Early Childhood Technology

The Michigan Association for the Education of Young Children conference is over and I’ve had the weekend to pull my thoughts together.
First:  Although I enjoyed the conference and gleaned some new ideas for my classroom, I was disappointed.  The last time I attended four years ago, there were quite a few workshops geared for kindergarteners (even first graders) as well as lots of others that were adaptable.  This time, over a three day conference, I believe there were two kindergarten workshops, one of which was cancelled.  Of course there was quite a lot to adapt, but still, it was disappointing.

Second:  I don’t know if it was me or the conference, but it seemed like much of what was offered I didn’t feel like I needed to learn.  Either it was too young, I’ve taken several workshops like that before, or I know enough that I could probably teach that workshop.  It’s not that I’m being conceited; because there is so much that I still need to learn!  What I think it might be, is that the conference has become geared for preschool teachers and daycare providers who need the basics that I learned in college and then in graduate school, where I got my M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education.  The other kindergarten teachers there were for the most part, from what I gathered, from private schools.  It may be that the public kindergarten not to mention first and second grade teachers are being sent to more skill related conferences.  Disappointing as this conference is known to be so inspiring and teachers leave enthused. 

Third:  Most puzzling for me, is that the workshop I presented on Technology was the only one of its kind.  Is that good?  Is that bad?  What does this say about the importance of technology in the classroom of the young child?  Is it because the teachers don’t know how to use the technology?  Is it because technology simply isn’t provided in these classes and what does that say about administrators of these programs.Then again, how much technology is available for preschoolers and kindergarteners?  How necessary is it for them to be exposed. 

Personally I think there is a variety of technology offered for little children, and I use many different forms of it with my kindergarteners, for their parents as well as for myself as a professional.  My children are not in any way intimidated by technology and eagerly attempt new projects and skills.  Of course it does take teacher involvement every step of the way at this level, but it’s completely possible.
Hmmm, my thoughts have been pulled together, but there are still a lot of issues still needing further discussion.
Please comment on your thoughts.