Digital Technology Computer
In my centre children have the opportunity to use software on the computer. The main piece of software used is a game with three different activities – memory, sequencing and matching.
Firstly when a child goes to use the computer, they need to turn it on. Children become familiar with the power button, enter button and the alphabet keyboard. Using the mouse helps with fine motor development and concentration. When it is turned on the children need to select the right account and type in the password. This is shown on an instruction sheet which children follow closely. Children learn the safety of having their own password. The New Zealand Curriculum (2007) states having this protocol in place helps children understand how important their own password is and how it can affect themselves, their peers, teachers and the centre. In the future the children will be more cautious and know the dangers of what other people can do to computers. My centre also has a programme to block any harmful websites for when we research topics on the internet for their emotional and physical safety. 
Once the computer is set up, the children only use the programme loaded. I believe the computer could be utilised more with software that’s factored on it such as paint. Clements & Nastasi as cited in Roopnarine & Johnson (1993) believe “children impose their creative interpretations on computer activities” (p. 295). As the programme is a set result the children are unable to express themselves. I believe this is a large concern when their learning cannot be extended once completed the game. Our centre also uses the internet for furthering learning. If I don’t know something, together we can investigate the topic, broadening their sources of gathering information. 
Children develop social skills as many children stand around the computer at one time. For example “taking turns, problem solving, negotiating, taking another’s point of view, supporting others, and understanding other people’s attitudes and feelings” (Ministry of Education, 1996, p. 70). The children assist each other when one doesn’t know what the game wants you to do. This facilitates children’s peer learning such as language (Arthur & Beecher, 2007). Although I do need to encourage them to figure it out themselves as this will further problem solving skills.
As there is one computer the children have to discuss who’s going next, compromise with the amount of time spent and help peer’s who do not know to use computers as well as others. Te Whāriki believes children gain the aptitude to “negotiate rules, rights, and fairness” (Ministry of Education, 1996, p. 62). When a child is at the computer and others want a turn I write a list of names and swap at regular intervals. I strongly believe in being equal to all children especially when there is only one resource for thirty children. 
When a child’s on the computer, I sit next to them whenever possible. Therefore children are able to ask questions when they require support. Roopnarine & Johnson (1993) believe minimal help and supervision is needed for simpler programs. My centres programme can be challenging to children who haven’t had the same encounters out of the centre. Shade et al as cited in Roopnarine & Johnson (1993) also state “children are more attentive, more interested, and less frustrated when an adult is present” (p. 296). As the computer can only be used by one person, I think I can be close to the child but allow them to figure it out for themselves. I'd be near to give guidance before they show competence in using the computer. It would be benifical to spend my time productively with other children and activities that require my assistance.
References
Arthur, L., Beecher, B., Death, E., Dockett, S., & Farmer, S. (2007). Programming
and planning in early childhood settings (4th ed.). South Melbourne,
Australia: CENGAGE Learning.
Ministry of Education. (2007). The New Zealand curriculum. Wellington, New
Zealand: Learning Media.
Ministry of Education. (1996). Te Whāriki: He whāriki mātauranga mō ngā mokopuna o Aotearoa : Early childhood curriculum. Wellington, New Zealand: Learning Media.
Roopnarine, J., & Johnson, J. (1993). Approaches to early childhood education.(2nd
ed.). Upper Saddle River: Prentice Hall
Image References
East Seals Washington Disability Serivces (n.d). Easter Seals Growing Years
Receives NAEYC Accreditation. Retrieved on 18th March 2012 from
ears
Your visual guide to Alaska (n.d). Computer housework. Retrieved on 18th March 2012 from http://www.alaska-in-pictures.com/computer-homework-4493- pictures.htm
Kia Ora Megan,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading about all of the different computer use that happens in you centre. This piece of technology is sometimes not available in some centres, and it is great that yours is using it to its full potential. I did not realise that children are able to follow the instructions to login, which is a great independent skills for children to be able to master this piece of digital technology. I like how you have gone into further detail in all of the different aspects which may or may not be beneficial for the children such as ensuring their safety on the computer is always really important to remember. I wonder what challenges you may run into whilst the children use the computer? You may like to think about this so that you can discover things that may need to be improved with the technology or what other programmes you could use with children. Good job Megan, you have reflected really well on this piece of digital technology.
Hi Megan
ReplyDeleteWhat a great reflection on your experience using the computers in the centre. I was so intrigued to learn that children have their own password and type it in to the computer themselves; this is great for children to become competence and confident learners. I liked how you explained that when the children are on the computer you will be near to help and guide the children, but will let them do it on their own. It really does help children learn and explore the technology on their own, as so much more learning can be gained. Was there something that really stood out to you though this experience that you didn’t know? Do the children turn off the computers at the end of the day as well? Well Megan I really thought you reflection was in-depth with the learning the children gained from this digital piece of technology and thought it was a well written reflection, well done keep t up :)
Hi Megan
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your reflection on computers as it showed me the usefulness and the benefits of having them as in my centre we do not have computers. I found it really interesting and intriguing that the children were able to follow and understand the instruction sheet in regards to signing in. Did you have to explain to the children about how to use the computer first or were they just able to follow the instructions from looking at them? I really liked how you have talked about and noticed the development that the children gained through using computers. I also liked how you talked about if you didn’t know what to do you would sit there and figure it out with the children. I like how that could be a great experience to be able to develop your knowledge and the child’s knowledge at the same time. While doing this activity with the children did you find anything difficult? Overall I thought that this was a great reflection on the way you use digital technology within your centre.
Megan, your post is very interesting and well written. It is great to see how much the children can do, by logging in themselves; I can see that they have a lot of opportunities to explore this particular piece of technology. It good to see that the computer are blocked against harmful websites. I like how you are nearby and learning alongside the children when you don’t know something. Peer interactions are very important in centre and I can defiantly see this happening in your care. Do you think there is more the children will enjoy on the computer other than the same games all the time? You have some great points about what knowledge/skills children gain and develop through this activity. You really gone in depth with this reflection and your own opinions. Ka pai to a very well written post Megan. Keep it up.
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