Part Three - Final Reflection

Your learning from other students feedback on your posts, provide an overlll evaluation of the significance and use of technology on children’s learning and development.

Creating my first blog ever was an amazing feeling.  The pressure of, if I am doing the right thing, is my blog going to be ok, how am I going to write on this blog, many questions.  But as things unfolded and with the guidance of Sharon in class on a regular basis here I am writing my reflection about the learning that happened for me during the whole process. The feedback on my posts are in the form of suggestions as to how I could in co-operate more technology in my practice. I learned how technology is used everyday with children but educators do not tearm it as technology, but using technical terms during interaction will enhance technical knowledge for children. The feedback from team members has clarified many myths about technology and given me a wider perspective of technology. By reading all the other blogs I am now aware of and encouraged to integrate some of it in my practice which is tested by other team members. I am happy to know that we have a medium in technology where we could share ideas on a platform, which is for students like me who are in the process of acquiring knowledge through sharing ideas. Hong, 2008 explains, “Blogs engage people in knowledge sharing and reflection, and they often attract a large readership. Instead of providing static information, blogs allow users and readers to respond, to create, and to connect. p.34)”. Education blogs enhance learning, motivate students and foster collaboration among learners (Holzberg, 2003). 

It is important to integrate technology in children’s learning and development as Te Whāriki states that in order to participate in this world our children will need the confidence to develop their own perspectives as well as the capacity to acquiring new knowledge and skills. New Zealand curriculum has technology as one of its important learning area. It is important to use technology in children’s learning and development as technology is creative, purposeful activity aimed at meeting needs and opportunities which help develop products, systems and environment. Through use of technology children learn to combine knowledge, skills and resources to find solutions, children also learn that there is more than one solution to the problem. Use of technology will encourage children to design, make and appraise their work. By using technology with young children you are convincing them that they do not have to be scientists to explore technology. Educators should provide children with opportunities to explore technology, as technical language and processes enhances understanding of scientific principles and the supporting technology with little scaffolding opens a wider world of learning. (Smorti, 2003).

As Te Whāriki  states in its introduction, `as part of a world revolution in communication, technology, work and leisure’ children will need to develop confidence in themselves and be able to `continue acquiring new knowledge and skills’ (Ministry of Education, 1996). It is significant to introduce technology to young children as it contributes towards learning and development of language – written, oral, social skills, mathematics, science and encourage exploration, problem solving. According to New Zealand Curriculum (2007), “Information and Communication Technology has considerable potential to support the different teaching approaches (p.36)”. It is significant to introduce children at a younger age to technology as it teaches them to innovate, adapt, create and develop technological literacy and equip children to participate in society. Children will learn practical skills; learn about technology as a human activity and exploring the various contexts. (Ministry of Education, 2007).

I had many concerns regarding the use of computer, internet with young children. My views about the use of technology are positively influenced by this team blog and readings during the course. I am now aware that children should not be discouraged but encouraged to integrate technology in their learning. In other words technology is the future and it is important to integrate it in children’s learning and development.

References

Holzberg, C. (2003). Educational web logs. Techlearning. Retrieved September 1, 2008, from http://www.techlearning.com/shared/printableArticle. php?articleID=12803462.

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

Ministry of Education. (2007). The New Zealand curriculum. Wellington, New Zealand: Learning Media.

Smorti, S. (1999) Technology in early childhood. Early Education, 1, 5-10.

WANG Hong, 2008. Exploring educational use of blogs in U.S. education. (Center for Teaching Excellence & Learning Technologies, KS- USA). Volume 5, No.10 (Serial No.47) US-China Education Review,