The significance
of using technology allows children to engage in experiences where they gain an
understanding of how things work and why. By doing this, children have an open
mind to evaluate different approaches of doing something.
Through my
observation in the centre, I have noticed that we have an area that is set up
with computers and keyboards for children to play with. We also have computers
that the teachers use but not for the children.
Technology is
not restricted to electronics, but we have other means of technology that we
use on a daily basis. The camera is used daily to take snap
shots of children's work and record what they have done. The importance of
this technology reflects the children's work and it is visual
learning. Children then have evidence of their work and it offers
opportunity to discuss what happened on that day. Their learning is
captured and they feel that their learning is valued. "Children experience
an environment where they make “his or her mark” to their learning. Ministry of
education (1996). Significance of using the camera allows children to create
their learning and by capturing it, displays their contribution to the centre
and their own understanding of what the camera is used for. Through observation with the children, I have noticed that we have done a number of activities that involved flowers. Children were given pen and paper to outline their perception of their flowers.
We extended
further on this learning by providing dye and fabric for the children to paint
flowers using stencils. Children were given rollers that they put in the dye
and placing the stencils on the fabric, they would then paint the design.
We also built a
garden vegetable box outside the centre for the children to plant vegetables
and whatever they wanted. The children used a variety of garden tools to dig up
the ground and plant the seeds. The significance of using the tools allows
children to manipulate and discover new things. They were able to identify what
each tools purpose was. The experience was really hands on because children
were growing the plants from scratch so they could see the process. They made a
valued contribution to group work and they value the essence of working
together through this activity. All moments were captured with the camera to
show the process of how they did the gardening.
This is a before and after shot
of how over time, the plants grew.
Teachers demonstrated how to do it, and
children followed. This experience also
links to children's play in the sandpit and our effort to promote healthy
eating. Through this activity, children will have “positive attitude towards
eating..” and have the knowledge to keep themselves healthy. (Te Whāriki, 1996,
p. 48).
Hi Tina
ReplyDeleteI like how you have followed the children's interests throughout these experiences. I feel that is greatly important as we are here to facilitate the children's learning.
I like how your centre is taking photos of the children everyday. I feel that it is important for the children to be able to look back and see themselves doing the work. I was wondering if had a display of these photos for the children or did you create learning stories for the children?
Because if you are taking wonderful photos of the children at work how are they going to view these?
I really like how you have used the digital camera to record the children work but was wondering if the children were allowed to take photos of their work themselves?
One last thing you said in your observation you have computers and keyboards set up for in your centre? I was wondering if these worked because you then say that you have computers but for teacher use only? I was just a little bit confused with that section could you explain some more?
Thanks Rachel Cook
Hi Tina
ReplyDeleteI like that in your reflection you have talked about using the camera to take photos of children’s work and record what they had done daily. I find it is important to capture these moments as children can always look back at what they had done and recall their memory. I was just wondering if children in your centre had the chance to use the camera themselves and take photos of their work and the things that were special and meaningful to them?
In reading your reflection I really like how you had noticed the children’s interest in flowers and extended it further, with using other pieces of material, tools and technology.
I like the idea of building the vegetable box for children to plant seeds and grow a garden. I just wanted to know if the children got to contribute in building the box as well? If so, this would have been such a great moment to capture and experience with the children. I would definitely like to do something like this with the children at my centre.
Hi Kristina
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice reflection to read about how the teachers at your centre use the camera. We are so lucky to have digital cameras available to us now days making the capturing and documentation of children’s experiences so much easier. I feel that the children must feel a sense of pride when their work is being taken notice of and placed around the centre for them as well as others to look at.
You have mentioned children having evidence of what they did and this leading to meaningful conversations. I feel that it is not only evidence but memories of times shared together with their peers and teachers that children will cherish and still talk about when they are older.
I like that teachers follow on from children’s interests at your centre and captured them in action as well as their experiences but was wondering if the children were able to use the camera to take pictures of their own?
Hi Kristina,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that through the use of technology, children are able to develop their own working theories, and also gives them a chance to investigate technology that they are growing up with. I like how in one learning focus on flowers, so many opportunities were created and many different technologies were used. I think it is wonderful that you used the children interest in flowers to also learn about many other areas such as healthy eating! you talked about the importance of capturing children's special moments and stories with the camera, and suggest that maybe you could get children to create their own special moments using the camera and telling you their story. I think this could be a great idea as I feel that as adults we often value different things to children, and what might be significant for us, may not be for a child, and vice versa. great to see that your centre created a plant box to follow the children's interest as this is a project that can continue for many years to come!