Too Much Technology Too Soon?

                                                                                          

Debbie-Downer Alert:

If you have not read my introduction- I am a kindergarten teacher. Working with students at the lower elementary level makes me look at blogging slightly different then a high school teacher possibly would. There are some skills that young children must be immersed in that technology just can not provide. Don't get me wrong, I think technology should be used often in the classroom, not only is it a life-skill it is a national standard. Educator and Professor Judy Arzt details the importance of blogging and other uses of technology in the classroom. In her article, Online Collaborative Inquiry, the National Council of Teachers of English states that technology has, "increased the intensity and complexity of literate environments, the twentieth-firstcentury demands that a literate person possess a wide range of abilities and competencies, many literacies.” However,  I believe there are just some things that should be taught the good old fashioned way...
"Are you my Friend?"
Students in early elementary are still developing their abilities to communicate appropriately and interact socially with their peers and others. There is a constant focus on problem-solving techniques and communication. We want children to stand up in front of a large group and express their thoughts and ideas. These children are learning to stand up for themselves and others.  
"Kelso" promotes problem solving techniques through communication:

Educators want students to be proud of their accomplishments and hold responsibility with their work - not possibly stand behind a pseudonym as suggested by Richardson in his book about using blogs and other technologies in the classroom. Richardson believes wikis are a great idea for educators and students alike. Comments and posts can be seen without knowing who the author. This, he believes, will help those who may be too shy to still fully participate. As an early elementary educator, I do not think wikis have a place in the classroom.
 Arzt's IRA article also discusses things that educators need to be mindful of when using technology in the classroom. Internet/Online bullying is a major concern. If students are allowed to post and comment under fake names or even anonymously- that can lead to unwanted behaviors.
It's That Time of Year Again.... Assessments
I know no one likes to talk about assessments... but there are some early literacy assessments that early educators must complete several times throughout the year, that just possibly could not be done through technology. The skills needed for the student to complete these assessments are not learned while they are creating, updating and browsing blogs. Don't get me wrong, I love the idea of blogging in the early elementary classrooms. I just do not think it is realistic to incorporate it throughout all learning areas, and still find time to teach the skills needed to succeed in required assessments. I find I am not the only teacher who shares these concerns. Rosina, a CT 4th grade teacher poses the question on her educational blog... "how does blogging fit into a teacher's day??"
        Two early literacy assessments that have to be completed twice, if not three times a year are; Concepts About Print, writing samples and authentic assessments.
        Another idea to consider is diagnosing developmental issues or learning impairments through early detection in young children's writing skills. If the majority of classwork is done with technology and through blogging, it make take a bit longer to notice these early signs.

 This writing can be seen as typical for a kindergartener. However, with spell check on computers- if this was the handwriting of a first grader- early signs of developmental concerns such as dyslexia could overlooked for too long.