"Technology is 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 (Siraj-Blatchford & Siraj-Blatchford, 2003,
p.4)". At my centre we have six digital cameras which the children have
access to. They are constantly taking pictures all day at anytime. I have
noticed that children are really thrilled by this opportunity. I was amazed to
see what pictures they are able to capture and how they see the world through
their lenses. The photos are then uploaded on a file and put on slideshow on
the centre’s television. Parents and children can view this. ICT has extended the ability to connect
relationships and establish communication lines, which in turn has extended
children’s learning, and their experiences and parents have been more involved
and influenced in children’s experiences establishing responsive and reciprocal
relationships (Hatherly,
2009).
By having so
much exposure to this technology children are able to also communicate with
their peers about what is happening in the picture. This also boots their cognitive
development as they are to recall and retell. Children are also able to record
events and which can be used in their learning stories. Ellis & Van Scoter (2001) states “studies highlight the
opportunities for language use and interaction that technology offers children”
(p.9). Children can also print their photos with the help of teachers and
laminate them. They usually take body shots of each others, print, laminate and
then make puppets by adding paper legs, hands or just ice-block sticks. By looking
at the photos children are also able to show to the teachers if they want to re-visit
that particular activity. Through the meaningful use of ICT and proper guidance and encouragement
learning opportunities for children will be enhanced (Ministry of education,
2007, p.2).
By using and
operating the camera the children are keeping up with today’s modern world of
technology. Each day children are getting more skillful with ICT. They are also
able to teach their peers bringing in the concept of tuakana teina. Technology can contribute to developing children’s dispositions
to learning extending their knowledge and appreciative of the world and obtain
operational skills. Fostered learning opportunities through the meaningful use
of ICT will facilitate children to boost their interactions and expand their perspective
which can be achieved by exploring the wider world (Aubrey & Dahl, 2008).
Moreover, in today’s world everywhere
technology is visible. It is very important to keep up with the latest technologies
and children are so capable and competent learners that in no time they are able
to grasp on how to operate and investigate. As
an early childhood educator I feel that each day I am learning with the children.
Arthur, Beecher, Death, Dockett & Farmer (2007) discusses "[the
benefits of having the view that children are competent users of technology who
are active agents in their own learning (p. 13)". As an educator
I can foster children’s knowledge in technology by role modelling, giving time to
the children to explore with camera. Furthermore children need to be educated about
taking care of equipment be trusted they are responsible learners.
References
Arthur, L., Beecher, B., Death, E., Dockett,
S., & Farmer, S. (2007). Programming and planning
in early childhood settings (4th ed.).
South Melbourne, Australia: CENGAGE Learning.
Aubrey, C. & Dahl, S. (2008). A review of the evidence on the
use of ICT in the early years foundation stage. Retrieved from http://www.e-learningcentre.co.uk/Resource/CMS/Assets/5c10130e-6a9f-102c-a0be-003005bbceb4/form_uploads/review_early_years_foundation.pdf
Ellis, D., & Van Scoter, J.
(2001) Technology in Early
childhood Education: Finding the Balance.Northwest Regional Educational
Laboratory.
Siraj-Blatchford,
J., & Siraj-Blatchford, I. (2003). More than computers: Information and communication techology in the early years.London, U.K.: The
British Association for Early Childhood Education.
Ministry of Education. (2007). The New
Zealand curriculum. Wellington, New Zealand: Learning Media.
Hi Seema.
ReplyDeleteWow! Six cameras I consider that very, very lucky and they have a right to be thrill unlike some centre, children are hardly given the freedom to access digital technology in their centre. It sounds like we’ve had the same experience, and I totally agree with you how children randomly just took picture of just about anything. I sometimes questions why did the child took that picture which I find it bizarre sometimes; but that’s how they interpret and make sense of their world. Children must given the opportunity to freely express themselves how ever they like while using the digital camera and to make choices about own learning. This is just a great link which I though I would share it with you. If you read through, this link have heaps of ideas about the using of digital within the early learning center but overall thank you for sharing your experience with me and the rest of our group. http://ictearlyyears.e2bn.org/resources_83.html
Seema, I totally agree with you that by using technology within the centre children boost their interactions. I think that cameras are a great way to build upon children’s social and communication skills. I am glad to hear that your centre allows the children to access the cameras because some of the centres do not give that freedom to children. I also believe that technology is a way of extending your knowledge and you also learn from others. As early childhood educators, we get to learn new and exciting things at our centres every day. It is great to see that you acknowledge children’s experiences by putting their pictures on the centre’s television. Children love to recall their experience and recognise themselves in the photos. They get to have fun with their peers and also improve their cognitive skills. Ka pai!
ReplyDeletehello again Seema
ReplyDeleteI love that your centre has six cameras, because it gives other children to explore it with other children. I also find it helpful that you identified the learning experiences children can receive from this technology. I also like that the children pictures are being used for them to look at on a slideshow, it also helps children see what they captured on the camera on a bigger screen, this can make children feel that their experiences are valued and noticed. It’s nice that you have mentioned that we have to keep up with technology because it upgrades and changes every time.
Here is a link that I have found that may also support you blog and children with cameras hope its helpful.
http://stopdropandblog.com/2012/04/17/let-the-kids-take-their-own-pictures-youll-be-surprised-pleased-with-the-results/
Honestly Seema your centre is so lucky, 6 cameras compared to us with only 2 to share. I also agree with you on the note where you said that children view the world in different lenses, which is correct from my point of view because we see things differently from children, they look at things outside the box as in us adults we have a narrow view of things. It is also good to see that the children then upload the pictures; which are then displayed for parents to see and it’s also good to see that it makes relationships stronger. I also believe Seema that this technology can be used as a communication tool for parents to staff; this would be good for parents whose second language is English. I also agree that we are all learners here, children learn of us and most importantly we learn of them. Thank you Seema, it’s great to see that we all notice leaning in different areas. Ka pai...
ReplyDelete