The use of technology in my centre is part of our natural daily program. We use various technological devices such as laptops, interactive board, cameras, and video cameras. We also use electronic appliances for cooking with children. It is important to note that these devices are not only for the use of teachers but also for the children’s use.
Every time I’m about to capture a ‘memento’ of a child’s learning, another child will be patting me on my arm as he/she wants to have a go using the camera. So lately, we have been showing the children how to use the camera and the video camera, how to switch it on and how to capture or record. The children seemed to be very interested in how these devices work and are willing to learn how to make it function properly.
ICT and technology are becoming fundamental components in children’s learning in early childhood education (Ministry of Education, 1996). Te Whāriki (Ministry of Education, 1996) promotes the use of ICT in early childhood education as it perceives it as the connection with the wider world. ICT in this context is anything that allows us to communicate or get information.
The Ministry of Education (2009) and Smorti (1999) assert that ICT is another way to foster our tamariki’s creativity and problem solving skills in ECE. According to Smorti (1999) the use of technology can enhance children’s literacy and numeracy skills and get them ready for school. Therefore as early childhood teacher, I will be working closely with our future tamariki to explore more about technology and ICT to become young citizens who are healthy in mind, body and spirit (Ministry of Education, 1996).
Kia Ora Rana, it is interesting to see how you foster children's learning using technology. The children seem eager to learn and I agree that we teachers need to provide opportunities for them to use cameras, video recorders etc. Children are competent and capable and need to be stimulated and challenged continuously. Keep up the good work:)
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ReplyDeleteWhat awesome photo's of the children using the video camera. They look very engaged in their play. You also have great literature to support the use of ICT in early childhood.
Awesome work Rana. Allowing the children to use the equipment that the teachers use and not having separate equipment for them shows the respect that you have for the children. Entrusting them with expensive equipment that can very well go wrong instantaneously is something that you as a teacher as well as your centre can be commended on.
ReplyDeleteHi Rana., it has come to my attention over this course that there are alot ways to introduce ICT into our everyday activities I have encluded the children in our documentation process such as using the camera helping to down load photos onto the computor and of course the printingof photos. I have found this very effective in providing ICT experiences for the children like your photo's suggest children learn from hands on experiences. I also like the idea of using electronic kitchen appliences in cooking activities and belive there could be hudge learning opportunitie provided from this experience and shall be adding this to my list of activities to try.
ReplyDeleteYour children and you have been lucky, your centre has lots of resources for children to use. It made a different for children's learning. Children would be very happy to view their photos, it develops different learning experiences for them. well done.
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