Final Reflection :)

This blogging experience has been an intense, thought-provoking experience that has given me many valuable learning experiences.  At first I was a little hesitant and uncertain of this technological process however I can now say I am quite fond of the experience, now knowing my way around the blogging system.  This technology assignment has made me question my thoughts about the significance of technology and how we can use digital technology to foster children’s learning and development. It has also made me reflect upon my image of a child and their growing confidence and capability around using digital technology independently. 

 

I found reading my peer’s viewpoints on technology was very interesting, there were many blogs I whole heartedly agreed with especially around the digital camera being such a beneficial, useful tool for early childhood education. Also the use of laptops and computers being fostered through balanced learning opportunities. There were many inspiring and enlightening blog posts that convinced me of their valuable learning benefits as well as a few blogs which built my thinking and made me want to research further. 

I found my peers perspectives and comments were very encouraging and constructive towards the use of technology and good practice. I found with a few comments my peers agreed and commended good practice such as using the television as a motivating learning tool rather than a babysitting devise. There were also some great comments pointing out ways to further my ideas such as using the television for children to view documentaries on their interests. I also appreciated the links to literature my peers used to back up what they were saying. While also the areas of learning that I had not mentioned in my blog, for instance the aspect of children developing their pencil grip with coloured pencils  and how this is fostered with a form of non-digital technology. There was also some feedback about technology pointing out that it is ‘how you use it’ that really matters.

This leads me to how my opinion has slightly changed towards the use of technology. I found it surprising that everyday significant items can be classed as technology although once I considered and thought closely it all made sense.  I am learning to love technology and all its benefits as it definitely makes tasks a lot easier as long as it is balanced with other learning experiences. Smorti (1999) advocates for, educators to scaffold children’s learning around technology as well as expand our understanding and extend our technological knowledge to benefit the children learning around technology.  I believe it is up to the teachers to create moments where children can use digital and non-digital technology to gain meaningful and valuable learning experience to foster and encourage children’s interests. According to Clements and Nastasi (1993) technology cannot and should not replace human interaction or relationships, or take the place of activities such as reading stories together or sharing conversations with children. Properly used, however, computers and software can serve as catalysts for social interaction and conversations related to children’s work (Van Scoter, Ellis & Railsback, 2001 p.9).  

I have personally been challenged by technology and will acknowledge my ideas about technology are still developing and changing as I learn more and can see its many benefits. I believe technology therefore has a place as long we are ready to use it in a positive beneficial way. The Ministry of Education (1996, p.98) claims that, “children use a variety of technologies for different purposes as they explore the world” therefore as teachers I feel we need to recognise this and encourage the many areas of technological learning. 

Overall this process has made me very engaged and has challenged and extended many of my views, it has also made me very hectic as other peers were counting on my posts and comments.  I did find it stressful within the time frame and put it down to my own time management however I am very happy with the outcome.

Reference List:

Ministry of Education. (1996). Te Whāriki, He whāriki matauranga mo nga mokopuna o Āotearoa:          Early childhood curriculum. Wellington, New Zealand: Learning Media.

Smorti, S. (1999). Technology in Early Childhood. Early Education, No.19 Autumn 1999.

Van Scooter, J., Ellis, D., Railsback, J. (2001). Technology in early childhood education: Finding the Balance. Northwest Regional Education Laboratory: Portland Oregon.