Last Monday, I
observed children interests and I noticed child A and B approached to library
corner to use computer and they turned on the computer but it did not work. They
approached to me and asked me for help. I went there and checked what happened
but it did not work too. I asked help from a staff who is good at technologies.
He fixed it and it work and he told me that somebody has turned the monitor
dark that is why we cannot see the monitor. After he told me, I aware that most
children are playing around with that button. According to Somorit (1999)
“technology is about helping people and solving problem” (p. 5).
When child A and
B saw the computer work, they were very happy and excited. I noticed they used
computer to play games such as painting, singing, reading and writing. Computer
with supporting activities reinforce children learning and development
(Verenikina & Kervin, n.d). I noticed they were communicated, showed each
other what they can do on the computer and what they found also they were
teaching each other what button to press and where to go. According to Te Whāriki “children develop reflective
and creative thinking as they contribute ideas and try them out with others”
(Ministry of Education, 1996, p. 96).
Computer is an electronic device and it has become an
important part of education because we are using computers in every field.
Smorti (1999) states that technology is influenced by the culture or the
society. Computer is the best tools for children passionate about learning
because computers were used for a range of activities to improve sever skills.
Computers enhance children social, language and cognitive skills. (North West
Regional Education, 2001). I believe most centres introduced computer to
children because computer is common and powerful tool that can
provide another way for children to learn and make sense of their world.
According to Tsantis, Bewick & Thouvenelle (2003) “Appropriate uses of
computers as powerful educational resources for young children” (p. 1)
I believe computer can support and extend learning
in valuable ways and can increase educational opportunities for children. According
to Tsantis, Bewick & Thouvenelle (2003) technology offers additional ways
to learn and to demonstrate learning. Computers are useful tool for children
learning. Computers were used for a range of activities such as alphabets, songs,
drawing, painting, numeracy and those activities reinforce children learning
and development (Tsantis, Bewick & Thouvenelle, 2003). When the children
play numbers and letter games or drawing games on the computer, this allows
children to improve their numeracy and literacy skills, as well as creative
skills.
References
Ministry of Education. (1996). Early childhood curriculum Te Whāriki: He whāriki mātauranga mo nga mokopuna o Aotearoa. Wellington, New
Zealand: Learning Media
North West
Regional Education, (2001). Technology in Early Childhood Education: Finding the balance. Retrieved from http://www.netc.org/earlyconnections/byrequest.pdf
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.
Verenikina I. & Kervin,
L.( n.d). iPads,
Digital Play and Pre-schoolers. Retrieved from http://www.hekupu.ac.nz/Journal%20files/Issue5%20October%202011/iPads%20Dig ital%20Play%20and%20Preschoolers.pdf
Picture
reference
http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?um=1&hl=en&sa=N&biw=1143&bih=674&tbm=isch&tbnid=9kwP3-bKCdoXgM:&imgrefurl=http://www.icpep.org/what-is-a-computer/&imgurl=http://icpep.org/wp-content/uploads/computer2.jpg&w=464&h=418&ei=u_
dCULmsA4WviQfArIHwAw&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=
127&vpy=297&dur=47&hovh=213&hovw=237&tx=124&ty=
124&sig=110819043908318716485&page=2&tbnh=148&tbnw=
180&start=18&ndsp=21&ved=1t:429,r:0,s:18,i:201
dCULmsA4WviQfArIHwAw&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=
127&vpy=297&dur=47&hovh=213&hovw=237&tx=124&ty=
124&sig=110819043908318716485&page=2&tbnh=148&tbnw=
180&start=18&ndsp=21&ved=1t:429,r:0,s:18,i:201
Kia ora Tinza for trying to make this through. Well your reflection tells me that children come to you when they need help. It was a sign the children trusted you, wasn't that cool? Yes I agree that computer is useful for children to extend their learning in literacy (Ministry of Education, 2007)but it also helps us teachers to improve our technological skills. Computer is a tool to make connection to the outer world by using other technological tools. As Smorti (1999) states, it helps people to solve problems. It is good to have someone that can fix your computer without a cost. If computer keys do not work that shows children are using it well. Do not forget Tinza, children are trying to explore things to make learning meaningful in their own world. Computer helps children's development with their communication skills. It enhances children's self confidence by taking turns and sharing ideas with others (Ministry of Education, 1996). I believe while children are playing games they know their limitations, what they can achieve and what not. Tumeke Tinza.
ReplyDeleteKia Ora! Tinza great to see you that you have a good relationship with children. I am glad that computer is a very useful technology for children to use with supervision of adult. Computers are one of the technology which introduce new knowledge and skills in todays modern world. According to Somorit (1999) “technology is about helping people and solving problem” (p.5). This concept will assist children in connecting them to a wider world. I believe technology helps to develop children's communcation and problem solving skills. I am proud that you have a team work. well done!
ReplyDeleteKai pai Tinzar. I liked your range of reflections, and that some of the reflections showed that you really researched. I liked that the children approached you when they needed help. This shows that they feel comfortable around you. As Smorti (1999) states “technology is about helping people and solving problem” (p. 5). You clearly show this by explaining that the two children were communicating with each other and by everybody helping each other use the computer. You are completely right, computers are a very important tool and are very helpful, which is a good reason to teach children how to use the computer when they are younger. It was nice to see that this reflection was child based, as it was the child's interest in the computer which started the experience.
ReplyDeleteTumeke, Tin Zar!
Hello TinZar
ReplyDeleteI like how children approached you when they need help; it shows me that children are comfortable with you. When I read your reflection I now aware of the benefits of using computer such as enhance children social interaction, language and cognitive skills. It is amazing how a technology tool like computer enhance children’s learning. I also agree with you with that most centres introduced computers to children part of children’s learning. However, teachers need to aware that there are also negative impacts of using computer. Negative impacts are such as children might not play outdoor activities, or they might not read books, or the children might not going to do painting anymore. It is very important teachers should limit the time when children are using computer in the centre. Also teachers should check with the children what picture or information they are looking up because the children might see or search inappropriate pictures or information.