There are more and
more technologies used in our daily life, as well as in early childhood
teaching and learning, such as TV. In our center, I noticed that teachers
sometimes play DVDs to children, most likely are cartoons and music. And every
time, children were all excited, gathered around the TV to watch, afterwards,
they like to talk about it and repeat the language or actions. And I recognize use
TV as a technology can support children’s learning and development, in terms of
interest and social language.
As mention above, children
and Whanau are surrounded by many technologies in their life, like TV, computer
or other media. In the center or at the home, children have access to them. So
as a teacher, we need to identify and use technology to help children’s early
learning and development. For example, TV is a popular technology in our life.
If we use it appropriately, it can serve teaching and learning. In most cases,
children were interested in watching TV, and they love it, because it has
picture and sound. As New Zealand Curriculum states that “Graphics and other
forms of visual representation offer important tools for exploration and
communication” (Ministry of Education, 2007, P.32) Also, TV could open up new
worlds for children, and they can learn different cultures, have opportunities
to travel globe, and get some new ideas and knowledge. As a result, it enhanced
children’ interest to learn, and supported their learning and development. Te
Whariki says that “children will have the opportunity to create and act on
their own ideas, and to develop knowledge and skills in areas that interest
them” (Ministry of Eudcation, 1996, P.40).
In early childhood
center, appropriate use of technology is a resource and a powerful tool to make
curriculum ideas to help children learn language
and access information (Donohue, 2003). As mention above, children love TV, and
they really want to imitate some speeches and actions from movies. For example,
we chose a movies called “Hi, Five”, the children were happy and so excited to
watch it. After that, the children love to say ‘Hi, five’ to their friends and
parents, as they could understand the meaning of it and then use the term in
their daily conversation. In my opinion, TV is one of the best ways to
stimulate and motivate children to learn and use language. Te Whairki also states
that “language grows and develops in meaningful contexts when children have a
need to know and a reason to communicate” (Ministry of Education, 1996, p.72).
On the other hand,
teachers should be careful and considerable with the use of technology in early
childhood education. If teachers use technology appropriately, it will benefit children
in many ways; otherwise, it will affect children’s development. For example, if
teachers let children watch TV freely, children may spend too much time on it.
This will lead to less time spent to interact with their peers or teachers,
which is not appropriate for their social development. Hersey & Jordan
(2007) also agree that limiting time to watch TV can increase children’s
interaction with others, improve educational performance, improve health, and
improve behavior. In addition, there are some behavior problems, like smoking
on TV, this could give children an impression that smoking is good or
acceptable. It requires teachers to choose right materials for children to
watch and learn. As a teacher, we should control the use of technology, and follow
the curriculum, principle and guidelines to make sure that all teaching
strategy and resource are appropriate and suitable for children’s learning and
development.
Reference:
Donohue,C.(2003). Technology
in early childhood education . Retrieved from: http://www.childcareexchange.com/library/5015417.pdf
Google Image.(2012). Image of children watching TV. Retrieved from:
Hersey, J.C. &Jordan, A. (2007). Reducing children’s TV time to reduce the
risk of children overweight: the children’s media use study. Washington,
NW: RTI International.
Ministry of
Education. (1996). Te Whāriki: He whāriki
mātauranga mō ngā mokopuna o Aotearoa : Early
childhood curriculum. Wellington, New Zealand: Learning Media.
Ministry of
Education. (2007). The New Zealand
curriculum. Wellington, New Zealand: Learning Media.
I quite agree with your opinion. TV is a popular technology in our life. If we use it appropriately, it can serve teaching and learning; also stimulate children’s language skill. As in my centre, I could see some of children are talking about cartoon movies. They are able to pick up the words from the TV show. Te Whairki also states that “language grows and develops in meaningful contexts when children have a need to know and a reason to communicate” (Ministry of Education, 1996, p.72).
ReplyDeleteObviously, if children spend too much time on watching TV, they would miss out other learning opportunity (such as social interaction with peers). I remember that when I was young, my mum always limit time for me to watch TV in order for me to do other things. Also, another good point you mentioned was that adults should assist children to choose the TV programme to ensure that children won’t be influenced by the inappropriate image from TV programme.
Your reflection reminded me Graphics and visual representation offer important tools for exploration and communication for children. I agree with you with television can develop children’s language, because I am developing my English by watching carton and news. HAHAHA…….. You are right, I do not suggest children to watch TV for long time, I think approximate 15 minutes to half hour and also make sure the shows are age appropriate as well.
ReplyDeleteMy additional thinking is watching the news will keep them more aware of what is going on in their world, such as rugby tournament. Watching TV, from the family view, will bring togetherness atmosphere, family interaction and conversation. I think children love this atmosphere and learn from adults, feel they are the part of family.
It was interesting to read your reflection “TV in Classroom”. In your reflection, you clarified both positive aspects and negative aspects of watching TV in early years. Yes, I totally agree that appropriate TV program can serve teaching and learning, such as help children to learn language and access information, to understand different cultures and travel around world even if you never go out. Of course there are always some concerns to come with. Such as children may spend too much time on TV without adults’ control, which will reduce the opportunity for outdoor exercise and social interaction with others and may lead to health problem, such as obesity and behavior problem, such as isolation. So what to watch and how long should watch should be under adults’ supervision and limitation, so that to help children to grow and develop in healthy and positive way.
ReplyDeleteChildren’s interest brought up with TV is another interesting point that I like. As children are visual learners, and TV provides a wide platform for children to learn things by sounds and pictures. From this point of view, TV really offers a good communication tool for children to explore.
The same as the reflection of the computer using in the early years, you displayed the positive side and also the negative side of using televisions in the early childhood settings.
ReplyDeleteYou mentioned that television is harmful for children’s health. We all know that if children watch TV for too long, the radiation will damage on their eyes, especially the young children.
I recognized that we should control the hours of watching TV at home for children. And with adults’ guide choose some educational and beneficial program for them. Media culture will influent children’s development, effect on their thinking and behaviors. Unfortunately, we can’t stop the negative influence from the media. But we can choose some good programs for the young children. So I think it’s better for the adults stay with them when children are watching TVs.