Reflection 2

Young Children using technology!

Reflection 2

Date: 30/08/2011

Teacher: Harpreet Kaur Sodhi

Child: Group of Children

ICT: Using computer to search for dinosaurs.

Today after lunch time four years old were sitting on the mat for group time. I asked them to choose books to read. Most of the children chose dinosaurs books and they start talking about dinosaurs. Some of the children wanted to search about the dinosaurs on the computer. I turn on the computers for them. One child told me whaea “I saw dinosaur’s bones on the computer at home”. All the children were really interested and paying attention what I was showing to them. They researched about the different dinosaurs and their eggs and their bones through the use of computers. I was so surprise when I saw the children using mouse very confidently and they seemed to be very familiar with what to do, how to stop you tube videos etc. According to Tsantis (2003) as a teacher of young children it is our role to understand modern technologies which will beneficial for the social and physical learning needs of young children.

  At that moment I realised that the through use of computer children’s learning goes beyond developing skills such as using a mouse or developing hand–eye coordination. I believe that computer is part of children’s learning and development. Technology is another tool to support learning, and should be used as an additional resource for expanding young children’s access to new content (Guernsey 2010). I like the way children learning in groups I believe that children learn best through social interaction. Te whāriki states that “children ‘experience and environment where they learn to work alongside others” (Ministry of Education, 1996, p. 70).

I believe computers will contribute to all children’s and providing a pathway for educator to enhance and add value to children’s learning. I noted the way in which ICT presented opportunities to record exemplars of children’s learning; encouraging children themselves to more effectively participate in and access the learning opportunities. I believe that ICT could contribute to encouraging and enhancing the view of the child as a researcher and problem solver. I have also realised that I have to extend my own knowledge about computers so that I can help children to become confident and competent in the use of computers.

 I realised that the children who use computers with supporting activities that reinforce the major objectives of the programs have significantly greater developmental gains when compared to children without computer experiences in similar classrooms-gains in intelligence, nonverbal skills, structural knowledge, long-term memory, manual dexterity, verbal skills, problem solving, abstraction, and conceptual skills (Brown and Murray,. 2006). ICT activities can enhance children's learning from confidence building, motivation, sense of belonging, and communication. According to Jones, (2011) children actually learn best when they are exposed to technology and are using it themselves on a daily basis.

In addition, computers enhance children's self-concept, and children demonstrate increasing levels of spoken communication and cooperation. At first I was thinking that technology is not important in children’s life but now I have realised that technology is important part of children’s life. Technology can provide better support for mobility and collaborative use, are easier to integrate into play activities and are more fun to use. I realised that technology also increases educator’s confidence, supports learning in all areas of the curriculum. It also gives children the opportunity to build on competences and knowledge that they may develop in the home.

References

Brown, M., & Murray, F. (2006). ICT and young children: Laying the foundations

         for the digital future. Computers in New Zealand Schools, 18(2), 43-48.

GuGernsey, L. 2010. “When Young Children Use Technology.” Early Ed Watch (blog), July 13.http://earlyed.newamerica.net/blogposts/2010/when_young_children_use_technology-34279

Images from Google

Jones, S. (2011). Screens and Preschoolers: pull the plug or power up. Become a bettereducator:Education Aotearoa in New Zealand: NZEI New Zealand Educational Insitute , 2, 20-22.

Ministry of Education. (1996). Te Whariki: He Whariki Matauranga mo nga Mokopuna o Aotearoa. Welington,New Zealand.: Learning Media LTD.

 Tsantis, A., L, Bewick, J., C, & Thouvenelle, S. (2003). Examining some common myths about computer use in the early years. Young Children: Beyond the Journal, 1-9.