In our center, we
give children access to computers, as we believe this can help children’s
learning. We also encourage children to play educational games, music, and arts
software program, to increase their interest and then learn through playing. For
example, once I noticed a child was so excited to have an opportunity to use
computer. He sat in front of the computer and started to create his own picture
with a software program. I saw him chose different colors from the color
palette of software program to make his picture colorful, as well as patterns
like star and circle. When he finished, he was so happy and shared his work
with friends and teachers.
I recognize that
using computer in the early childhood teaching is beneficial for both teachers
and children. Computer skills also can foster children’s social, cognitive
development. As early childhood teachers, using computer technology can help us
to better meet children’s needs of learning and development.
It is a great idea
to use computer to develop children’s social skills. “Computer should be used
to promote the social interactions of the wider group, to deepen the learning
opportunities for children, and to enhance and strengthen the relationships
between teachers, children, and their families (Lee, Hatherly & Ramsey,
2002, P.15)”. Children will develop an ability to communicate with other peers,
especially when they are playing the same game, as they have something in
common to share and learn. Like mention above, the child used software program
to create his picture and shared with his friends, later on, he began to
discuss with other children how to use the software to draw picture. So, I
think that using computer also can develop their relationships building skills.
However, using computers could have some negative influences on children’s
social development. If children spend too much time on computer, it will limit
children’s social activity, hence less interactions and communication with
peers and adults.
As for cognitive
development, using computer can help children build and develop a variety of
skills. Computer is a very advanced technology, which can provide endless
opportunities for children to learn and explore. For example, the picture
software enable children to use different color and shapes to create their own
pictures, and children will process more skill and understanding about colors
and patterns while playing the software, as “Children develop familiarity with
the properties and character of the materials and technology used in the
creative and expressive arts” (Ministry of Education, 1996, p.80).
Using computer can
help teacher to extend children’s learning and enhance individual development.
“Knowing the individual child will ultimately prove far more useful than
knowing about the ‘condition’ ” (Ministry of Education, 2000). For this reason,
the early childhood teachers should listen to children and follow their
interests to find out best possible way(s) to meet their needs and enhance
their development. For example, we noticed children were interested in playing
computer, as early childhood teacher, we can follow children’s interests to
integrate curriculum into computer games to achieve teaching goals. At the same
time, teachers need to make sure that all the software program and computer
activities are appropriate for children’s learning and development, like New
Zealand Curriculum says that “when designing and reviewing their curriculum,
schools select achievement objects from each area in response to the identified
interests and learning needs of their students” (Ministry of
Education,2007,p.46).
Reference:
Google Image. (2012). Image of a child playing with a computer. Retrieved from:
http://www.google.co.nz/search?tbm=isch&hl=en&source=hp&biw=1008&bih=665&gbv=2&oq=computer+for+children+&aq=f&aqi=g-S4g -mS1&gs_sm=12&gs_upl=1552l 8546l 0l 10471l 22l 22l 0l 3l 3l 0l 256l 2787l 7.3.9 l19l 0&gs_l=img.12..0i24l 4j0i5i24.1552l 8546l 0l 10471l 22l 22l 0l 3l 3l 0l 256l 2787l 7j3j9l 19l 0.frgbld.&q=computer%20for%20children
Lee,
W; Hatherly, A., & Ramsey, K. (2002). Using ICT to document children’s
learning. Early childhood folio,(6), 10-16.
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 (2000). Including everyone:Te
reo tatake. Wellington
Yes, computer using can bring some negative factors for children. A positive guide from adults is very significant. Most of children really interested in computer, so they will sat in front of computer for long time, this is a challenge for sharing, most of children do not want to leave screen of computer. Computer facility children’s social skills, when a child is watching the other child who is using a computer on the side, the child can learn how to manipulate software from his/her peers. Interaction with peers is promoted as well.
ReplyDeleteIn my view of computer suing, I found when children clicked the mouse, something happened on the screen. It made children to realize that software can interact with them, which attract children’s interest. They will learn strategies of active exploration, thinking and reasoning
I agree with your viewpoints of the significances of children using computer. As you said that children could develop cognitive skill and social skill, for me I believe that computer is one of most important technology for children to learn, and to challenge themselves. As Te Whāriki (Ministry of Education, 1996, p. 94) says “children develop a sense of self-worth, take some responsibility for their own health and safety, and develop ways of coping with conflict, challenge, and change.”
ReplyDeleteChildren will develop an ability to communicate with other peers, especially when they are playing the same game. Apart from that, I think children are more likely to develop a sense of achievement and emotional well-being by completing an educational game and having fun with peers.
As you mentioned that all the software program need to be appropriate for children’s learning and development, so as teachers we should cautious about choosing the software for children. We need to consider the age appropriateness and ensure the software will actively engage children in exploration.
Kia Ora, Suzy! I enjoyed reading your reflection. It contains some outstanding thoughts!
ReplyDeleteI liked your opening of 'give children access to computers'. The first key of using a resource is to make it available for children. Hands-on experience attracts children quite well and can leave a strong impression in their minds.
You recognized that 'using computer in the early childhood teaching is beneficial for both teachers and children'. Indeed, computer using is mostly recognised as valuable for either teaching or children's learning. At the same time, it is mostly good practice when teachers and children work on the computer an benefit together.
Excellent thinking about developing a curriculum for children using computers. It helps to norm the use of computer for children to experience and explore. As well as setting rules and boundaries to keep the practice appropriate. Tumeke!
Your reflection mentioned a wide range of learning that children benefited from using compute. Computer as a necessary technology was introduced into early childhood education to provide opportunity for children to their ICT skills. I totally agree. When children work on computer to design their pictures by choosing colors, patterns, they were actually also mastering their skills that how things work or how a software has been used properly. When they were working on computer together, and sharing their work or ideas by communicating with other children and teachers, which helps developing social skills and building good relationships with others, as well as the cognitive development. Those are very good points.
ReplyDeleteIn your reflection, you concerned if children spent too much time on computer which would reduce the opportunities for social interaction with others. It is absolutely true. I am impressed by this negative aspect you identified, which will lead the teachers to think how to make rules for children to use computer in early childhood setting. Well done Suzy.
I agree with you, Suzy. As you said computer can help children to develop their social skills and cognitive skills. Children can develop their knowledge and skills from the high technological settings in the early childhood centers. For example, children can use the software to edit their pictures. With adults’ help, children also can communicate with their friends by the communication software just like Skype, Ichat and MSN.
ReplyDeleteChildren get benefits from the digital technological characters are part of children’s social world and ‘fund of knowledge’ today (Moll, L., Amanti, C., Neff, D. & Gonzalez, N., 1992). Nowadays, the technology is changing the world, and also our life. Both of adults and children need keep the pace with the time, so we need learn to use the digital technologies. Teachers can use computer to edit the pictures and organize beautiful writing for children. Computer is a necessary educational tool in the early childhood centers.
And you also mentioned that if children spend too long time on computer, it would limit children’s social activity, hence less interactions and communication with peers and adults. You talked about both of the advantages and disadvantages. That’s really good.
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