Reflection 1 Computer

Today, in my home centre, one of the teachers input some new computer program for the computer. Many children very interested about the computer programme and played around in the computer corner. I found that the scene a bit babuism so l sat next to the computer and supervised children to take turns to play with the computer. I let one child play one computer game for each turn about five mimunts and four children wait for his turn. Then I let other children play other activities first.  In other words, I supervised five children at a time. I also provided age appropriate computer programme for different children. 

Google Image. (2012). Children are playing computer programs in the calssroom. Retrieved from   Google Image. (2012). A child is taking photos. Retrieved from   http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?q=children+computer&um=1&hl=en&biw=1680&bih=918&tbm=isch&tbnid=vO_mZqigraZejM:&imgrefurl=http://www.drtavel.com/blog/not-kidding-around&docid=1VV8kpgRXBBsxM&imgurl=http://www.drtavel.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/kids_on_computer.png&w=540&h=353&ei=Hd5mT4u0KKvmmAWfjI2JDg&zoom=1&iact=rc&dur=459&sig=100295179778907672351&page=1&tbnh=133&tbnw=191&start=0&ndsp=40&ved=1t:429,r:13,s:0&tx=95&ty=55

I understand children love to play computer games because it is so attractive and interesting. Computer  as part of an early childhood curriculum that benefit young children the greatest are those that are interactive and allow the child to develop their curiosity, problem solving and independent thinking skills(Ministry of Education, 1996). Computer programs allow interaction that offer children active learning therefore children can enhance develop the decision making. Software can provide individualized instruction by allowing children to work at their own skill levels. Computer enhances children learning in a variety of ways, for example computer can naturally support that through writing software, digital cameras, and other methods.         

On the other hand, Most experts believe computers are not developmentally appropriate for children under the age of three (Elkind, 1998; Haugland, 1992;). Computer does not provide children with the quality and quantity of crucial emotional, social, cognitive, or physical experiences for children. Moreover, children need real-life experiences with real people which the computer cannot replace it. 

Google Image. (2012). A teacher is supervising children to play computer program. Retrieved from Google Image. (2012). A teacher is supervising three children to play with computer. Retrieved from   http://www.kidsomania.com/page/10/

Today we can see that in  early childhood curriculum, technology will be part of the learning landscape of the future. The computer in the centre classroom must be fully integrated with the program’s educational goals and objectives (Arthur, Beecher, Death, Dockett & Farmer, 2008).I think that computer programs should be used to enhance curriculum and experiences for children in the classroom. To make sure this new technology is used effectively, I think that teachers are fully trained and supported.

 

Google Image. (2012). Two children surprised the result of the computer pregame. Retrieved from   Google Image. (2012). A child is taking photos. Retrieved from   http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?q=computer+children&num=10&um=1&hl=en&biw=1280&bih=584&tbm=isch&tbnid=V-B5wJCGF7uoHM:&imgrefurl=http://computer-monitoring-software.co/&docid=orDRBXTh1hrQTM&imgurl=http://computer-monitoring-software.co/images/kids-computer.jpg&w=300&h=300&ei=VUxmT7CiMKmhiAfu1bT8BQ&zoom=1

As an early childhood teacher, I must act as facilitators in children's learning. I should consistently model for children the use of technology in everyday life in the end our children learn from us (Ministry of Education, 2007). Moreover, teachers need introduce to children and give children proper guidelines before they can be expected to use the computer programs independently. Instructional strategies coupled with technology can creative powerful learning experiences (MacNaughton & Williams, 2009). Meanwhile I think that teachers’ interaction with children during their computer time is very important. As teachers ask open ended questions, it encourages more critical thinking from the child (MacNaughton & Williams, 2009). I think that teachers attentions to offer comments about what they are doing.  Interactive educational games provide immediate feedback and encouragement to children. Finally, I think that the balance and the timing are the keys to healthy development. I think that limit screen time to less than one hour per day is necessary.

Place the computer in an area of the class that is open for sharing. Place extra chairs at the computer so that other children may participate. Children share leadership roles and initiate interactions more frequently. They engage in turn taking and peer collaboration. Haugland suggests a ratio of one computer to seven students, the best situation being one to five. Meanwhile, I should let children know computer just a tool of learning. I also provide a lot of opportunities for children to interact with many things in the classroom, such as blocks, dolls clay.

Google Image. (2012). A adult is supervising a boy to use computer. Retrieved from   Google Image. (2012). A child is taking photos. Retrieved from   http://www.google.co.nz/imgres?q=computer+children&num=10&um=1&hl=en&biw=1280&bih=584&tbm=isch&tbnid=EyH2GjwVo4d7qM:&imgrefurl=http://isafesoft.com/blog/spy-on-childs-computer-to-keep-kids-safe-on-internet.html&docid=dN7AZQInDgm5lM&imgurl=http://isafesoft.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/kids-computer-keylogger-isafe.jpg&w=600&h=527&ei=VUxmT7CiMKmhiAfu1bT8BQ&zoom=1&iact=rc&dur=303&sig=100027190629991029903&sqi=2&page=1&tbnh=117&tbnw=133&start=0&ndsp=20&ved=1t:429,r:19,s:0&tx=68&ty=70

 The lasts research shows that technology is and will continue to be an integral part of classrooms (Haugland, 2011). Using computer helps early learners to communicate, practice life skills and better understand concepts. Learning becomes the most meaningful when children can thoroughly understand and explore a concept. When used in conjunction with other modes of learning, I believe that if we use it with wise ways, computer can be very powerful tool in the classroom.

Reference:

 

Arthur, L., Beecher, B., Death, E., Dockett, S., & Farmer, S. (2008). Programming and planning in early childhood settings (4^th ed.).  Victoria, Australia: Cengage Learning

Elkind, D. (1998). Computers for infants and young children. Child Care     

            Information Exchange. 123, 44-46.

  Haugland, S. W. (1992). Effects of computer software on preschool children’s

           developmental gains. Journal of Computing in Early Childhood, 3 (1) 15-30.

Haugland, S. W. (2011). Early childhood classrooms in the 21st century: Using computers to maximize learning. Young Children, 55 (1), 12-18.

MacNaughton, G., & Williams, G. (2009). Techniques for teaching young children: Choices in theory  and practice (3rd ed.). Frenchs Forrest, NSW, Australia:   Pearson Prentice Hall.

Ministry of Education. (1996). Te Whāriki: He whāriki mātauranga mo nga mokopuna o Aotearoa .Wellington: Learning Media.

Ministry of Education. (2007). The New Zealand Curriculum. New Zealand: Learning Media.