Computer Explorers
Technology exsists almost everwhere in the world greater than ever before where the world have formed by people and change in the course of technology (Smorti, 1999). Since technology has become more accessible and expanded it's communication purposes, children who come to our centre have already had that 'fund of knowledge'. This sometimes can be problematic in how teacher’s underestimate children of how much they know about technology. (Hatherly, 2009)
At our center we have only have one computer and it is positioned only at our preschooler's classroom. It is a previlege for these age group to have access to the use of computer which they love to take advantage of. The computer is at the same height as the children which makes it more accessible for them. As an educator I believe that it is vital for the children to have access to the computer because children can simply determine when the computer is available. Having this piece of technology available to our children is hugely beneficial. Children interact with each other which encourage them to learn and discover from one another and it also support their language development.
The available software for the children is all developmental
programme and age appropriate for this age group. I’ve noticed that the
advantages of these learning software is enormous. It increases children’s
thinking skills, non-verbal communication when engaging in the computer
activity; most significantly in construction of their knowledge. I noticed, the
children who will first approach the computer or are most likely to on it are those who have had experience it. I can tell by the way they actively approach, excited and ready
to explore. Software icon is displayed on the desktop so children can choose what programme they like. Those children who have prior computer experiences know what to click?, what they like to learn? what
their expecting? what comes next? By observing and interacting with the children while on the computer as beneficial as I am learning with the children.
I noticed that there are also some
children who find using the computer a bit frightening. There is a four year old girl who I’ve seen always starring at the computer while other
children enjoying themselves in the computer. When I approach her she said “she
might break the computer”. I feels that she needs more encouragement, motivation and support to get familiar this technological equipment. From this situation it reveals how crucial it is for us teacher’s to be aware of each
child’s needs and to be able to respond. (Ministry of
Education, 1996) With pleasure I introduced this child on how to
use the computer. I first read her a story from the computer and she was so surprised that using a computer is same as reading a book. It was an astonishing transformation
from being scared to slowly engaging with this resource. By giving here that
opportunity she felt valued and most importantly a sense of belonging within the
context. It is up to her if she wants to continue exploring the computer. It is important for me to give children the opportunity to have access of technology. Ministry of Education (2007) states that “our
vision is for young people who will be creative, energetic, and enterprising….who
will be confident, connected, actively involved, and lifelong learners”
Reference List
Hatherly,
A. (2009). ICT and the greatest technology: A teacher’s mind. Early Childhood Folio, 13(1), 7-11.
Ministry of Education. (1996). Te Whāriki: He whāriki mātauranga mō ngā mokopuna o Aotearoa : Early childhood curriculum. Wellington, New Zealand: Learning
Media.
Ministry of
Education. (2007). The New Zealand curriculum. Wellington, New
Zealand: Learning Media.
Smorti, S. (1999)
Technology in early childhood. Early Education, 1, 5-10.
Hello Miss Tonga, I too believe that computers are becoming a need for the humankind. It gets bit hard though when there is only one computer in a centre with many children. However, with support and guidance everyone can have a chance at some stage. i liked the way you supported the four-year old girl b y introducing her to the computer. Some children are hesitant to try new things because maybe at home they are not allowed to touch the computers thus they think they will get into trouble. Educators can break the ice by giving them the opportunity to take the risk. Early childhood is all about trial and error I feel this is very important so that children are always curious and will want to continue investigating throughout their lives.
ReplyDeleteI think that computer is an awesome tool for children. Interaction is a vital key aspect when it comes to children’s learning and children like exploring and learning alongside their peers. I agree with you that some children find it frightening to use a computer because some parents do not feel confident to let their children access computers. I think that centre computers should be child friendly and they should have children’s program on the desktop only so that children cannot access dangerous websites. I also agree that technology exists everywhere in the world. I think that technology has made our lives much easier and convenient. I think that technology can bring in negative effects as well such looking at the computer screen can strain the children’s young eyes and also they can get addicted to it. Have a think about the negative effects as well as the positive effects. I have really enjoyed reading your reflections. Tumeke!!
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ReplyDeleteWe also have one computer in our centre, but children in our centre know that the computer is for everyone and everyone has to share and have a turn on the computer. I like the way you approach and encourage, motivate and support the little girl in your centre about using the computer, I was like that when I first went on computers but the more I worked with computers the more confidence I get with technology. Our role is to help, facilitate and extend children’s learning as supported by MacNaughton & Williams (2009) that, “Increasingly, computers are being used as ‘demonstrators’ of specific skills, especially literacy and numeracy skills, in the early-years classroom” (p. 49). Children are the future of our country and for them to achieve their goals in life we have to teach them expose them to technology so that they can be confidence, connected and involved in our world of technology as I agree with you that technology exists everywhere. Kapai.
Yes Jen I agree that all children should have access to computers because it does help them enhance their skills. I also agree that placing the computer somewhere that children can access easily is also a great idea. Yes Jen I also agree that if a child is not exposed to technology then they are not confident at using this at any stage, but we as educators are there too support them and also motivate the children to use technology and also show them that it is fun using technology especially with your friends. I enjoyed reading when you said you read her a book from the computer, this showed her many different things you could do on the computer and it also boosted up her confidence. And also I agree that it is up to the child if she wants to continue exploring computers, this was also another good learning point for the child to explore and also to problem solve and it was also a good learning point for you as you encouraged the child to use the computer. Tino pai Jen...
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