Reflection 1
Date, 8th of August 2011.
Our new camera man
Today Ben came with his mum and after a minute, he went straight to the supervisor’s office. He is a boy with special needs and is allowed to go into the office to get his special things. Today he got a real camera and sat on the couch. He started taking photos. He took many photos in different angles. I was surprised to see him taking the perfect photos. It was an eye opener to me to see the child so young can do things like that. I can see he was quite confident in spite of special needs. And I was not sure whether it is a good thing or bad.
But then I thought, the whole world has changed so rapidly why not the children. We should introduce technology in early childhood to foster children’s learning. Learning through daily experiences develops knowledge in children to try things out. Exploration and curiosity are important and valued ways of learning (Ministry of Education, 1996).
First time, I observed that Ben was confident in taking the photos. I had a conversation with him. I was happy to see him getting engaged in discussion. I used to talk to him every time but never got more than yes or no. This leads me to believe that it is very important to provide opportunities to children and see what children are interested in. By doing this they will develop the confidence to express their ideas. Creativity through the new technology assists in recognising oneself as being capable of gaining a new skill and become familiar with the technology, which will become a tool for him to understand his abilities as a competent learner (Kei tua o Te pae, 2004)
In early childhood centres, children experience an environment where they develop the knowledge that playing with ideas and materials with no objective in mind, can be an enjoyable, creative, and valid approach to learning (Ministry of Education, 1996). Previously I was thinking that Ben is a child with special needs. He will never have such a big conversation with me. I was surprised to see him, talking to me so confidently while he was using the camera. My whole perspective about the young children using the technology has changed now. I started thinking that the children are confident and competent to do things of their own.
I am thinking that we teachers are learning alongside the children. No doubt I as an early childhood teacher am providing children with opportunities to explore technology because Piaget believes that children learn through active engagement with their physical environment. These activities encourage children to explore and search for meaning and help them to form their own understanding about the world (Morrison, 1995 as cited in MacNaughton & Williams, 2000). But I agree with Smorti, 1999 that we teachers have no technical language to describe the process for children and our knowledge about technology is limited. Thus we have less ability to scaffold children’s learning in this area.
References:-
MacNaughton, G., & Williams, G. (2009). Techniques for teaching young children: Choices in theory and practice (3rd ed.). Frenchs Forrest, NSW, Australia: Pearson Prentice Hall.
Ministry of Education. (1996). Te Whāriki: He whāriki mātauranga mo nga mokopuna o Aotearoa .Wellington: Learning Media.
Ministry of Education. (2004). Kei tua o te pae assessment for learning: Early childhood exemplars
Smorti, S. (1999) Technology in Early Childhood. Early Education, No.19 Autumn 1999.
Images from Google.
Reflection 2
15th of August 2011.
Milly with her mobile.
This morning Milly came to the kindy with cell phone. I asked her, “Is it a real phone? She said, “Yes Mrs Bhan”. I started talking to her as why she brought it here. She said, “My mother is away and she is going to come in the afternoon to the airport. She is going to talk to me from the airport, because I miss her. I felt surprised as how is it possible for a 4 year old child to use the cell phone. Believe me it took me nearly six months to use the cell phone properly and still I have so much to learn about it.
I thought technology is very convenient tool to have in day to day life. I saw Milly very confident while using cell phone. She used little words to text. She knows what buttons need to be pressed. Te Whāriki states that children experience an environment where their emotional well-being is nurtured and develop an ability to identify their own emotional responses and those of others ;( Ministry of Education, 1996).
I realized that using many materials for different purposes enables children to recognise that different technologies may be used in various places and settings. Previously I was thinking what a four year old girl is going to talk on cell phone. But after listening Milly talking, I was amazed with her reaction. I observed all of a sudden her face was happy and curious to know about her mum. “ Families have the greatest influence on young children’s learning, and ICT can enable parents, families and communities to be included in their children’s early learning in new way”( Foundations for Discovery,2005,p.10).
TeWhaariki states that our children should have confidence to develop their own perspectives as well as the capacity to capture new knowledge and skills to be able to participate in this changing world (Ministry of Education, 1996). I believe that “Technology is about helping people and solving problems. It is like the creative arts which I have done last semester. It is the process of doing that is important rather than the product. The children should be encouraged to talk about the problem and possible solutions (Smorti, S. 1999).
I remember when my mum used to go to see my nana. I used to wait and watch all the cars passing by my house. But now if I go anywhere, my children can talk even see me with the help of technology. It is because of technology most children experience a range of technologies as part of everyday life. The children are competent users of technology, active agents in their own learning and very aware of the world beyond their family (Arthur, Beecher, Death, Dockett & Farmer, 2008).
I think me as an early childhood teacher needs a lot of awareness in technology. New Zealand is number one country for providing quality care and education in early childhood. And also “New Zealand is part of a world revolution in communication, technology, work, and leisure. Change in these and other spheres is a feature of everyday life” (Ministry of Education, 1996, p.18).
References:-
Arthur, L., Beecher, B., Death, E., Dockett, S., & Farmer, S. (2008). Programming and planning in early childhood settings (4th ed.). Victoria, Australia: CENGAGE Learning
Foundations for Discovery, 2005, p.10
Images from Google
Ministry of Education. (1996). Te Whāriki: He whāriki mātauranga mo nga mokopuna o Aotearoa .Wellington: Learning Media.
Smorti, S. (1999) Technology in Early Childhood. Early Education, No.19 Autumn 1999.
Reflection 3
Date, 30th of August 2011.
Our Little computer masters.
Yesterday we went to the sky tower. It was fun to go there with the children. We saw quite a few bungee jumps. Today “T” came to me and said, “You know how tall the sky tower is”. I said, I am not sure, I have to check. She said, “I know already, I saw on the computer with my mum and I know how tall it is”. And she gave me the figure. I was like wow; the 4 year old child knew that we can get information of anything on the computer. I do computers with the children on Tuesday and Thursday at my centre. We have seven computers for the children in our centre. We have put educational games for them to play like literacy, numeracy and language. It was Tuesday and I went to the computer room as usual. “T” again came to me and said, “Can we go in the computer to find some more about the Sky Tower. So we went to the computer room.
I thought it was a right time to enhance children’s learning by computer. She wanted to know about the history of the Sky Tower. I thought to reinforce the children’s interest at this stage will help her in future. I wanted to show her that computer is a very useful tool for information. But at the same time, I wanted to make sure that the children should not come across anything inappropriate. As I know internet is like a road and we have to drive safely otherwise accident can happen. The research has shown that while most children used a computer at school, interestingly home was reported as the most common site of internet use. So the computers and internet are a part of many children’s social worlds, which means that many children have access to a range of information and texts, including texts of popular culture (Arthur, Beecher, Death, Dockett & Farmer, 2008).
I realised that there are some disadvantages in using this technology. For example, the children miss the other learning development. They miss to play outdoors, social interaction, gross motor skills. It takes a lot of time to learn computer. It takes time to implement and monitor the computer. But in spite of all this, using computers in early childhood settings has got many positive outcomes. For example to support transitions we can use Skype between home and centre or early childhood settings to make children feel homely (Kei tua o Te pae, 2004). I thought it is very good for the parents to get to know about their children’s performance. It can help children to build relationships between home and centre. Children can learn to take turns and can learn how to interact with the adults and the children. And the parents get updated with the development of their children by emailing, Skype and blogs.
I like the document Blogging and web 2.0 considerations for ECE.The purpose of this document is to assist early childhood centres in developing a policy for the safe and educationally appropriate use of web- logs or blogs (netsafe. Org.nz). I want to educate myself about this safe blogging, because I want to use blogging in my centre to make strong relations with families and whanau. I am thinking as an early childhood teacher it is very necessary to provide opportunities for interaction and exploration of information and communication technology, which will encourage children to be confident users of ICT (Ministry of Education, 1996).
And I believe that there is no threat that computers will replace classic classroom teaching methods and materials. The interactions with computers cannot produce the same result as physically constructing a tall block tower or measuring and pouring grainy, dusty sand from a pall into another colourful container. Even the computers cannot replace the finger painting. So the computers do not challenge children’s learning but, to the contrary, they can enhance, extend, and boost their learning experiences (Tsantis, Bewick & Thouvenelle, 2003).
References:-
Arthur, L., Beecher, B., Death, E., Dockett, S., & Farmer, S. (2008). Programming and planning in early childhood settings (4th ed.). Victoria, Australia: CENGAGE Learning
Images from Google.
Ministry of Education. (1996). Te Whāriki: He whāriki mātauranga mo nga mokopuna o Aotearoa .Wellington: Learning Media.
Ministry of Education. (2004). Kei tua o te pae assessment for learning: Early childhood exemplars
Tsantis, L. A., Bewick, C. J., & Thouvenelle, S. (2003). Examining some common
about computer use in the early years. Young Children. Vol 58 (1), pp. 1-9.
www.netsafe.org.nz
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteFeedback for first Reflection:
ReplyDeleteI found it very interesting; the way that your perception of a special needs child was challenged. I think this makes us more reflective because we realised that we sub-conscious do have stereotypes about children’s abilities and capabilities. In terms of technological concepts, I do agree to a point that some times we educators do have limited knowledge about technology but I do not necessarily agree with you that we have less ability to scaffold children’s interaction with technology. I actually feel that opportunities such as these are excellent because it gives children the ability to take the lead and be the teachers. But I also believe that it up to the teacher to educate themselves because technology is becoming part of early childhood education and therefore teachers need to work together and share knowledge and maybe professional developments centred on technology may encourage teachers to become more confident users of technology in the centre environment.
Reflection One Comment:
ReplyDeleteBy reading your blog, I realized that special needs children can also perform equal or better than normal children. Technology motivates the children to explore the world. Through Ben’s observation and interest he was very keen to take perfect photos and his exploration. I believe children learn about technology from home environment by copying adults and their peers. According to Fleer & Jane (1999), children’s experiences in technology begin at home. You can extend Ben’s learning by introducing more technology tools such as downloading the pictures on the computer and then print some of his photos so that B could interpret and describe why he took those photos. Also you can laminate the photos and share with him and his parents. By sharing his photos with him you can promote his language and literacy skills.
Reference List:
Fleer, M., & Jane, B. (1999). Technology for children: Developing your own approach. New South Wale, Australia: Prentice Hall.
Feedback for Second Reflection:
ReplyDeleteHi Lovely,
By reading your blog, it is good to know that Milly was so confident and she was able to demonstrate you how to use the phone at the age of four. It is quite surprising at our age we are so behind knowing these technologies but these days’ children are very smart to learn and demonstrate others. That’s why people say to us/others “Generation gap”. I think phones and cell phones are the common technology which children can always have access to them. In my opinion, all this experience starts at home that's why Milly has more knowledge about the phones. Nowadays every house has got phones and children are enthusiastic to know about “who is talking and from where”. I was wondered allowing cell phone by Milly into the centre. I presume this process took place under your supervision. It is a good idea to extend children's interest in technology which is connecting people and technology like Milly and her mother. I think the use of telephone is a powerful tool in encouraging and developing oral language and improving listening skills. In my opinion, we as a early childhood educators can involve technology in their play which gives them ideas to use technology in the centre.
Third reflection comment:
ReplyDeleteNamaste Lovely! I enjoyed reading your understanding about our children and information Technology. From your blog, I acknowledge that there are advantages and disadvantages about using computers for our children. your blog enlightened me further. Mitchell (2007) believes that “technology can be a tool for young children during their explorations and inventions that assist in answering questions, whether designed by the child or asked by a teacher or other adult” (p. 34). According to Helm (2001), you have taken her learning journey to an in-depth exploration.
I am with you on the belief that children learn so much through outdoor play as well. I am also a huge believer that the environment can be a third teacher. This computer age seems to provide sufficient space for the children to socially interact, co-construct and have fun. On the contrary, they do not challenge children’s learning to develop physical and gross motor skills (Tsantis, Bewick & Thouvenelle, 2003).
I love the space that the children have to access the computer in your centre. I know that it is difficult to provide these many computers by the other centers, but your centre children are very fortunate to have this type of opportunity. I can see the interest that T has on the computer through the interaction with her parent. I am happy to see that you involved extending her knowledge by using the internet. I believe very much in children learning from each other and it is also very important that we as educators can provide the children with the chance to share ideas and skills alongside each other. It is so amazing to see how children can access the computer. Sometimes we wish we had access to the computer when we were little. Children will benefit when we introduce computers at home and the centre. While accessing the computers at home or at centre they do require supervision/monitoring software’s to prevent unauthorized materials. Information technology is a walking encyclopedia for the children and us.
Reference List:
Tsantis, L. A., Bewick, C. J., & Thouvenelle, S. (2003). Examining some common
about computer use in the early years. Young Children. Vol 58 (1), pp. 1-9.
Helm, J., & Katz, L. (2001). Young investigator: The project approach in the early years.
New York: Teaches College Press.
Mitchell, L. (2007). Using technology in Reggio Emilia-inspired programs. Theory Into Practice, 46 (1), pp. 32-39.
Hi lovely
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your blog. I like the way you guys support special need children by providing them equal opportunities as others to use technology. I really appreciate the way you showed your respect for been and considered him to be capable. The experience of exploration of the centre with a camera discovering what is around him. Reading through this blog I found that by providing opportunity to Been you have helped him to unleash his creative skills and endorsed him as competent learner. I also believe that children need to have many opportunities to express themselves creativity otherwise we will potentially grow into a world where expression is lost. As educators we need to think about what other ways/resources could we provide to children in order to help them to be creative? I believe that letting children take photos gives us the opportunity to see things from their view and thus creating further opportunities to develop their learning and their interests in technology. Cameras do provide for a great learning tool for children and they lay the foundations for understanding technology that will be common in their future. You can extend Ben’s interest in technology through providing him different tools of technology.
Great Work!!!
Feedback on 2nd reflection
ReplyDeleteHey lovely I loved reading this blog and agree with all that you have said throughout. This is amazing; Milly clearly has knowledge about cell phones. This was great opportunity for Milly to develop language skills. I was so amazed the way four years old use cell phone so confidently. I like this blog mainly because of your thoughts about the experience with Milly. In these days phone calls very popular in the centre especially calling to mum and daddy. I like how in your photos you show the child and the mobile phones. These tools provide opportunities to enable children to develop confidence in using them as well as speaking confidently.
I think you could have used more open ended questions to discover how she knows all of these things; however, you did the right thing by playing along. Reading through this reflection I can see that you have begun to reflect on your practice and change it in ways that will improve the learning and development of the children of your centre through the use of technology.
Ka pi!!!
Feedback on 3rd reflection
ReplyDeleteKiora Lovely
I really enjoyed reading your thoughts about advantage and disadvantage of using computer with children and I am totally agreed with you that computers when used correctly can be a great tool for learning and can have many wonderful benefits for children. We are in a technological driven world so providing opportunities for children to experience and begin to understand different ways technology works is what we as teachers need to do. I believe that Computers are a great tool for cognitive development and the example you shared about children was every insightful. I think it is fantastic that you have come to the realisation that technology, and in this case the computer, can help you to support children in this way. Reading through this post I realized that you will be able to greatly enhance children’s learning and development through using the computer as a learning tool in the near future.
“It seems that while society in general has enthusiastically embraced technology, early childhood educators have resisted the outright endorsement of classroom computer use for young children” (Tsantis, Bewick & Thouvenelle, 2003, p.1). As you have talked about in your blog, I think it is important to be open to computers keeping in mind to use them in moderation. I really admire the way you use the computer with children, provide them opportunities to engage and discover what computers have to offer.
Tino Pai!!!
Feedback on Reflection 2;
ReplyDeleteHi Lovely Didi,
I know exactly how you feel about such young children using technology so confidently. When you shared your story about how long it took you to learn to use your mobile, it really made it more clear how times have changed. I got my first mobile at the age of 20 and even to me it is a huge shock sometimes to see how children as young as 3 years old are so familar with technology and its uses. But i liked the fact that you are so aware of how technology has it advantages. I mean because Milly had the phone she was able to talk to her mom and say goodbye. I think it made it easier to Milly to be able to have that connection with her mother. I feel that situations like things highlight that the advantages of using technology di indeed out way the risk. I espacially like that fact that you admit that technology does intimdate you but I really admire that you are proactive and make sure that you update your own awareness of technology. Very inpsiring lovely, ka pai.
Feedback on Reflection 3:
ReplyDeleteHi lovely didi,
I liked you third reflection very much becuase i felt that it discussed many familiar arguments that many teacher's myself include have in regards to the value of technology in early childhood education. I thought it was great that you discussed that the outdoor play is just as important as technology interaction and exploration. After reading your refelection i realised how easy it is sometimes to get carried away with using only digital technology wth children. I think it would be great if teachers were able to use the outdoor play time to actual proactively encouarge children to explore non digital technology. The best part of your reflection to me personally was the fact that you wantyed to use technology as a means of form better and closer relationships to with the families. I found it very interesting becuase many times , i myself have found that it is hard to make time to talk to the parents because they are in a rush and your idea of blogging or just simple emailing as made me think about how I can actually use technology to share children learning with their parents. I also realsied that it is not a competition about what is more important technology or outdoor play but instead it is important for teachers to value the learning outcomes of each and encourage children to develop positive images of all resources that contribute tio their learning.
Feedback for Lovely's reflection1
ReplyDeleteHi lovely, I agree with you that an early childhood teacher needs a lot of awareness in technology. This is good point. Smorti (1999) mentioned that “Technology is a creative and essential activity aimed at meeting the needs of opportunities through the development of products systems and environments” (p.5). Recent technological developments, including the printing press, the telephone, and the Internet, have lessened physical barriers to communication and allowed humans to interact freely on a global scale. Technology is totally change human's life, it is inseparable with everyone. So as educators we should give children the chance to familiar with technology. The Research study states that “early learning is assisted by the supportive context of the family and the social environment, through the kinds of activities in which adults engage with children” (p. 12). Research suggests appropriate and effective uses of technology in early learning and provides guidance in selecting the tools and creating the environment essential for successful technology use. What is the role of technology in early childhood education? How can educators take advantage of the power of these tools to enhance children’s learning and development? I think your thinking and practice is a good answer for those questions. Well done, Lovely!
Smorti, S. (1999) Technology in Early Childhood. Early Education, No.19 Autumn 1999.
Feedback for Lovely's reflection2
ReplyDeleteHi Lovely, when I was reading your reflection about " I felt surprised as how is it possible for a 4 year old child to use the cell phone. Believe me it took me nearly six months to use the cell phone properly and still I have so much to learn about it." That reminds me about a Chinese proverb-- “never too young or too old to learn”. Yes, I agree with you that technology is very convenient tool to have in day to day life. Nowadays, technology has being used as a tool for improving teaching and learning in many interesting ways. Teacher’s responsibility is having a basic concept of technology. This basic concept will foster and extend children’s technological knowledge. Children love to explore the things around them and they learn in their own way. The teachers’ role is providing a place and individualized instruction by allowing children to work at their own skill levels. We should give children the opportunities to be familiar with technology. Children need to become confident and competent during their school years (Ministry of education, 1996). Well done Lovely, I think you are a good sponsor for children.
Ministry of Education. (1996). Te whāriki: He whāriki mātauranga mō ngā mokopuna o Aotearoa: Early childhood curriculum. Wellington: Learning Media.
Feedback for Lovely's Reflection3
ReplyDeleteHi Lovely, I think that is good thinking about advantage and disadvantage of using computer with children. Computers are intrinsically motivating for young children, and contribute to cognitive and social development; Computers can enhance children’s self-concept and improve their attitudes about learning and children demonstrate increased levels of spoken communication and cooperation during computer use (Haugland & Wright, 1997).Computers make possible experiences and representations that cannot take place in the real world, providing new experiences and improved understanding. In the other hand, technology cannot and should not replace human interaction or relationships, or take the place of activities such as reading stories together or sharing conversations with children. Properly used, however, computers and software can serve as catalysts for social interaction and conversations related to children’s work (Clements & Nastasi, 1993). I think educators should be the good helpers to make sure children are going on the right track.
Clements, D.H., & Nastasi, B.K. (1993). Electronic media and early childhood education. In B. Spodek (Ed.), Handbook of research on the education of young children (pp. 251–275). New York, NY: Macmillan.
Haugland, S.W., & Wright, J.L. (1997). Young children and technology: A world of discovery. Boston, MA: Allyn and Bacon