ECE PC
How the addition of a computer for the children has extended the use of ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) in our preschool room
At the early childhood where I previously worked,
there was not computer available for children or any other digital device. Last month, at my current centre, a computer
was donated to the preschool room! How great this is, I firstly thought! I had
forgotten that I hadn’t had the experience of having a computer as a learning and
teaching resource!
Of course,
the children were all excited and couldn’t keep themselves away from the
computer! It was a novelty! As the days passed, the initial excitement didn’t
wear off. I started to wonder how to get children to balance their engagement
with the computer and the many other many learning opportunities across the
centre.
Yes, we do
need to get a balance between them all! However, we can’t deny ICT the place it
has in early childhood education curriculum. Te Whaariki: He Whàriki Màtauranga mò ngà Mokopuna o
Aotearoa (Ministry of Education, 1996) is not very specific about the use of
computers but it does state that children need to gain confidence, knowledge
and skills to be part of world that is evolving through communication and
technology.
Technology is an integral part of children’s lives!
This reaffirms that, as a teacher, I have to find ways to foster those abilities
in children in a balanced and positive way. It will be a learning journey for
the children as well as to me and the other teaching staff. This realization
has brought to light that it will be a great opportunity for me to extend my
own skills, confidence and familiarity with ICT.
My growing awareness of ICT in early childhood education has helped to
recognize the reasons behind its importance. Firstly, I can’t deny that ICT is
entrenched into children’s lives. Secondly, as children play on the computers
there is a huge range of learning happening. Technology isn’t an isolated component it is rather an integral
part and Smorti (1999)links technology to things that help people making lives
easier, it is about solving problems, it not about a singled out device.
How can the computer help the preschoolers? The first things that came to
mind, as I observed them, playing a matching game are the very basic skills and
knowledge that we all know are important for children to develop. They are
extending their attention span, their hand-eye coordination, hand dexterity and motor skills (using a mouse proved to be a challenge for some children!).
Talay-Ongan and Ap (2005) emphasise how computers can play a major role at
helping children to develop problem-solving and decision-making skills.
I have noticed that children are eager to share and ask for ideas and
solutions when playing on the computer. They are also confident to ask for help
when their problem gets too tough. On the other hand, they are as confident to
voice their rejection when they want to persevere. They also have to negotiate
turns. I recognize that computers offer children endless learning
opportunities, such as valuable social skills, which I have just mentioned.
The computer has been a new resource for learning and development. I acknowledge
that children’s use, skills and familiarity with ICT in general is paramount
for this and the coming generations. I have selected a range of strategies to
achieve a balance for the use of the computer and the other activities. For now, I will try
five minutes per child, or if it is a game give them time to complete it both
in the morning and in the afternoon. As it is also a learning journey for me, I
believe that once I become more familiar with this new resource myself I will
be able to develop new strategies.
hey manu great in depth reflection, yes i would suggested using a timer the computers at our centre are not use very often at our centre i guess the novelty has worn off. how ever since we got our new I pad at the centre we needed to implement a timer system as it is a very popular activity. we also had to rewrite our policy in regards to the iPads to allow for children to experience other aspects of the kindy and not spend all day on the iPad. Mac Naughton and Williams talk a lot about computers and how teachers can utilize computers i suggest you have a look it might give you some ideas for teaching techniques.
ReplyDeleteKia ora manu, this was a great read and i am very encouraged that as a teacher you are still open and eager to always upskill yourself by admitting that digital technology is an area where you feel you can improve on in order to help the children learn more. I personally am in the same boat because my computer skills suck! However in saying this, reading your blog has encouraged me to think about how I can help myself improve my computer skills so I too can help foster the childrens ICT skills. I agree that we need to familiarise ourselves first with the computer before we even think about developing new teaching strategies.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with your comment of finding balance as well. Although ICT is evolving and the world with it and the children are developing their cognitive skills. We still need to look at the hollistic child and how we can support the child develop other areas such as their physical, social and spiritual selves as well.
Nice work(:
Thanks guys for the suggestions!
ReplyDeleteHello Emanuelle,
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately my centre does not have a computer available for the children but and yes I do agree that technology is still evolving in our everyday lives. The computer can have its advantages and disadvantages for children but I think that's where our role as teachers come in, where we need to encourage children to experience the other areas at the centre as well. Technology has a big advantage on children's social skills where they work together and encourages relationships with each other. I think allowing children to develop their ICT skills are important but also making sure no one is missing out which I agree five or more minutes each depending on the child's needs.
Hey Manu.
ReplyDeleteI think it’s really awesome that your centre is open to bringing in new technology like this. Some teachers are really against computers and I have been in centres where they are not utilised because the teachers don't like them. I think coming up with effective strategies for ensuring the balance between the computer and other activities is the main thing. As Smorti said "technology is about helping people and solving problems" and you have clearly shown you can see the advantages of the computer in the children’s learning. I like that you have really thought about the situation and have found a good basis for your positive attitude towards the use of computers. The fact that the computers not only benefit the children but will increase the teachers ICT knowledge is a plus as we are now in a world where those skills have become basic need to know.