3 reasons for integrating ict into children's learning
Curriculum & Approaches:
According to Malaysia Preschool curriculum document (National Preschool Standard Curriculum, [KSPK], 2010), it stated that children should have the opportunities to use variety of ICT tools in learning which allows children to work individually and in a team, develop and use creativity in learning and everyday life. The focus of KSPK document is to emphasis on inquiry and discovery, and learning through play. Teachers need to plan and design lessons or activities that fulfill the requirements as listed in the document in order for children to learn appropriately based on the age group.
Play is an integral part of young children’s lives which can also enhance children development such as physical, intelligence, language, emotional, social, and creativity growth (Hoisington, 2008). Through play-based approach, ICT tools can help to maximize children’s play experiences by engaging different types of ICT tools in documentation, teaching strategies, discussion and reflection. Children learning experiences are emphasize on learn through play which provide them hands-on experiences, explore the technology around them, encourage problem solving and creative thinking, and participate in activities with other people and learn from each other.
The 5E's inquiry approach describes each E letter as Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate (Enhancing Education, 2002). Using ICT tools will allow children to develop the 5E inquiry approach when firstly children have to Engage in activity of using ICT tool to make connection between past and present learning experiences, Explore the use and function of the ICT tool, Explain the conceptual understanding and new skills of using the ICT tool, Elaborate the new experiences of the ICT tool and obtain more information by practicing, and children Evaluate their learning and skill development. To promote 5E learning experiences for children, activities plan for children should encourage play experiences.