Final blog reflection.
Throughout the classes for technology and
through researching I have learnt that technology can also be non-digital. It’s
made me more aware of what people perceive as technology and that in actual
fact everything ever invented and whatever is still yet to be invented is
technology in some form of way. I have learnt from reading other blogs that
ipads are a really neat way for children to learn. I would love to incorporate this
into my room as we are not allowed to use ipads with the under threes. If it is
age appropriate it will be more beneficial to the children’s learning and
development. “For technology to be developmentally appropriate, it should be
responsive to the ages and developmental levels of the children, to their
individual needs and interests, and to their social and cultural contexts” (McManis,
& Gunnewig, 2012, p. 16).
While reading the comments for my painting
blog there was a common theme coming through in the three comments that I have
reflected on. They all in some way noted the fact that I give children the
opportunity to freely explore with the paint. I always give children the option
of choosing and having a say in the process of exploring and creating. I love
seeing the children get messy as I know that they are having fun and if I was a
parent I always say that if my child is messy at the end of the day I know deep
down that they had fun during the day with using messy opportunities. “Children
need to have the chance to try out, to experiment, to explore, to practice, to
extend themselves, to be free to do things the way that they want “(Penrose,
1990, p. 96).
Leigh what an awesome idea that you let me
know about with the lights and the magnets. Im definitely going to have to organise
something to have a chance to allow the toddlers to have more of an experience.
Rachel admitted that she has never used magnets, I am glad that I have inspired
her to try this out and give the children that opportunity to explore a new
material. It’s amazing what children will do with magnets and they definitely need
to be exposed to this. “Children use a variety of technologies for different
purposes as they explore their world” (Ministry of Education, 1996, p. 98).
Katie the radio definitely allows the
children to blow off steam as they can do anything that they can imagine or
desire to do. They can express emotions and be part of a group or individual
activity depending on how many children want to dance or play musical instruments
throughout the day. Teachers are said to “fulfil their own personal musical
roles and responsibilities effectively when they function as motivators,
planners, observers and facilitators” (Isenberg, & Jalongo, 2010, p. 174).
Technology for me is quite a hard concept to
grasp as I don’t see myself as a technological person. It does feel challenging
and overwhelming when you don’t know how to use it (Fleer, & Jane). However
after broadening my own horizons with technology I have come to the conclusion
that everything is technology. It all had to be invented and made. I am definitely
more positive about using technology and use it positively in everyday
practice. I am opening up to allowing the children to teach me something about
technology. Such as how to use certain things and to be open o different and
new ideas that come by.
Reference list.
Fleer, M., & Jane, B. (2011). Design
and technology for children. Frenchs Forest, Australia: Pearson Australia.
Isenberg, J., & Jalongo, M.
(2009). Creative thinking and arts-based learning: Preschool through fourth
grade (5th ed.). Columbus Ohio, United States of America:
Pearson.
Ministry of Education.
(1996). Te Whāriki: He whāriki mātauranga
mō ngā mokopuna o Aotearoa : Early
childhood curriculum. Wellington, New Zealand: Learning Media.
McManis, L. D., & Gunnewig, S.B. (2012).
Finding the education in educational technology with early learners. Young Children, 14-24.
Penrose, P. (1998). Taken another look: Tirohia anō (2nd. ed.).(pp. 10-37).
Auckland: New Zealand
Playcentre Federation.
