Leadership Resources 116 Vol 3.6 School Leadership Today www.teachingtimes.com
Primary File
ICT catering for the Early Years
Varied computer-based play is essential to both challenge and support in the early years setting. Amy Stancer looks at the importance of differentiating ICT activities to ensure gender, ability and engagement levels are all catered for.
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ifferentiation is important at all stages of education - challenging the most able children whilst providing additional support to help those less able. In differentiating activities involving ICT practitioners need to take into consideration both the knowledge of the subject being explored and competencies in using the computer technology. The role of the parent/carer and access to technology outside of the setting is very important at this early stage. Children who have regular access to computers at home will generally be more confident, more engaged and more competent in using the technology than those who have rarely used computers before. Talking to parents at the beginning of the year can help practitioners establish the levels of experience of the children in the setting and start to identify what kinds of activities will most engage them. As well as looking at the competencies and abilities of pupils it is also valuable to get an understanding of what they enjoy when using computers. Previous research from CfBT Education Trust has shown that most value is gained from ICT