Final Reflection

Throughout this process of looking at digital and non-digital technology, and reflecting on my experiences of using them with the children, I have been able to gain a deeper understanding of what technology is. Before this experience, I thought that technology was only digital cameras, radios, televisions and computers etc, and I found it hard to think of what non-digital technology was. However, I am now able to recognise a variety of non-digital technologies, which are present within our day to day life, such as; pens, puzzles, scissors and paper. As mentioned by Smorti (1999), technology helps to solve problems and make life easier. As stated by the Ministry of Education (1993), “Students who are competent thinkers and problem solvers actively seek, and use, and create knowledge” (p.12).

From observing the use of technology within my centre, and reflecting on these experiences, has given me a deeper understanding of what the benefits are in using a range of digital and non-digital resources, and what the children are gaining from it. I have also been able to reflect on my own practices, and find out whether or not I am effectively supporting the children’s learning and development. Because technology is ever changing and is only getting more and more advanced, I think that it is so important for children to have these experiences with technology, as it not only helps to develop their literacy and fine motor skills, but also enables children to become active problem solvers, deepening their understanding of the world around them. As stated by The Ministry of Education (1996), “… problem solving contributes to self confidence and well-being” (p.94). I have also learned that it is extremely important for educators to keep up to date with technology, so that they too can develop their own knowledge and skills, and effectively scaffold the children’s learning and development through technology (Smorti, 1999).

I have also learned about what a blog is, and how to use it. Before this experience I hadn’t worked with Blogger, and I found it to be quite confusing. However, I now am able to see how effective blogs can be within early childhood, and how much knowledge is able to be shared, which helps to improve the practices of educators. As acknowledge by Liou (2001 as cited in yang, 2009), “…critical reflection raises teachers’ awareness of their own teaching and triggers positive changes” (p.11).

I really enjoyed receiving feedback from my peers, as this has helped to open my mind to a range of new ideas and perspectives. However, I found that it took a while for people to comment on my blogs, so it was hard for me to get everyone’s views and ideas to help assist me with improving my next experience. Although overall I have been able to see how effective the experiences that the centre and myself have provided for the children are and how I can improve my own practice in the future. For example, I have learned that I am encouraging children to take control of their learning, and actively explore. I always knew this was important for children to do, but I am glad that I am showing this within my practice. I have also learned how to extend on these activities, by incorporating different ideas from the tips and links that my peers have provided me. 

I enjoyed reading each of my group member’s blogs, as they also gave me a range of ideas surrounding the different activities that I can incorporate into the centre. For example, an awesome tip that I have learned, and that has stood out to me the most is setting up a measuring cup activities, before baking experiences, which helps the children develop a range of mathematical skills, and prepares them with understanding the recipe.  

References

Smorti, S. (1999) Technology in Early Childhood. Early Education, 19, 5-10.

Ministry of Education. (1993). New Zealand Curriculum. Wellington, New Zealand: Learning Media

Ministry of Education., (1996). Te Whāriki, he whāriki mātauranga mo nga mokopuna o Aotearoa: Early childhood curriculum. Wellington, New Zealand: Learning Media.

Yang, S.-H. (2009). Using blogs to enhance critical reflection and community of practice.  Educational Technology & Society, 12 (2), 11-21.

Pictures:

World technology. Retrieved from https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRXDA8nSKzy-mkLSxmp-p3_oyZh2cXDestoXX7CAIkIZaIY_9KAsw

New Ideas. Retrieved from, https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTTWZaRi-Hn1OLPQa71z8pEnVvGGfgxWeGKqM0yffN4zafW7N7j