Technology Redefined, or Maybe Simply Clarified.
A position statement, by Lisa Murphy
According to a wikipedia post, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/technology in 1937, the American sociologist Read Bain wrote that “technology includes all tools, machines, utensils, weapons, instruments, housing, clothing, communicating and transporting devices and the skills by which we produce and use them.” Additionally, “Technology can be most broadly defined as the entities, both material and immaterial, created by the application of mental and physical effort in order to achieve some value.”
For the sake of future writings, articles, web discussion and workshop presentations, Ooey Gooey, Inc. has adopted a similar, broader definition of “technology” which includes examples that stretch beyond those specifically related to consumer electronics, such as televisions, computers, radios, etc. By intentionally stretching the boundary of definition, we no longer feel bogged down by semantics which often hinder healthy discussion.
Additionally, we maintain our platform of making sure that all involved in a discussion are clear on the various definitions the players at the table are, literally, bringing to the table. We propose that before spending lots of energy getting riled up about “having to use technology in the classroom,” we spend some time examining the parameters of the expectation.
We propose that by taking the time to clarify definitions and to get beyond the assumptions that often accompany industry related lingo, teachers and providers aligned with various accreditation and evaluative systems will be able to articulate that a hands-on, play-based program can be providing “opportunity for children to interact with technology” without having to plug anything in.
Ooey Gooey, Inc. maintains that the following examples of materials traditionally found in early childhood classroom “centers” would qualify as “using technology” in environments that required as such. Additionally it need be stated that this list is not all inclusive and that Ooey Gooey, Inc. reserves the right to modify or amend without notice.
ART CENTER:
Examples of technology include but are not limited to:
Art spinner
Crayons
Contact paper
Easel
Flyswatter
Hole puncher
Kiln
Loom (weaving)
Markers
Paint brushes
Paper
Pencils
Protractor
Scissors
Staple remover
Stapler
Staples
BLOCK CENTER:
Examples of technology include but are not limited to:
Blocks
Boxes
Gears
Pendulum
Pulleys
Ramps
Roads
String
Transportation materials: cars, boats, tractors, etc.
BOOK CENTER:
Examples of technology include but are not limited to:
Books (print)
CD player
iPod
Tape recorder
CIRCLE TIME AREA:
Examples of technology include but are not limited to:
Books (print)
Calendar
CD player
Flip chart
iPod
Musical instruments
Parachute
Tape recorder
DRESS-UP CENTER:
Examples of technology include but are not limited to:
Appliances
Buttons
Calculator
Clothespins
Computer keyboard
Egg beater
Iron
Light bulbs
Snaps
Stroller
Suitcases
Sunglasses
Telephones
Typewriter
Umbrella
Velcro
Zippers
MANIPULATIVE AREA:
Examples of technology include but are not limited to:
Busy-boards
Locks
Magnifying glasses
Microscope
Pipettes
Scale
Slinky
Tape measure
Tweezers
FOOD/SNACK TIME:
Examples of technology include but are not limited to:
Appliances
Blender
Cooking utensils
Fermentation (yeast = bread)
Fire (heat)
Microwave
Mixer
Oven
Refrigerator
Silverware
Stove
Warming tray
NAP TIME:
Examples of technology include but are not limited to:
CD player
Indoor plumbing
Diapers
iPod
Tape recorder
PLAYGROUND TIME:
Examples of technology include but are not limited to:
Ball
Bikes
Buckets
Compass
Corn husker
Drill (manual)
Gutter
Hammers
Hammock
Hose
Hula hoop
Jump rope
Nails
Parachute
Pendulum
Pulley
Pump (water)
Running water
Scooter
See-saw
Shovels
Sprinkler
Swing
Thermometer
Tires
Trikes
Wagon
Washboard
Wheel
Wood working materials: hammer, nails, level, brace, vice
SENSORY TUB:
Examples of technology include but are not limited to:
Funnel
Gutter
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons
Plastic tubing
Wooden spoons
WRITING CENTER:
Examples of technology include but are not limited to:
Calculator
Chalkboard
Clipboard
Compass
Envelopes
Paper
Pencil sharpener
Pencils
Pens
Protractor
Rulers
Scissors
Stencils
Tape
Typewriter
Whiteboard
What might you add?
We hope this assists.
© Lisa Murphy, Ooey Gooey Inc.
September 14, 2010
