Huda Hammoud Task 2 Module 4

Technology facilitates the development of social and thinking skills. Through the use of technology, children develop cognitive skills. According to Piaget knowledge is constructed in stages, which all children pass through to acquire knowledge. Technology plays a major role in all aspects of life today. The important matter here is how can technology be used to enhance childrens cognitive and social abilities. The potential benefits of technology for young childrens learning and According to Piaget childrens learning is a progression through which they develop the cognitive skills. Learning stages have a chronological order whereby skills in the first stage must be mastered before the next one can take place. Educators should plan appropriate technology related activities to enhance childrens logical and conceptual development. The information below outlines how technology can be integrated in the learning environment to support Piaget 's theory of how children think and assimilate knowledge. Sensori-motor (birth 2 years old) During this stage children develop physical interaction with their environment and experiences they world through sensory and action. They construct concepts about reality and how it works. Children at this stage do not know that physical objects remain in existence even when out of sight. At this stage, using manipulative, visual aids and materials like play dough would be more beneficial than using technology as they provide the children with opportunities to experience things though sensory. Children at this stage should have the opportunity to explore the world through their senses; to see, hear, touch, taste, smell and to develop motor skills accordingly.

Pre-operational (ages 2-7)

During this stage children start to develop language skills and imagination. Knowledge is acquired through mental representation during this stage. Computer software that help children illustrate their ideas with words and drawings are ideal for the development of cognitive skills at this stage. Activities that allow children to express their imagination and allow a starting point for conversations to build vocabulary and develop language skills are also of a great value at this stage. Children should have the opportunities to respond and represent learning in their own way thus providing a window to their thinking. Concrete operational (ages 7-11) During this stage children start to conceptualize, creating logical structures that explain their experiences. Games that challenge children intellectually and activities that allow them to learn through experience are good technology application at this stage. Additionally activities that allow collecting and organizing information and allowing children to ask and answer questions are important at this stage. It is essential to bear in mind here that information should have meaning to kids. According to Piaget, children should be allowed to construct knowledge that is meaningful for them. During this stage children start to develop logic and use reasoning. Simulations are great tool in this stage. Formal operational (ages 11-15) During this stage children start to use hypothesize, experiment, evaluate and reflect. Thinking takes more semantic way. Children cognitive structures at the stage are close to those of an adult. Using collaborative learning activities is a good application of technology in this stage. Activities that enable student to be exposed to other cultures and ideas, to show case their work and receive feedback are necessary at this stage. Tools like Web 2.0 applications are perfect example of activities for this stage. Piagets developmental theory is based on discovery. According to Piaget in an ideal learning environment, children should be given ample of opportunities to learn and construct meaningful knowledge .