In Technology there are chances to plan, design and make
new things (Mawson, 2008).
There is an area in the toddler room where we have a collage
table for children. It is only set out sometimes because it can get very messy.
The things set out are Popsicle sticks, glitter, glue, different colours of
paper and whatever the children would like to use. When it is set out I’ve
noticed that some children love using lots of glue on their work. They also put
it on their hands to feel the texture and how sticky it is. The children who
are participating in this activity are engaged and enjoy using the different
materials. The technology involved in this activity is the all materials used
and put together to make something new using their creative minds.
“Children learn as they engage in shared activities and conversations
with other people, including family members and people in the wider community”(Ministry
of Education, 1993, p.34). Sometimes some children don’t participate in this
activity but watch from a distance to see what the children are doing. I can
see by their facial expressions that they want to come and join in but they
wait, maybe because they are too shy or aren’t very comfortable working
alongside others. Teachers need to encourage children to join in activities but
also let them know that they have the opportunity. “Adults have an important
role in encouraging children to participate in a wide range of activities”
(Ministry of Education, 1996, p.40).
The learning taking place is children get the opportunity to
experiment and explore the things in front of them. At first I thought
technology was just something digital but after doing a few readings and
research I now understand that technology doesn’t have to be something
electronic or digital. “Technology is intervention by design: the use of
practical and intellectual resources to develop products”(Ministry of
Education, 1993, p.32). To me, this quote shows through the collage activity
that is set out for the children because they are creating new products with
the materials and resources they have. I think that in order to participate in
this world, children need the confidence to develop their own perspectives to
gain new knowledge and skills (Ministry of Education as cited in Smoorti,
1999).
The use of technology is very important, non-digital and digital because it is involved on a daily basis to further children’s knowledge, skills and thinking. It plays an important part in children’s learning and development because technology is a great learning tool and can offer children different ways of learning. I believe that in order for us to broaden children’s learning about technology we first have to understand it thoroughly with understanding so we as teachers can pass on the knowledge to the children of the future.
Hey Ana,
ReplyDeleteWhen it comes to digital technology, I have to admit that much of how I felt was due to my own lack of skills with familiarity with such devices. Some had to do about my fear that technology is replacing human beings and their interactions and relationships. I now understand and accept that it is just how the world is evolving and it is happening this way so children need to be prepared to the world that they will be living in.
When we talked about non-digital technology I had no clue what it was about. Just as you mentioned, through research, class, reading, discussion and this blog I have now a growing understanding of this concept. I really enjoyed the blogs on non-digital device as it has helped me to learn more about it. I think of Smorti and her key words, process, problem solving, making life easier, solutions, meeting needs and products.
I really identify myself with your view that we need to have understanding before we are able to foster learning. I am in this position right now, broadening my knowledge. I really liked the Ministry of Education (1993) quote that you used. I haven’t read it and I will be definitely be reading it, just this little quote itself was very useful. Thanks for sharing this new source.
Kia Ora Ana,
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you, in that we live in an technological era. And that technology should be seen as being used as a learning tool and can offer our children different ways of learning.
Although you may not say it in this writing but the picture that I get is that you are placing a lot of emphasis on the process rather then the end product (Smorti, 1999). Focusing on the learning and development children are getting using this technology. You have shown that you are giving the children the opportunity to plan, design and make new things using the collage resources.
May I suggest with the shy children one teaching technique I use in my practice. Sometimes if I think that a child is wanting to join in on an activity, I would ask the child if he or she would hand me an object I am needing, or hand over an object that one of the other children are needing if they are to shy to join. Just building up their confidence to interact a with the children and I. Once I see the child is getting a bit of self confidence, then I would ask them to join. Just an idea.
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ReplyDeleteKia ora Ana,
ReplyDeleteagain a great reflection from you you integrate quotes well and really gave me something new to think about. growing up in high school i was always taught about technology as a subject on its own. however after reading your reflection and reflecting on my own practice i now realize that as teachers we need to integrate technology and use it as tool in other areas. we do this everyday in our centre but i never actually realized it for example we use paint brushes and crayons in children's art and both of these are products of technology. since starting this blog i now find myself looking around my centre noticing all the technology we really use and not just the computers and digital things.
Smorti (1999) says that technology is something that makes life easier and when looking at technology in this was you example of collage is definitely a form of technology. how ever if you had asked me a month ago i would not have classed collage as technology thanks for the food for thought ana great read.
Hey Ana
ReplyDeleteOne thing I really noticed was that you are using the process of creation rather than the collage table itself as your technology. I think that’s really cool as Smorti herself says that the process of deciding what to join together and how to join it is a technological process (1999). I like that you haven’t confined yourself to objects in the identification of technology. The use of the collage table is a good idea because so many things connected to it are technological. The paper, scissors, glue, paint etc. This area is a fountain of technological ideas and processes. From what I’ve read you seem to have a good idea of technology in early child, both digital and non-digital.