Reflection 2 - Computer
Computer is one of the very useful pieces of technology which Smorti (1999) interprets its purpose “is about helping people and solving problems” (p. 5). Computer plays a distinctive role in children’s learning through exploration creative problem-solving and self-guided instruction (Hohmann, 1994, cited in Clements, 2002). It has its uniqueness ways to fostering children’s creativity, allowing them to alter, save, retrieving and connecting ideas from various areas (Clements & Sarama, 1998, cited in Clements, 2002).
Last week our centre received our new computer and it is the first ever computer in the centre for children. I noticed children’s excitement when the teacher told them during mat time the computer is for them to use. One of the teachers installed the computer in the library corner. Clements and Nastasi, (1992, cited in Clements, 2002) state that placing the computer in the classroom is ideally for everyone to access for social use. It has its positive influence “to facilitate positive social interactions and curriculum integration” (p. 173). The teacher called the children in pairs to come to the computer area. Before the children started their exploration, the teacher showed them different components of the computer as shown above. She turned it on and put the blank template on the screen as well as a cd beside the speaker then left. I observed the children; one was scrolling and clicking the mouse everywhere; the other on the keyboard typing any letters. They looked around to find where to slot the cd in. Children managed to get it through played it and listened to the music. Te Whāriki, talks about children developing “the attitude that not knowing and being uncertain are part of the process of being a good learner” (Ministry of Education, 1996, p. 84).
Computer helps to grow children’s experience in solving problems and develops children’s understanding of how technologies can help them and others. During their play they are building relationships; literacy by reading pictures, matching up and counting letters of their own names. Singing songs from the cd are all part of their cognitive skills. Ministry of Education (2007) clarifies that children “develop literacies in music as they listen and respond, sing, play instruments, create and improvise, read symbols and notations, record sound and music works, and analyse and appreciate music” (p. 21). Allowing children to express their own ideas gives them confidence to conquer fear of not knowing how to operate things they have never done before. I have learned that for children to enjoy learning new technology like the computer, teachers need to be attentive so that children’s learning can be meaningful; more interested and less frustrated (Binders & Ledger, 1985, cited in Clements, 2002). Our openness to embrace the new and unfamiliar assist children to treasure knowledge they have learned from us (Prairie 2005).
I do not believe in leaving the children with new equipment just a blank page without facilitating them through the process of how to use it. As Smorti states “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). Teachers need to extend their knowledge from what they have learned for children to broaden their understanding and knowledge about technology. In other words, do not limit children’s learning with what we know. Therefore, I agree with Muschasic (2003, cited in Prairie, 2005) notion where she sees facilitation as ways to support children exploring further as they navigate choices, problems solve, and find new information” (p.179). Therefore computers are not static. It is the most influential technology in our world. Technology revolutionises our world we are living in (Clements, 2002).
References
Clements, D. H. (2002). Computer in early childhood mathematics. Contemporary issues in early childhood,
3 (2), 160-181.
Google Image - computer. Retrieved from: http://www.coolnerds.com/newbies/hardware/hardware.htm
Ministry of Education. (1996). Te Whāriki: He whāriki mātauranga mō ngā mokopuna o Aoteroa: Early childhood curriculum. Wellington, New Zealand: Learning Media.
Ministry of Education. (2007). The New Zealand Curriculum: English-medium teaching and learning in years 1-13. Wellington, New Zealand: Learning Media.
Prairie, A. P. (2005). Inquiry into math, science, and technology for teaching young children. Clifton, Canada: Thomson.
Smorti, S. (1999, Autumn) Technology in earlychild. Early Education, 19.
Kia Ora Sera! Well written reflection with relevant literatures and theories. I do agree with you that computer is one of the most useful technology. Nowadays, computers are used everywhere such as work, schools etc. Your centre received a new computer for the first time? Aren’t the children lucky to have an opportunity to explore on computer for the first in the centre? It is very good idea that the teacher showed to children different components of the computer. I believe that children do need to know the different names of components of the computer such as keyboard, mouse etc. Did you or other teacher show to children how to open music or how to play songs on computer? I do agree with you that during the play children build relationship, literacy by reading pictures, matching and counting letter of their own names, how about turns taking skill?
ReplyDeleteWell explained through reflection, Kia pai Sera!
Tumeke Sera! I liked your wide range of theories. It backed up your resins for the importance of computers.
ReplyDeleteIt's a good idea to get the children used to using computers as our society depends on computers, and we are gradually becoming more used to doing everything on the computer, as you can pay for and have groceries delivered right to your doorstep.
It's also good to hear that the children learnt about the different components of a computer.
I liked you mentioning the importance of teachers scaffolding the children's learning.
You might want to be careful with your quotes. I have noticed that some have quotation marks but not all of them do.
Kai pai, Sera!
Hi Sera! Good to hear that you centre got a computer for children's learning. I believe computers are advanced technologies in this modern world and it can be an effective learning tools. In early childhood centres, it is quite common today using of the computer as a teaching resource. Our world today revolves around technology and has changed through technology (Smorti,1999). I agree with you that children are more curious to conversed with each other, taking turns and finding out information on their own. I do agree with you that children build effective relationships with one another in problems solving during play. Tino pai!
ReplyDeleteKia Ora Sera.
ReplyDeleteNice reflection and well written. You have linked with wide range of relevant theories and literatures. Tumeke. It is good to see that your centre introduced computer to children. Nowadays, computer is the most useful technology in society because we are using computer in every field such as education and work. Since this is the first time your centre introduced computer to children, it is great opportunity for children to experience with new technology in the centre.
It is good idea that teachers in your centre showed children different components of the computer so that children gain understanding and knowledge of how computer work. New Zealand curriculum states that showing different part of computer, allow children to develop knowledge particular to technological and understanding of how and why things work (Ministry of Education, 2007).
I do not think this is good idea the teacher in your centre leave the children with new technology after showing them different components. Children still need teachers help with new technology because for some of the children, it might be their first time of using computer. Therefore teachers need to scaffold children learning and I also believe children learn better when teachers support them.