http://annlm-annlm.blogspot.comThe use of technology can be used to record and analyse, and share how children learn. For example McNaughton and Williams talk about how digital cameras, audio and video recordings, computers, laptops and photocopiers assist in this way. Educators can use digital recorders and phones to make recordings of conversations, work in progress, dramatic play which can be reviewed at a later date and analysed.
Children can make their own audio and video recordings, for example their musical creation and video recording. Such happened today (09/11) at the Centre. In the course of the week, the children had been listening to the story of the Three Little Pigs using a storybook CD while the teachers used props to aid in the story telling. This was followed by the children re-enacting the story which was videotaped on camera and replayed back to the children. It was interesting to note how special they were feeling to see themselves “on TV” so to speak! The children were able to see themselves as story tellers.
Today (10/08) teacher C left the video camera in place with music in the background and asked the children to make their own play of a rock band. Some were fascinated to see themselves live on screen strumming on their guitars and moving to the music. C and A made transformers and told their own story.
In addition, digital photos taken are easily uploaded onto journals or portfolios or printed in various ways, even used to create slide shows which are another way of sharing the child’s learning experiences. Not only those, the child can revisit and talk about it. Furthermore the information can be shared via email or a website. (McNaughton and Williams).
Smorti (1999) defines technology as helping people and solving problems... through the development of products, systems or environments. Solution to problems are met through combining the knowledge skills and resources
It is evident that the technology allows us to give information and to be entertained. Children begin to understand that TV is not a box to go in, and that we can use a video camera to capture photos which is relayed back as an image. C also demonstrated how this can be done with the use of a laptop which has been fitted with a camera. Another demonstration involved connecting the laptop to a TV screen and showing for example a documentary of a volcanic eruption from the internet.
Children develop the ability to represent their discoveries using creative and expressive media and the technology associated with them (Ministry of Education,) they develop experience with some technology.
Technology allows for change and opportunity in early childhood in a world which is becoming increasingly technological.To give children the best chance in life, educators will need to broaden their own ideas of technology.
Technology allows for change and opportunity in early childhood in a world which is becoming increasingly technological.To give children the best chance in life, educators will need to broaden their own ideas of technology.
McNaughton, G., & Williams. (2009). Techniques for teaching young children: choices in theory and practice (3rd ed.).Frenchs Forrest, NSW, Australia: Pearson Prentice Hall.
Ministry of Education. (1996). Te Whāriki: he whāriki mâatauranga mo nga mokopuna o Ăotearoa: Early Childhood curriculum. Wellington, New Zealand: Learning Media.
Smorti,S.(1999). Technology in Early Childhood, Early Education, No 19Autumn1999.http://rosebud.blogspot.com
Hi Luana
ReplyDeleteA great reflection. It is very evident that the use of digital technology is working well in your centre and that this medium is enjoyed by both the children and the teachers alike. I agree that digital cameras, video cameras definitely bring out the curious mind in children. The need of wanting to know how this equipment works and what transfers the picture from one point to another is intriguing.
I remember back in the good old days when I had a tape recorder. We used to record our voices then play it back several times to hear what we sounded like, and to my surprise, listening to my voice playing back sounded funny. We do not know what our voices sound like per say, but when playing it back that just blows your mind.
Today technology has advanced so much that almost every bit of device has a camera, voice recording and video recording attachment. It is amazing how well children can operate these devices. Due to the rapid expansion of technology over the past decade, hypermedia instructional programs have become commonplace in both educational and business markets (Kozma, 1991, as cited in Yang, 2009). Children of all ages have increased access to technology such as the internet, Mp3, Ipods and social networking. In contrast to more traditional environments, technology offers greater opportunities for interactivity and learner control (Yang, 2009).
http://rlandsberg.blogspot.com/
Reference:
Yang, S-H. (2009). Using Blogs to Enhance
Critical Reflection and Community of
Practice. Educational Technology & Society,
12 (2), 11-21.
Kia ora Luana,
ReplyDeleteGreat first blog post, it's very informing and paints a clear picture for the reader. You are very right in your comments about the excitment amongst the tamariki in being able to see themselves on television, I have had a similar experience with this which I will post on my blog today about videoing children dancing, the joy and excitment on their faces when they were watching the playback was absolutely priceless.
I really like the continuity that is evident through these learning experiences, as you extended the childrens current interests by introducing different resources and mediums to the environment.
The only suggestion that I would have for your future blog posts would be to look at foucusing on one area at a time and looking at it more in depth.
I look forward to your next post.
Carly
Wow, Luana that was great learning experience for your children. I hope my centre can provide a video camera for our children’s learning too. We know that children explore and discover more through the use of high technology equipment. Digital and video cameras are very flexible tools when combined with the computer. Children are able to learn through the experiences of downloading the photos onto the computer, and maybe having some fun editing them as well. We can even email the photos to children’s parents and families with a simple note to show them how their child’s doing in the centre. We can use a webcam to enable parents and children to see and talk to each other, and this will ease the transition for both the child and parents. Both teachers and children can communicate through the internet through webcam with the parents and whanau. That will also increase the fun of learning and children’s interest in exploring technology. It is another good way to build good relationships and partnerships with parents and families.
ReplyDeletehttp://ninalovesjesus.blogspot.com
Feedback to Luana's first reflection
ReplyDeleteFrom Digital Technology in Early Childhood, I have learned that technological products, such as computers and cameras, they not only help people solve problems, but also provide a meaningful learning environment which is enriching children's technological knowledge and skills. For example in Luana's reflection, children begin to understand that TV is not a box to go in.
This reflection create an awareness that as an ECE student teacher in promoting technology learning within a setting, my skills and knowledge of this area are needed to improve.
As I am not a 'technological person', this couse gave me a lot of challenge to create a blog. Fortunately, the team members' support, especially Rosie's scaffolding helps me to achieve my 'ZPD' of technology.
This reflection and my own experiences showed that a technological environment/products, teachers'and peers' help and daily routine program, all contribute to children and teachers, technological development.