Using Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as a learning tool is a journey many ECE services are embarking on.
ICT can include computers, cameras, digital microscopes, internet use, cybersafety, projectors and interactive whiteboards. Whether you are looking at introducing ICT for staff or children you will want to make the best and most cost effective decisions.
We hope to make your journey easier by providing some guidance on accessing ICT by purchasing or leasing.
The Ministry of Education has negotiated some competitive pricing deals on equipment with specifications which are robust enough to serve educational uses. We have provided information on access to laptop and projector leasing deals.
There are several considerations to take into account before you start your ICT journey:
What are you trying to achieve
- How will ICT support your learning and teaching goals?
- How will ICT support your administration needs?
Laptop v Desktop
- What is the main use of the technology?
- What type of computer would suit the purpose best?
Hardware
- What other hardware will you need to support your use of the technology?
Software & Cybersafety
- What programmes come with the technology?
- What programmes will be needed to support hardware?
- How do we keep our children safe?
- What safety considerations/needs do you have?
Technical and Infrastructure considerations
- What support comes with technology and what will you need?
- Who will set up the technology?
Your options
- Lease v Purchase
- Laptops for teachers scheme (TELA)
- Laptop Models
Why ICT in ECE Services?
New Zealand children interact with ICT every day. It is the growing role of early childhood services to support children’s understanding of the nature of the technologies they encounter and to support learners to maximise the benefits ICT can provide.
ICT use in early childhood education does not mean “children using computers”. It is about children, educators, parents/whānau using information and communication technology (ICT) in ways that enhance children’s learning, and communication about and reflection on that learning.
For staff and management ICT can streamline administrative processes and workloads. It provides opportunities for information sharing between services and parents and whānau/families, as well as opportunities to integrate children’s learning with the learning of parents and whānau/families. It also allows for easy access to information to support teaching practices from a wider range of sources.
Find out how Roskill South Kindergarten in Auckland used a variety of information communication technology in innovative ways in their everyday practice. As a Round One Centre of Innovation they provided the children with additional tools and approaches for learning and teaching. The enhanced use of ICT created new ways to communicate children’s enthusiastic and thoughtful learning with their multi-lingual families.