People, Places, Things & Events
Date: 12/09/11 Blog reflection 2: Technology: Using a computer
Teacher: Hayley
Child: K & C
Today two girls were working together on the computer. They were playing learning games. These games involved a jigsaw puzzle game where the children are learning computer skills about how to use a mouse. The game was where they had to click and move the parts of the puzzle to make the picture, and the letters for the word for the picture in the right order. They then decided to exit the game and play another learning game. This game was a memory game where the girls would click on a picture and then click another picture and if they matched they turned over. The computer the children use here have heaps of educational games they can use. Including spelling games, adding and subtraction games etc… As the girls were working on these games , they needed a bit of support as they are still getting use to using the mouse and how to move and control it. I guided them through it when they needed help and occasionally modelled to them how to use it. I also taught the girls how to turn the computer on. I noticed that the girls did quite well with occasional support.I have learnt a lot by watching how quickly children can pick up how to use the computer and control the mouse. The girls are learning more about how to use the mouse of the computer and what the buttons on the mouse are there for and used for. The children are also learning how to exit and enter games and read these games in the menu part. The children are also learning how to turn the computer on and off when I demonstrated to them how to. They are also learning about turn taking, adding, subtracting, problem solving and spelling and other academic skills. As I watched the girls use the computer I have noticed they are getting more confident and competent all the time as they use the computer each day.
I think it’s great how educational games are provided to help children learn academically and also helps them learn how to use the computer. I believe it makes it fun for the children as I find the children are always playing on the computer and they enjoy playing the games on the computer and learning a lot while doing so.
When children use technology eg: computers, television, video, CD, DVD players or cameras they are discovering the world of animation and imagination, movement, music and stories that are made to be engaging and enriching for children. By children having access to use of technology and these types of games etc… they are learning very valuable technological skills (Fleer & Jane, 2004., cited in Talay- Ongan, A., & Ap, E.A. (Eds.).(2005)., p. 226).
Children learn that when they try things out , explore and are curious of how things work are important and valid ways of learning ( Ministry of Education, 1996, p. 84).
Children learn to actively explore and make sense of the world when they use their bodies and senses, and when they have the opportunity to use different tools equipment and materials that help extend their skills ( Ministry of Education, 1996, p. 86).
When the teacher supports the children through technological problems children learn to solve problems, but they also learn how to extend their vocabulary by having conversations with an adult and other peers. Children also learn how to report problems , evaluate and can learn to reflect on what happened when they were solving a technological problem ( MacNaughton, G., & Williams, G., 2009., p. 377).
References:
MacNaughton, G.,& Williams, G. (2009). Techniques for teaching young children:
Choices in theory and practice (3rd ed.). Frenchs Forrest, NSW,
Pearson Prentice Hall.
Ministry of Education. (1996). Te Whaariki: He whaariki matauranga mo nga
Mokopuna o Aotearoa.
Talay- Ongan, A., &Ap, E. A (Eds.). (2005). Child development and teaching young
Children. Pictures From Google Images
I liked how you actively supported the children's learning by teaching them how to use the computer and turn it off and on. You demonstrated that the teachers’ computer abilities “can have a direct impact on how effectively children’s learning needs are met through technology” (Tsantis, Bewick & Thouvenelle, 2003, p. 7). I agree that some children do learn quickly and when teachers engage with children using the computer to extend upon their knowledge and skills, it becomes a useful educational tool rather than a babysitting device (Lee, Hatherly & Ramsey, 2002; Tsantis, Bewick & Thouvenelle, 2003). As a result, research shows that children using the computer gain “in intelligence, non-verbal skills, structural knowledge, long term memory, manual dexterity, verbal skills, problem solving, abstraction and conceptual skills” (Haugland, 2000 cited in Lee, Hatherly & Ramsey, 2002, p. 15).
ReplyDeleteGreat experience Hayley, I liked how you were able to stand back and let the child take charge of their learning and you obviously look at the children as being competent as you were able to give the children the opportunity to play the learning games and move between games on their own but also you were able to read the children cues when they were having difficulty and knew when to step in and lend assistance. Another idea you could possibly consider when children are having difficulty controlling the mouse could be to consider hand over hand. Placing your hand over the child’s on the mouse and helping them move the mouse and clicking the mouse buttons, this way the child can get a feel of how to control the mouse. I like the way you demonstrated and modeled how to turn the computer off and on correctly this shows children how to they can turn the computer off and on in a safe way. To extend on the children’s learning from the computer games, you could question the children about what they can recall doing on the computer games. Computer games are a great way for children to learn basic concepts and academic subjects in a fun way through the use of visual effects and sound. Great reflection Hayley!
ReplyDeleteWow Hayley! It is so good to know the children engaging with computer technology really well here and the familiarity the two girls has shown is evidence of knowledge and life long skills they are developing and will be abiding as they grow up. The way you scaffold them in their learning by supporting and guiding them in the using of the mouse is awesome! You also extended their learning by taking them through another step in teaching them how to turn the computer on, it is really important that they have the ability to know because often children in most centres nowadays can have access to their own computers, so it will be quite handy if they have the knowledge to do so instead of waiting in frustration every time for the teacher to turn on their computer for them. Children sitting at their computers by themselves can be quite scary if it is connected to the outside world, in that I meant connected to the internet but as long as teachers are around and are supervising, I do not see any problem with that at all. So what you have done is actually really good so well done!
ReplyDeleteSerena
ReplyDeleteI myself am a fan of computers technology and the endless possibilities it creates for children's learning experiences. In my own centre we have children who are already at a competent level for operating this tool but find that not all children are exposed to this at home and need support. By taking a step back and offering your assistance you have in the first instance given the child the first opportunity to explore and problem solve on their own, and offered your help when asked or when it is obvious the child needs help.
In our own daily duties in work, study or home computers are used commonly to assist us with the tasks we fulfill everyday, so for children to become involved with ICT at a young age enables them to get prepared for the modern world in which we live.Our curriculum Te Whariki has few direct references to the use of technology so how do we as teachers fit technology into our framework? The curriculum does state that, "'as part of a world revolution in communication, technology, work and leisure' children will need to develop confidence in themselves and be able to 'continue acquiring new knowledge and skills (MOE 1996 cited Smarti, S., 1999, p. 8).