Today some of the
children seemed very interested in new dinosaurs that we had introduced to the
animal box. The children were very interested in finding out more about the
dinosaurs. Some books around the centre consisted of some of the animals we
were looking for but many of them the children could not find and identify. One
of the children suggested that we look on Goggle. At first I was a bit
surprised by this request as the child was only 2 ½ years old. I questioned him
a bit about where I found Google. He was very quick in saying that Google was found on a computer and that you needed internet to access it. I then went
and got my laptop. I asked if he would like to find Google and start to find
the dinosaurs that we were looking for. With great confidence he sat down with
my laptop at the table and found the Google Chrome icon, he clicked on it and Google popped up. He then asked the other children what they wanted to know,
one of the boys said dinosaur names. I helped the boy enter the letters and he
pushed enter. He was able to use the touch pad on the laptop very well, he also
knew which key was the space bar and the enter key. I enjoyed watching him
during this experience. Sometimes in these situations teachers may look at some
children as be somewhat ‘incompetent’ as using digital technology. I am very
opened minded to children and the use of digital technology as I see it as a
great group or individual learning experience not only for the children, but
staff too. I think using technology in the centre, such as laptops and
computers is a good way for children to learn and find out more about their
interests. Van Scoter, Ellis & Railsback 2001 says the ‘studies
highlight the opportunities for language use and social interaction that technology
offers, along with increased motivation. Computers also make possible
experiences and representations that cannot take place in the real world,
providing new experiences and improved understanding’ (Van Scoter, Ellis &
Railsback, 2001, p.9). A negative aspect of children using too much technology
is that they become so used to the easy way out. Instead of using a book
first they could just go straight to the internet. Although in this situation a
book was used first and thereafter the internet was looked at as an option. I
think that the use of technology in this way is a great experience for children
if it is balanced out with other methods of researching. I still think that it
is important for children to have access to books, magazines and newspaper as
means of finding out information. I think children should be exposed to
technology as in today’s society it is all around us. Equipping them with these
experiences is beneficial and almost crucial for their futures. The New Zealand
Curriculum says ‘the aim is for students to develop a broad technological literacy
that will equip them to participate in society as informed citizens and give
them access to technology related careers’ (Ministry of Education, 2007, p.32).
Although this particular child was comfortable and confident with using a
laptop, other children may not be, this is where I think it is a great time for
ako and reciprocal learning. Allowing the child to be the teacher in teaching
their peers allows for confidence, even if it may in a specific area, as this
may be their strength. Te Whāriki says that ‘children gain experience in using
communication technologies such as crayons, paintbrushes, pencils, calculators,
books and computers’ (Ministry of Education, 1996, p.97). This shows that there
still needs to be that balance as to how and where technology is used in the
setting as non-digital aspects are still important.
Reference
List
Ministry of Education. (2007). The New Zealand Curriculum for
English-medium teaching and learning in years 1-13. Wellington, New Zealand: Learning Media
Limited.
Ministry
of Education. (1996). Te whāriki, he
whaariki mātauranga mo nga mokopuna o Aotearoa : Early childhood curriculum.
Wellington, New Zealand: Learning Media.
Van Scooter, J., Ellis, D.,
Railsback, J. (2001). Technology in early
childhood education: Finding the Balance. Northwest
Regional Education Laboratory: Portland Oregon.
Hi Tanja
ReplyDeleteIt is great to see how open minded you are towards technology and fostering the children’s interest and learning. I also loved how you engaged yourself in the learning experience though encouraged the children to find ways to answer their questions. Dunkin & Hanna (2001) stresses the importance of responsive and reciprocal relationships where adults encourage, support and explore alongside children. I would also be surprised by how knowledgeable the children are using the laptop especially around the internet. I love how technology wan an opportunity after other resources were used and the way you used the laptop as a tool for learning to foster and extend a group learning experience is very commendable. The Ministry of Education (1996) advocates that when children experience solving problems together they “develop and understanding of how technologies can help them and others” (p.96). I feel it is important to have a balance when using technology with other non-digital aspects as well as teaching children the positives and negatives of using technology. I fully agree with your statement about equipping children with these experiences as it is crucial for their future. As teachers we need to encourage and support children’s growing knowledge around technology as it will be beneficial for their futures.
Reference List:
Dunkin, D.,& Hanna, p. (2001). Thinking together: Quality adult child interactions. Wellington, New Zealand: New Zealand council for Educational Research.
Ministry of Education. (1996). Te whāriki, he whaariki mātauranga mo nga mokopuna o Aotearoa : Early childhood curriculum. Wellington, New Zealand: Learning Media.
Wow! it really is surprising how much knowledge children have with technology especially knowing about google and the internet. First of all I really like how you let the children use your laptop in the centre and had the confidence to do so. Not only did you show them a tool they could use to find information but you also taught them how to actually use the equipment. The New Zealand Curriculum encourages us educators to give children opportunities to learn in a variety of contexts, "by offering a variety of contexts, teachers help their students to recognise links and develop generic understandings" (Ministry of Education, 2007) so if we follow up on children's interest and show them another way of finding information, we are definitely giving them different contexts to help them learn. It's also great that you have acknowledged the fact that some of the children may not be as confident in using the laptop and viewed it as an opportunity to allow other children to be the teacher. This lets the child have the confidence to teach his peers about what he knows about technology and in turn it will encourage other children to learn about technology. A great learning outcome from Te Whariki that would go along well with your statement is under the contribution strand, children need to develop "awareness of their own special strengths, and confidence that these are recognised and valued" (Ministry of Edcuation, 1996) :)
ReplyDeleteHi Tanja
ReplyDeleteI love the fact that you gave the child the opportunity to use the lap top to foster their interest. I was surprised when i read your reflection that the child was only 2 1/2 years old. This goes to show that in this day in age technology is becoming more and more ingrained in our children's lives. Through you giving the child the opportunity to use the lap top you are letting them be in control of their own learning, you are showing that you respect them and view him/her as a competent. This also gives the child confidence to then express their leadership skills to show their peers how to use the lap top later on. I believe that teachers need to come to terms with supporting children's growing interest and knowledge about technology. It isn’t going away and we as teachers need to start using more as an appropriate teaching tool. “When used appropriately technology can extend children’s knowledge and interests”(Young, 2001, p.14)
Hi Tanja.
ReplyDeleteI just want to commend you on the innovative way you have used to assist child learning. The open-ended questions you asked and the tools you used to get a response from the children. MacNaughton and Williams (2009) states that “open questions generally inquire in to the child’s thought processes and require the child to share their theories, understandings, imaginings and feelings with adults or other children” (p. 154). The children were responsive and responded well. This clearly indicates that we must use technology and any other aids like old fashion books, magazines newspapers that assist in the betterment of child learning. Yang (2009) discusses that “…when feedback and reflection are integrated in the form of reflective conversations between teacher and students, both teacher and students could benefit from the reflective practice” (p. 11). This enables every child to have an access to the various aids available to them to assist them in their learning as not every child could have a laptop. Thus a balance is maintained when a child learns to use textbooks, magazines and newspapers besides a laptop.