Throughout this experience of recognising the importance of
how technology can enhance or how significant it is on children’s learning and
development; I myself have learnt a lot about technology. Although I love
technology and using technology devices; creating a blog was one thing I had
never done before, however in doing this assignment I have learnt a lot about
technology and how I have to realise that almost everything we see or we touch
or experience with can be considered as technology. Whether it is books, or a
pen, to a digital device, these are all considered as objects of technology. As
Smorti (1999) believes that the idea of technology is basically anything that
is able to help us solve problems. Although we only see technology as only
computers, cameras, or digital devices; it is important for educators as well
as family to understand the true meaning of technology as well as being able to
identify the differences so that they will be encouraged to teach their
children; As Ministry of education (1996) quotes, “children use a variety of
technologies for different purposes as they explore their world” (p. 98).
Although technology is an important factor of developing
children’s learning, I also believe that there are other ways that children are
able to learn such as outdoor play; As Tsantis, Bewick and Thouvenelle (2003)
quotes, “complex school-based problems will not be solved simply by installing
additional or faster computers” (p. 5). However, technology can still be used
as a tool to evaluate the significance on children’s learning and technology.
By being able to use technology with children, children are able to understand
as well as be more equipped to the updated adaptations that technology go
through these days. A lot of children are now used to playing with ipads,
ipods, laptops, Samsung galaxy, and it is our job as teachers and educators to
be able to show willingness to learn about these new technology so children are
given the opportunities to express the things they enjoy to learn with. According
to Fravel (2012), technology can be used to encourage and enhance children’s
learning in other areas however that does not say that technology must replace
everything else. Technology should not however be the only resource that
children use, children should still be encouraged to create imaginations by
outdoor experiences, or even hands on learning.
Thank you to my fellow class mates for such warm, and
encouraging comments regarding my reflections on my own teaching experiences
with technology. With my reflection two on cameras, I enjoyed reading Varsha’s
comments as we both had the same beliefs about the importance of the use of cameras
in our centres today. Thank you Varsha for your feedback as well as your input
on how I can better my practice of what I can do next time. In addition, my
first reflection on books I was given great advice and feedback from Judy and
Miyuki. I liked the idea that they both suggested about making books with the
children next time. The children at my centre really enjoy different kinds of
books, so given this idea I thought was very helpful as I know how much the children
will be excited to be able to create their own ideas onto paper. Lastly, thank
you Fatima for pointing out such great theories according to my third
reflection on computers. It was also great to read about how honest you were
with your experiences with technology, and it was great to know that reading my
reflection also helped you realise the importance of computers.
My beliefs on technology has definitely been challenged during
this assignment, but however I can say that I have learnt and understood a lot
about technology and plan to use these experiences throughout my practice as
well as with the children I work with.
References
Fravel,
N. (2012). New statement on technology and media in early childhood. Suite101.com.
Retrieved from http://suite101.com/article/new-statement-on-technology-and-media-in-early-childhood-a406742
Ministry
of Education. (1996). Te Whāriki: He whāriki mātauranga mo nga mokopuna o
Aotearoa. Wellington, New Zealand: Learning Media.
Smorti, S. (1999) Technology in early childhood. Early
Education, 1, 5-10.
Tsantis,
L. A., Bewick, C. J., & Thouvenelle, S. (2003). Examining some common myths
about computer use in the early years. Young Children, 58(1), 1-9.
