Reflection Three: children on computer
16th March, 2010
16th March, 2010
 |
| children on computer |
In the morning, it is always busy in the centre 3 (3-4 ages), some children were busy having clicking mouse to control and look at something happen on the screen when they just arrived in the centre.
Today was a normal day, “K” was the first one who played the computer in the centre, and he switched on the computer, and chose software to do games of letter and number by a teacher’s helping. The games were matching game and practicing memory, the children could drag the mouse to put the numbers and words on the pictures, there were good at promote the children’s literacy. After couple of minutes, other children came to “K” and looked what he was doing, “N” sometimes helped “K” to give him some ideas, I realized that “N” had a amazing memory, and he could read some simple words and numbers. Sometimes, some children discussed with what they saw on the screen to others, “This is elephant.”, “No, this is not.”, “Three presents…”, “I did it.” ……..
“ICT includes any product that can store, retrieve, transmit or receive information electronically in a digital device. For example, personal computers, digital television, email, robots” （Tutor2u.net, 2010）. The full name of ICT is Information and Communication Technology. Thus, using computer for children is a kind of digital technology.
I find that ICT could enrich children’s literacy in their language development, giving them more opportunities to use language to express the feeling about what is meaningful in their own learning, such as size, colour and words. Putting words on pictures that offer an opportunity to develop children’s writing and oral language skills, they can use their own words to describe what the pictures show or record their voices to tell stories and encourage their confidence to show their learning by speaking. Thus, computer definitely can facilitate children’s learning opportunities (Ministry of Education, 2004).
Computer playing gave me an awareness of ICT support co-operation skill to children, when they played computer games with their friends, they helped each other to settle problems confidently, then they could learn some positive experiences between peer and adults. Te Whāriki states that technology foster children’s self-confidence in the path of work out practical problem （Ministry of Education, 1996）
I was happy to see some children used the software and computer independently, they completed the game and mission by themselves, they were confident to tell everybody they can do it. Therefore, their behavior gives me an awareness of a good computer programs that can foster children a meaningful of independence from their self-esteem identify (Buckleitner, 1999).
In addition, reflecting on when children clicked the mouse, something was happened on the screen. It made children to realize that software can interact with them, which attract children’s interest. The goal of Strand 5 in Te Whāriki states that children learn strategies for active exploration, thinking and reasoning (Ministry of Education, 1996).
Reference:
GoogleImage. (2010). Image of a child playing with computer. Retrieved from
https://www.google.com/search?hl=zh- CN&q=children%20play%20the%20computer&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&biw=1280&bih=676&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&ei=utFqT9K8LfCeiAf5-syUBg
GoogleImage. (2010). Image of a child playing with computer. Retrieved from
https://www.google.com/search?hl=zh- CN&q=children%20play%20the%20computer&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&biw=1280&bih=676&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&ei=utFqT9K8LfCeiAf5-syUBg
Buckleitner, W. (1999). “I can do it” software. Scholastic Parent & Child, 6 (4), 12.
Ministry of Education. (1996). Te Whāriki: He Whāriki matauranga mo nga mokopuna a Aotearoa: Early childhood curriculum. Wellington, New Zealand: Learning Media.
Ministry of Education. (2004). The role and potential of ICT in early childhood education. Wellington, New Zealand: New Zealand Council for Educational Research.
Tutor2u.net. (2010). Introduction - what is ICT? Available online from
You have made a very good point of that ICT could enrich children’s literacy which is essential in promoting children’s language development, giving them more opportunities to use language to express the feeling about what is meaningful in their own learning. As children would like to communicate refer to the words or language from computer platform.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with that ICT could support children’s co-operation skill, as children would be together to solve problems by using the computer. In my opinion, I think the co-constructing would take place when children share their knowledge of operating the computer and using software. Obviously, by sharing their knowledge and expressing their learning are more likely to foster children’s language skill and self-confidence. You also pointed out that when children complete the game and mission by themselves, they would tell everybody they can do it, which shows that children’s emotional well-being is nurtured.
Yes, it is true that children play with computer involves a lot of learning and skills as you mentioned in your reflection, such as literacy skill and mathematic skill, find motor skill, eye-hand coordination and oral language development. It’s good to see you recognized that when you were observing children to use computer.
ReplyDeleteI quite like you said that “children use language to express their feelings” I do feel the same way, as there is a significant value beyond that—children’s emotional well-being was developed by using computer. What do you think when the child said “I did it”? For me, I realized that children also gain the confidence and satisfaction through using computer, and they felt good about themselves, therefore their emotional well-being was well nurtured and developed. So what children learn from using computer is not just what we have already seen, we always think about what’s beyond that, Do you agree with that?
Kia Ora Caroline. I agree with you that using computer could provide opportunities to support children’s cooperative skills, as when they play the games with their friends, they will communicate and share ideas to solve problems.
ReplyDeleteIn addition, you mentioned that computer could enrich children’s language development, as it gives children more opportunities to use language. As Te Whariki states, “language grows and develops in meaningful contexts when children have a need to know and a reason to communicate” (Ministry of Education, 1996, p.72). I agree with you, as I think that computer is one of the best ways to develop children’s ability to communicate with other peers.
Yes, computer also can develop children to have an ability to explore and learn independently, for example, using picture software program to create their own patterns by themselves. Also it can enhance children’s self-confidence to complete other works or solve more problems.
I usually considered using computer as a one-on-one activity. It was a thoughtful observation for you to realise that children may co-operate to work on the computer. This foresters children's experience of working alongside other (Ministry of Education, 1996, p.64). Or perhaps the co-operation can involve teacher. ICT practice can involve lots of 'teachable moments'. Yet, like you discussed, children also need to have experiences on their own. This can help foster children's self-help skills, which is mentioned more than once in Te Whariki (Ministry of Education, 1996, pp48,84). Children do get attracted by computers because of the interaction. The interest that the attraction creates is very important for children's learning. From my own experiences, I noticed that children have their own definitions and concepts about elements in computer. Perhaps you may consider these factors, which belongs to the area of children's working theory.
ReplyDeleteReference:
Ministry of Education. (1996). Te Whāriki: He Whāriki matauranga mo nga mokopuna a Aotearoa: Early childhood curriculum. Wellington, New Zealand: Learning Media.
It’s great to see your reflection. You outline the benefits for children’s social and communication skills that developed by computer technology. Children enhance the knowledge of using the digital technologies.
ReplyDeleteI agree, “Computer definitely can facilitate children’s learning opportunities.”
In fact, children can paly the computer game better than adults, and they always learn faster than adults. They like new materials and explorations. Thus, give them more opportunity and encouragement to explore the new environment or new stuff will be benefit for their development.
ICT is supporting children’s development of social skills and coordinating skills. Children can learn from each other, support each other. That’s very commonly seeing in the early childhood centers. I always encourage the young children in my center to make a good role modeling for the toddlers. Role modeling and scaffolding is very important.