One of the digital technologies that educators and children
use in early childhood centres is a camera and as technology has become
advanced it can be used in many forms.
Today, while working with children in the outdoors I was
taking photos of the children of what they are playing or undertaking when one
of the girls approached me and asked if she can use the camera and take some
photos. I thought to myself that it would be a good inspiration to let the
child explore this technology. I gave her the camera and told her to use it
very carefully. She asked me what button to click if she wants to take a photo,
I showed her how to use it and she turned around and took my photo first before
she explored around the outdoor setting taking some photos. Te Whāriki states “children develop the
ability to represent their discoveries, using creative and expressive media and
the technology associated with them” (Ministry of Education, 1996, p.88). After
she finished taking photos, she came to me and asked if I can show her the
pictures that she took so I demonstrated her which buttons to push and she
explored the camera and viewed the images herself.
As an educator I feel that I scaffold this child’s learning
and interest of how to use this technology. I also believe that I provided
opportunity for this child to explore the camera while she is in the outdoors
and take some photos of the things that she thinks was attractive to her. Smorti
(1999), suggests that “if educators in early childhood are to scaffold
children’s learning in this area we need to broaden our understanding of
technology and continue to extend our own knowledge and skill base” (p.5). While providing for this child’s interest I
came across some challenges that I faced as there was only one camera which I
had and I wasn’t prepared for this type of learning for the children. When the
children saw ‘F’ using the camera they also wanted to have a turn so I
explained to them that they have to take turns as there was not enough cameras
for everyone to use at the same time. I also went inside and got 3 more cameras
so all children get equal opportunities to explore through this digital
technology and this solved the problem as the children didn’t have to wait
longer for their turns. The use of digital technologies such as camera also
enables educators to capture and record children’s work (Talay-Ongan and Ap,
2005).
Technology encourages communication and enhances children’s
language and concept development. Camera is a device that helps children stay
on task where they also gain independence and assurance. By allowing children
to use the camera I have acknowledged them to make their own choices of what
kind of photos they want to capture. Children develop the confidence to express
their own ideas and creativity through this technology whereas they also gain a
new skill and be capable of using and being familiar with the camera. The New
Zealand Curriculum states “the aim is for students to develop a broad
technological literacy that will equip them to participate in society as
informed citizens and give them access to technology-related careers” (Ministry
of Education, 2007, p.32). Through this learning experience children gained
problem solving and social skills as I observed them helping each other when
they faced difficulties, they tried to solve it themselves rather than coming
to me for help.
References
Images: Retrieved 15/03/12 from Google Images www.google.co.nz
Ministry of Education. (1996). Te
Whāriki, He whāriki matauranga mo nga mokopuna o Āotearoa: Early childhood
curriculum. Wellington, New Zealand: Learning Media.
Ministry of Education. (2007). The
New Zealand curriculum. New Zealand: Learning Media.
Smorti, S. (1999, Autumn) Technology in
early childhood. Early Education, 19.
Talay-Ongan, A., & Ap, E. A. (Eds).
(2005). Child development and teaching
young children. Southbank, Victoria, Australia:
Thompson Social Science Press.
It is great to see your journey through this process as I felt that you as an educator are developing your understanding of how you could foster children’s knowledge regarding technology. I liked the part where you allowed children to explore the camera and scaffolded their learning instead of teacher directing this experience for children. I personally believe that children should be given opportunities to discover things and great to know that children were helping each other as this develops confidence as well as it allows children to share their knowledge with each other. There is a reading which I came across which talks about supporting learning with ICT in preschool setting, I found that reading very interesting to read because it shows how children learn and develop through ICT skills. Have a read through it as it might give you more ideas on supporting children through the use of technology. This is the link for it. http://www.tlrp.org/pub/documents/no15_plowman.pdf
ReplyDeleteWell done shahbeeha
Shahbeeha when reading through your reflection I will also agree that camera is a common and useful technology in an early childhood setting as this digital technology can be explored in many different ways to allow children develop technological skills. It was good to see that you scaffold the child’s learning through guidance and by demonstrating the features on the camera. I as a student teacher believe that children should be given a chance to explore things on their own but through scaffolding. It was good to see that you provided this learning experience on the child’s interest. I liked the way you used your teaching strategies when facilitating the same learning experience for other children which demonstrates that as an educator you are thinking and reflecting about your teaching practise. It was good to read that through this learning experience children got to share their knowledge with each other as this helped them to get involved in a co-operative play when solving each other problems but overall a good reflection.
ReplyDeleteHi Shahbeeha
ReplyDeleteIt was interesting to read that you have shared the camera with the child. You provided the opportunity to child to take some photos and explore technology. She could share her experiences with you and peers. “By putting the camera into the hands of the child, you will view the world from the mind of the child (Pratt Prairie, 2005, p.169). You could extend children’s interest by introducing more technology tools like download in images in the computer and show their work. I agree with you, technology encourages communication skills and children feel confident to explore to express their ideas. It is good to know that to follow the children’s interests, you provided more cameras to them to explore through the digital technology. In my opinion as an early childhood teachers we need to introduce technology to the children as an important source of learning and knowledge .Ka pai!!!
Hi Shahbeeha
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed to reading your blog about camera. As an early childhood educator, you provide some basic information to children how to use camera. Technology motivates the children to explore the world. Children were very keen to take perfect photos. I believe children learn about technology from home and centre environment by coping adults and their peers. According to Fleer & Jane (1999), you can extend children’s learning by introducing more technology tools such as downloading the photos on the computer and then print some of their favourite photo, so that children can explain and describe why he/she took those photos. You can also laminate the photos and sharing with his parents and peers. By sharing his photos, you can promote his/her language and literacy skills.
Reference
Fleer, M., & Jane, B. (1999). Technology for children: Developing your own approach. New South wale, Australia: Prentice Hall.