes that will shape their lives. A key component of early childhood education is reading, and books play a critical role in this process. But with the advent of digital technology, some have questioned the need for physical books. Does it make any difference if preschool children read books in print or digitally?
There is no doubt that digital technology has transformed the way we read. E-books and audiobooks have made reading more accessible and convenient than ever before. However, research suggests that there are benefits to reading books in print, particularly for young children.
One of the primary advantages of print books is the tactile experience they provide. When children hold a physical book, they can feel the weight of the pages, the texture of the paper, and the sensation of turning the pages. These sensory experiences are important for developing fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, as well as for building a sense of curiosity and wonder about the world.
In addition, print books offer a more immersive reading experience. Studies have shown that children who read print books are more likely to engage in sustained reading and are better able to remember the content of the book. This is likely due to the fact that print books provide fewer distractions than digital devices, which can be a source of constant interruptions.
Another advantage of print books is their social nature. When adults read with children, they are not only sharing a story but also modeling important literacy skills, such as how to hold a book, how to turn the pages, and how to read from left to right. In addition, reading with an adult can be a bonding experience that promotes language development and fosters a love of reading.
Despite these advantages, it is important to acknowledge that digital technology has its own benefits. For example, e-books and audiobooks can provide access to a wider range of books and can be especially useful for children with visual impairments or other disabilities. Digital books can also be more interactive, with features such as animations, sound effects, and interactive quizzes that can enhance the reading experience.
However, it is important to remember that not all digital books are created equal. Some studies have found that certain types of digital books, such as those with distracting animations or background music, can actually hinder reading comprehension and distract from the story itself.
Lastly, while digital technology has its advantages, there is still a place for print books in early childhood education. Physical books provide a tactile, immersive, and social reading experience that is beneficial for young children’s development. At the same time, it is important to carefully consider the quality of digital books and their potential impact on reading comprehension and engagement. Ultimately, the goal should be to provide children with access to a variety of high-quality books, in both print and digital formats, to support their early literacy development. Again, the age appropriateness of any reading material should be considered and applied.
Amara Ann Unachukwu
