Children using computer technology

I have noticed that some of the children were interested in Indian cooking. The children wanted to cook pranthas (kind of Indian roti). Child B and S were confused and asked me what that is and how it looks like? I told them it is Indian food. However, I reminded them the internet would be a great place to discover their needs. I helped the children to turn on the computers. The children were excited to go to the internet. I supported them to find out on the Google image search. I showed them the pictures of the Indian Roties and the recipe to cook them.  I showed them how to save the picture and print them off. Child S asked if he could take a picture home. I printed a picture and gave it to him. I showed the image of potatoes, spinach, spices and dough. The children learned the ingredient and cooking method. Te Whāriki states that children use range of technologies for different purposes as they explore their world (Ministry of Education, 1996).

                    

I thought we become even more dependent on technology day by day and children learn quickly to new technology as well. It is my responsibility as a teacher to introduce technology to children. I saw the children were very excited to see the images of different things and enjoyed it. The children learned how to use computer and new healthy recipes. Iram and Siraj-Blatchford (2006) suggested that pre-school children should be finding out about and recognizing the uses of technology in their everyday lives. They should also be using computers to support their learning. I offer the opportunities to the children to develop their knowledge about ICT skills. I realize that some children were very confident to use the computers. It was interesting to see the children-using mouse very confidently. They were curious clicking various options to see what would happen. I observed that the children could turn the computer on and off, replace diskettes and follow instructions from picture menu. Children develop understanding specific to technological enterprises and environment and understanding of how and why things works (Ministry of Education, 2007).

During this project working with children I feel technology can support and extend children’s learning in many ways such as problem solving, planning, and thinking. The children develop skills such as imagination, literacy, and motor skills. They enhanced mathematic thinking by computer.  As a teacher, I try to enhance and expand children’s computer experiences. For example, I let them to hold the mouse and click on different options.  According to  Te Whāriki,  children develop confidence in using a variety of strategies for exploring and making sense of the world, such as in setting and solving problems, thinking logically making comparisons and participating in reflective discussion (Ministry of Education,  1996).                     

thought computers have made valuable contribution in early childhood education. The children love to explore and figure things out. However, we need to provide the best opportunities for children to incorporate their new ideas and make choices. I realise that as teachers I need to set the activities and programmes based on children’s interests. Iram and Siraj-Blatchford (2006), mentions that educators must match the technology to each child’s unique specials needs, learning styles and individual preferences. In the beginning, I did everything for the children. I realise the children enough confident to use the computer, I allowed them to do themselves. To look at the importance of computer, I want to improve my computer skills.

References

Images: Retrieved 18/03/12 from Google Images www.google.co.nz

Iram and Siraj-blatchford,J. (2006). Guide to developing the ICT curriculum for early childhood education. Great Britain: Cromwell Press Ltd.

Ministry of Education. (1996). Te whāriki: He whāriki mātauranga  ngā mokopuna Aotearoa: Early childhood curriculum. Wellington, New Zealand: Learning Media.

Ministry of Education. (2007). The New Zealand curriculum. Wellington, New Zealand: Learning Media.