Final Reflection: Reflecting on my group members’ comments and technology learning

2^nd September, 2012

Why do we need Information technology in early childhood? Information technology can be defined as “anything which allows us to get information, to communicate with each other or to have an effect on the environment using electronic or digital equipment”(Ministry of Education, 2004, p.2).

Comments I received from group members were encouraging. I am not a digital native, whenever it comes to information and communication technology I ‘fall short’, yet it is never too late for me or anyone who is willing to learn to up skill themselves. I have learnt the importance that a teacher can impact on children’s attitude towards ICT. When a teacher is not confident with using a computer, the children will lose the opportunities of experiencing this technology. As the teacher will not promote it to the children and they are great observers and imitate what the adult models to them (MacNaughton & Williams, 2009). “The integrations of ICT into teaching and learning have meant a quantum leap in the teachers’ technology skills” (Meade, 2005, p.29). It takes time, patience and support from others. Members of my group all agree digital technology is here to stay and advances, as life goes on.

My personal opinion is, I believe that computer/ ICT do enhance children’s learning, from my teaching practice that I experienced in a kindergarten; they use computer, digital camera and other ICT equipments like, smart board, photocopier, the laminator, printer, and the fax machine. They have slotted digital technology into their learning as wellbeing, belonging, contribution, communication and exploration.

In my second reflection I talked about how the digital camera and laptop were used in my teaching practicum centre. We recorded video footage and played the footage to the children, which developed a raft of useful documents for the fashion show. This not only enhanced the children’s learning but also involves their families. We put the footage on a CD for the families who were unable to attend and in addition allows the children to revisit their experience.

One of my group members has commented on my third reflection regarding to the children’s thinking and problem solving skills. When children are working cooperatively together, if one child figures out a solution to a problem, they can share what has been discover to their peers,  as well as  cooperative technological learning. For example with this assignment I learnt how to set up a blog and learnt through reflections, also interacting with group members through their comments. I have experienced many frustrations and obstacles through the process; however I managed to overcome the difficulties with perseverance. Now I have a better understanding of why we use a blog. Blogs can stimulate thinking and motivate learning (Yang, 2009). 

There is much computer software out in the market place, not all children’s software is beneficial for them, teachers and parents need to ensure a suitable program for the children is essential, soft ware that meets the needs and interests of children that will foster inquiry, communication and problem solving(Isenberg & Jalongo,2010). 

The thoughtful and meaningful use of ICT in early childhood education servicers can support children “to grow up as competent and confident learners and communicators, healthy in mind, body and spirit, secure in their sense of belonging and in the knowledge that they make a valued contribution to society”(Ministry of Educaton,1996).

Technologies have pushed back the boundaries of human knowledge and ability since the beginning of time (Bennington, Harrison, Morrison & Oxlade, 2003). Technologies are everywhere, from simple devices such as wheel, ramp, scissors and oven to mobile phones, digital cameras and computers shows how technological know-how develops gradually and can branch into many directions.

References

Bennington, S., Harrison, P., Morrison, A., & Peacock, G. (2003) The illustrated science encyclopedia: Great inventions. London, united Kingdom: Hermes House.

Isenberg, J. & Jalongo, M. (2010). Creative thinking and arts based learning. New Jersey. United States of American: Pearson Education.

Ministry of Education. (1996). Te Whārik he whāriki mātauranga mō ngā mokopuna  o Aotearoa: Early childhood curriculum. Wellington, New Zealand: Learning Media.

Ministry of Education. (2004).Information and communication technology (ICT) Te hangarau Pārongo me te whakawhitiwhiti: Kei tua o te pae assessment for learning: Early childhood exemplars (20). Wellington, New Zealand: Learning Media.

Meade, A. (2005). Catching the waves: Innovation in early childhood education. Wellington, New Zealand: NZCER Press.

MacNaughton, G., & William, G. (2009). Techniques for teaching young children: Choices in theory and  practice  (3^rd ed.). Frenchs Forrest, NSW, Australia: Pearson Prentice Hall.

Yang, S.-H.(2009). Using Blogs to Enhance Critical Reflection and Community of Practice. Education Technology & Society, 12(2), 11-21.