Final Blog

Technology has come a very long way since televisions, radios and videos (VCR). I still remember when computers were once the newest and best things that came out and when we first had one at home it was very exciting as a child even without internet. Technology is a big part of our lives now and I cannot imagine anyone having no mobile phone because it is a very common device. Smoorti (1999) clarifies technology as something that makes our lives easier. Technology comes with many advantages and disadvantages and I think it’s our role as adults to guide children around them but also teaching them how to be safe around it and using it appropriately.

Our children today are growing up with advanced technology surrounding them and is it constantly changing, for example videos to dvds, tv’s to flat screens and the number of ipods and ipads that are out. I think our children today are very lucky to be growing up with technology because it is a very helpful learning tool. Technology has always provided a faster and more efficient way to teach children new skills and some people say that ipad’s could be the best new learning tool.

By doing this assignment it has taught me many things and one of the main things that stood out was that technology isn’t just about digital resources but is also involved in our everyday lives. Smoorti (1999) points out the different types such as a ballpoint pen, clothes peg and the processes. I also learnt that many centres incorporate music a lot and also use it as a transition tool which is great because I find it more calming for everyone. I believe digital technology can be an educational tool depending on the adult supervising and it is just as important as the other areas at the centre.

 

I enjoyed putting up my blogs and getting feedback from the members in my group because it was very helpful and great knowing that they understood my experiences. I think blogging is a great communication tool that we could use with the parents because you can post up photos, videos and how everything is going at the centre. It is important to teach children about technology so they don’t fall behind and start to struggle when they do need to use it. Technology is here to stay and is constantly evolving and as teachers we need to be aware and learn about the new technologies coming out so we can be familiar with it. It can be something to learn about with the children.

However, having digital technology for example an ipad at the centre can also be a bad thing because some children might just stay where the ipad is for a long period of time just waiting for their turn. That’s where I think adults need to step in and encourage children to go and find something else to do while they are waiting and explore different parts of the centre. The outside area and the art table is also important because I believe children can develop different skills from different experiences.

Overall I had fun blogging and learning about the different types of technology. Before I did this assignment I didn’t think about children and technology much because I didn’t think it was very important but now I have completely changed my mind. Children need to learn about it because as they grow up it will still be evolving and no one really knows what will be kind of technology will be coming out next.