Children really love technology at my centre and it shows
when they are using it. I think its ok for children to be using technology but
I strongly believe that there needs to be a balance between the other areas at
the centre, for example being active in the outdoors. I also believe that other
learning areas are just as important as technology. The learning that is taking
place here is allowing children to understand what the radio is, how it is used
appropriately and extend their knowledge about how technology works. The staff
and I only use the radio a few times a day and is one of the main digital
devices we use on a daily basis.
Children in today’s schools are lucky enough to have access
to many technology equipment’s because there is most likely a computer or radio
at home compared to back in the days (Baytak, Tarman & Ayas, 2011). I
strongly agree with this statement because now days there are more advanced
digital technology coming out and everyone probably already has the basics at
home. Furthermore, researchers found
that few children who had a combination of technology with other learning
aspects had highly involved parents who helped choose appropriate software,
coached their child on the computers and offered praise as well as practical
(Baytak, Tarman & Ayas, 2011). The children showed very positive attitudes
towards technology because they have experience with it and find it very
familiar.
I agree with children and technology but I think if they
start learning about it early in an educational way they will gain
understanding on both positive and negative aspects. “Technology education
helps children to be active designers of their future environment and to
develop the kinds of thinking skills needed to effect change in the future”
(Fleer & Jane, 2006, p.66). Everyone has a different opinion on technology
but it’s up to us as teachers and parents to guide children and keep them safe
but also make sure they are learning at the same time. Always giving children the
opportunity to participate in technology is great but also still supporting
them and knowing when it might be too much for a child.
I was reading your reflection and I thought of Johnston (2005), and I quote her on my position in relation to technology in early childhood education, especially when it comes to digital devices: that technology does not replace real life experiences. That is something that actually scares me about technology, I kind of feel that it distances people from real life contact, connections and interactions.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, I can’t deny technology is part of our lives and will play an even bigger part on those coming generations. Furthermore, technology does enhance learning as a strand on itself or as tool to extend on integrated learning. Kirmani (2007)talks about the benefits of music for children’s learning and how it can useful to create an environment that is culturally inclusive. Am I contradicting myself? I mean, technology can actually draw people closer together!
Tino Pai Ana
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you that there needs to be a balance with technology and other areas. It is scary to think that the more technology evolves, the less children will engage in other activities such as out door play and so on. But in saying that I also realize that we are living in a technological era. The question I ask is as technology evolves and makes life easier and easier with learning and that, how can we balance children's play with technology and other activities?
One suggestion, I have is why not use it together sometimes. At my sisters play group, I use music during outdoor play. Children sing along as they do activities outdoors, or they can dance along to the music. Either way children are developing their linguistic and physical skills as they play. Plus I find that it helps set the mood at the play group as well. I don't do this all the time, Just during times when I think children need to burn off more energy.
Thanks for the read Ana
Wow Ana what a insightful read i totally agree that there needs to be a balance when it comes to technology in the class room i came to realize this when got our IPADS for the children to use in our centre. the children love it and some of the children will sit there all day waiting for their turn i remember asking one of the children to come outside and play with me while they wait and his reply was no thank you i might miss my turn.
ReplyDeletei have a big fear about technology taking over simple children's play i remember groaning up the best time i had were outside running around our family farm rolling down hills and building huts. I sometimes fell that the children today are missing a lot of that as tv's and IPADs and computers take over. but i also feel that as a teacher we need to put our own fears and aside sometimes in order to give the children a wide variety of activities.
Te whariki states that children should have an understanding of how technology works I choose to adopt this and encourage the children not to just use technology but to teach them how it works. we have a sound system and cameras and computers strictly for the children's use and we do this to encourage them to learn how it works the children know which way the cd's are placed into the machine and how to store them safely so they don't get scratched.
I suggest you try and integrate music into other areas of play such as outdoors we use the sound system out doors for statues and zumba in the mornings. we also having music playing outdoors all day it really add's energy into the children play i suggest you try it really does work.
Hey Ana
ReplyDeleteI really agree with you that we need to find a balance between digital technology and the other areas a child should have access to. Combining the two as much as possible can help with that. Using the radio outside to promote dance and movement. Using YouTube and the internet to find activates the children can try themselves, and using a car to travel and see other places in the community. All of these are examples of technology and the outdoors being used effectively together. I think as we move more and more into a technology based world we will have to watch and integrate it into our centres without losing the essential basics of our philosophy. Each child has the right to learn about technology, but also the right to explore the world around them and in the wider community (Ministry of Education, 1996)