Hilee Draehn
Lesson 6-Research Review
March 9, 2001

Article Reference:
Davis, B. and Shade D. (1994) Integrate, don't isolate!-Computers in the early childhood curriculum. ERIC Clearinghouse on Elementary and Early Childhood Education. ERIC Digest. http://ericeece.org/pubs/digests/1994/shade94.html (9 March 2001).

Despite the advances in the field of educational technology, the power of technology to foster children's learning has not been fully explored in many school districts due to a myriad of reasons. Davis' and Shade's article, Integrate, Don't Isolate!-Computers in the Early Childhood Curriculum, while dated with respect to the rapidly changing world of technology, is still pertinent.

The article states that low computer to student ratios, low quality software and/or hardware, staff feelings, and isolation of computers in a classroom, have undermined the importance of the computer as a tool to cut across subject boundary lines. Moreover, only when the computer is integrated into the curriculum as a vital element for instruction and applied to real situations for a real purpose, will learners gain the most valuable computer skills-the ability to use computers as a tool for learning and productivity. Davis and Shade continue by defining integration as the interrelationships of academic disciplines-language, math, science-as natural and necessary to achieving the goal of becoming educated about a particular topic (Davis and Shade, 1994).

The authors continue by delineating examples of computer use in integrated curricula; for example, the authors contend that word processors allow children the freedom to express ideas while writing without the confines of grammar and punctuation, and the use of microworld type software is instrumental in bridging the gap between concrete and abstract learning.

Finally, Davis and Shade highlight the role of the teacher in a computer-enriched classroom. The teacher must be a(n):

  1. Instructor-instructing, guiding, and encouraging children through their exploration of the material.

  2. Coach-providing guidance and support when needed and ensuring appropriate behaviors.

  3. Model-visibly using technology as a tool for learning.

  4. Critic-selecting software or applications that will truly enhance children's learning and development.

In conclusion, the authors state that without proper integration of computers into the curriculum, the benefits of technology cannot be fully achieved.