PART 3

Final Reflection

This assignment really opened my eyes to the technological world around us. Before this assignment I thought that technology was only the new gadgets and devices that are forever upgrading like cell phones, and laptops the digital technologies. I can now see that technology is all around us and that almost everything we use and do is because of the growth of technology. Smorti (1999), suggests that technology is something that will help solve a problem or make life easier. Simple things like a spoon or a pencil doesn’t seem like an amazing piece of technology compared to an ipad but actually in its own way a spoon fulfils a great problem and it is one of the most common technologies around us.

Throughout this process it was amazing to see how ‘technology savvy’ children already are and what knowledge and skills they can bring to a group. It is interesting to figure out what kind of role teachers need to play in fostering technology to develop children’s learning and development as they already have a great understanding. I feel that it is my role to encourage children and provide a range of different technological experiences where children can explore within a group and also on their own. Smorti (1999), states that technology is proven to be very beneficial in the learning and development of children. I can see that by providing children different experiences children are able to gain many different skills and not just skills about using a certain technology, but a range of life skills as well. Ministry of Education (1996), states through the use of technology children are able to gain problem solving, build self confidence, social skills, and children are also able to have a sense of responsibility and control over their learning (Bronwyn, Baker, Ellis, Bernstone, Hagan, 2010; Ministry of Education, 1996). I also see the importance of teachers building their knowledge on new technologies as our knowledge influences the children’s learning and experiences around technology. “Through the use of technology, teachers can provide opportunities for the children to learn, think critically and have discussions with their peers support by ICT” (Khine & Fisher, 2003, p,22).

I found the process of peer feedback very interesting as I had the chance to read others work, find interesting links and give them feedback. My peers were also able to send me links and interesting ideas to help me extend my blogs and centre experiences further. I found it really encouraging to get the feedback and have already implemented some of the suggestions that were given to me and also to the other students. This assignment also allowed me to reflect on my practice through the feedback given and also reading the others blogs (O’Connor, & Diggins, 2002). I was able to compare my teaching strategies with others to see if we had simpler teaching styles and if not do I need to change or use different techniques so that the children can benefit from my experiences I provide (MacNaughton and Williams, 2009).

Technology is forever changing within digital and non digital technology. I feel that digital technology is put to higher value than non digital but it is important to allow children the opportunity to explore a range of different technologies. The children within today’s society see the importance of using cell phones and ipads but I feel as educators should teach them that a simple piece of paper can transform into a wide range of possibilities.

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Reference List

Bronwyn, G., Baker, K., Ellis, R., Bernstone, H., & Hagan, B. (2010). Inclusion at Botany Downs Kindergarten centre of innovation 2006-2008. Wellington, New Zealand: Ministry of Education.

Khine, M., & Fisher, D. (2003).Technology- rich learning environments: A future perspective. World Scientific. Singapore.

MacNaughton, G., & Williams, G. (2009). Techniques for teaching young children: Choices in theory and practice (3^rd ed.). Frenchs Forrest, NSW, Australia: Pearson Prentice Hall.

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

O’Connor , A., & Diggins, K. (2002). On Reflection: Reflective practice for early childhood educators. Lower Hutt: Open Mind Publishing.

Smorti, S. (1999). Technology in Early Childhood. Early Education, No.19 Autumn 1999.