Blog
2
Digital
technology – Laptop/ Computer
Sometimes Adults or teachers
used computers as a reward of good behaviour or as an electronic babysitter
(Tsantis, Bewick, and Thouvenelle, 2003). This is so true, as I often seen it in some
centres especially when the weather is not good outside. When teachers were tired of children running
around inside, they just turn on the computers and allow children to play games
on it. I found out that most children
loved playing on the computer than any other activities available in the
centre.
When toddlers used the computers, adults always at present to help them
with holding the mouse and show him/her how to gently press the keys and guide
them away from touching the screen.
Teachers often talk to the children about colours, numbers and shapes on
the screen to make sure they’re not just clicking blindly. The centre is not encouraging toddlers to use
computers; they said that it is not necessary for a toddler’s development. The teachers set up limits of using the
computers when it comes to two years and under. They are not allowed to stay on the computer
for more than half an hour.
It was a complete different
story with my 2 year old grandson, Joel.
My four (4) older sons used the laptop as an ‘electronic babysitter’ for
Joel. When my older sons wanted to
change their television channel while Joel was watching his cartoons, they tricked
him by turning off the TV with the remote and told Joel that the power went
off. At the same time the boys already turned
on the laptop on Joel’s favourite cartoon so that he can easily switched to the
laptop. When Joel became absorbed in
watching his cartoons online the boys turned on the TV and enjoyed their
movies. Joel refused to let anyone to help him when he used the laptop. He used the laptop touchpad to click his
favourite programme that I saved on my desk top. No one teaches him how to use but I’m sure he
learned by watching me or one of my children when using the laptop. According to Te Whariki, “toddlers seek social interaction and learn by imitating
others”(Ministry of Education, 1996, p. 23).
Observing young children these
days while exploring this digital technology like laptops and computers
encouraged myself as an educator and a parent to adapt to the children’s world
and meet their needs. Clements &
Sarana, 2002; Elliot, 2003 (as cited in Talay-Ongan & Ap, 2005) stated that
the use of technology in early childhood centres challenges the teachers to
easily fit in the curriculum to meet each child’s need (p. 227). I also noticed that very young children have shown comfort and confidence when
they use computers. Their first impression when site the computer is to tap the
keys. They can turn them on, follow pictorial directions, and click on it;
sometimes they just click the mouse randomly. Typing on the keyboard is not a
problem to them; in fact, sometimes they just did it as a source of pride. Children used computers as a
method of social interaction with peers therefore computers do not isolate
children (Clements, 1999). Teachers in our centre said that children prefer to
spend as much time to talk to friends while on the computer rather than doing
any other activities like puzzles and messy play. Clements and Natasi, 1992, (as cited in
Clements, 1999) declared that children make new friends around the computer,
they teach and learn from each others.
References
Clements, D. H. (1999). Effective use of
computers with young children. In J. V. Copley (Ed.), Mathematics in
the Early Years. Reston, VA:
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Pages 119-128
Ministry
of Education. (1996). Te Whāriki: He whāriki mātauranga mo ngā
mokopuna o Aotearoa: Early
childhood curriculum. Wellington, New Zealand: Learning Media
Talay-Ongan, A., & Ap, E.A. (Eds.). (2005). Child development and teaching young
children. Victoria, Australia: Thompson Social Science Press.
Tsantis,
L., Bewick, C., & Thornton, S. (2003). Examining some common myths about
computers in the early years. Young
Children on the Web, November 2003, 1-9.
Hi Afa,
ReplyDeleteGreat reflection on Computers and laptop. Afa, I loved reading your reflection about this digital technology and the story of your grandsons using ICT and its really good you are also giving them the opportunities to use and explore with ICT Skills. It’s indeed a good reflection on computers. Nowadays computers and laptops are very common and popular in the early childhood setting. Children use a variety of technology for different reason as they discover their world (Ministry of Education, 1996). I agree and believe on the points you have written in your reflection. I have also noticed that in my centre that the children love to explore computers and iPads with curiosity. I also believe that children should be given an opportunity to explore the world of technology to experience new knowledge. I believe that children are competent and confident leaner and they just need the opportunities to explore. Great links to literature to backup your discussion. This learning experience also helped children to identify and explore the opportunities which help them to meet the technological needs. Children also felt empowered to contribute in ICT (Ministry of Education, 2007). It is good to know that you use computers as a medium of learning most of the important skill which is friendship. This is something new I have learnt from your reflection. SO Ka pai! Afa
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree with your reflection. I have experienced and noticed these happenings at my home centre. Especially when it is rainy days, this digital technology device is absolutely is a great help to some of the teachers to settle children instead of running and playing outside in the outdoor wet environment. In your reflection it is great to read how you teachers support and encouraged the toddlers in using the computers. I believe children learn from role modelling and also demonstrating. "Technology in early childhood centres challenges the teachers to easily fit in the curriculum to meet each child’s needs" (Talay-Ongan & Ap, 2005, p. 227). These are the strategies where children develop confidence in their fine and gross motor skills. I really appreciate the way communicate to the children about the colour, shapes making sure they learn the right things. This is supported by Vygotsky cited in (Santrock, 2009) that children actively create their own learning but through social interactions direct cognitive development. Vygotsky believed in children learning is through social interaction (Santrock, 2010I agree with scaffolding the children because it helps them to learn. Not only have that but also limited time for the children to use the computers. At the moment at my centre the children at the four year transition time learns the skill of using and operating computer. Afa in you have mention about the aged appropriate when using computers for under twos and twos that they have limited time. I have the same opinion as your that I think if the toddlers and under twos stay longer using the computer it might affect their well- being. It is noticeable in our children of how clever and advanced in this globalisation world of computers. I have noticed that my own children are mastered their skills in using this technology device by exploring the technique of using the computer on their own. Children use a variety of technology for different reason as they discover their world (Ministry of Education, 1996). Great links with the literature references. Well done! Afa.
DeleteTena Koe Afa,
ReplyDeleteA great and honest reflection on computer's and laptops. I believe that the early childhood centre's are experiencing a major social economic technological change over the years. It seems now technology and computers are accepted as a useful tool for learning,"Most children now experience a range of technologies as part of everyday life". (Arthur, Beecher, et al 2008, p.12). However I believe we need to scaffold children while using the computers to gain the best experience of using them. I dont think that teachers should take advantage of computers, but agree that computer's can enhance children's social skills, and help assist children's knowledge of things. It is expressed that by "popular culture, media and technology also play a significant role in children's identity construction and in the production of culture and knowledge ( Anderson & Cavallaro, 2002; Kenway & Bullen, 2001). I can identify that the computers can be like a 'babysitter' at home though through my own life experiences at home with my own children. They run to the computers to either play games,listen or download music, complete homework online, while I am preparing dinner or doing other chores around the house. My four year old also is learning about the computer at home, I often relate children's knowledge of computer's and digital devices to home experiences. Arthur, Beecher et al suggested that 'while most children used a computer at school, interestingly home was reported as the most common site of Internet use' ( Arthur,Beecher, Dockett, et al, 2008, p.13)
Hi, Afa
ReplyDeleteNice reflection on computers and laptops. I really liked reading your third reflection about these digital technologies and about your grandson using ICT. It is great to see that your are giving your grandchildren an opportunity to use the ICT skills to extend their leaning in technology. As we can see today computers and laptops are very popular in early childhood centres. Children use a variety of technology for many reasons to discover their world (Ministry of Education, 1996). I think that children should be given the opportunity to explore the world around them to gain new knowledge as what it is all about. From my understandings I think children are confident and competent learners and they just need the opportunity to explore to create their own learning. This is supported by Vygotsky cited in (Santrock, 2009
) that children create their learning through social interactions because it helps them to learn. Afa, you have great links to literature to back up your discussions. It is also good to see that you have used computers as a medium of learning and most of the important skill is friendship. I have learnt something new from your reflection. Good work. Well done.