Final Reflection

Since starting this blog I have been able to gain a really in depth understanding of how technology in early childhood impacts on our curriculum and children’s learning. It was great reading the other girls comments on my blog and each other’s. This let me gain another perspective on not only my own blog experiences but others as well.

 Amanda and Chanelle commented that the child, who I spoke about using the mimio board, may have not been allowed to have messy play at home and this may be why he doesn’t go into the art corner. This had not occurred to me, so I was able to extend my thinking because of their comments. I then wanted to find out more about this child and his use of technology. I was able to discover that this child has an iPad at home and frequently uses the computer. This could also be  impacting on his use of technology in my centre.

Amanda also commented that I sound very confident in using different technology with the children in my centre. I had never used the digital microscope before or the software but I found it really easy to find my way around and pick up how to use technology. So this way I am really lucky as I love to learn to use different pieces of equipment with the children. Including the children in this process and working things out together is a great way to build relationships with children. I have also always held a view that technology is important to use with children throughout the day. Oldridge states that "the beliefs the teachers hold, influences their perceptions and judgements, which in turn, affect their teaching behaviour" (2007, p.10). Throughout our class discussion’s and comments on my blog I have been able to see how my class mate’s perspectives have changed especially those who were not that into having technology in early childhood. For me once I started to understand that technology doesn’t just mean digital technology, my opinion of having technology increased more. I think we were also able to influence each other in our groups as we had to comment on each other’s blogs, so we were forced to find the benefits of technology and share them with our group.

I now believe that technology has a great significance on children’s learning and development. I have learnt that there is digital technology and non-digital technology. Technology is something that helps solve a problem, Smorti 1999 goes on to say that "knowledge, skills and resources are combined to find solutions" (p.6). So a lot of what we wouldn’t normally consider technology actually is. When children are using technology they are engaging with each other, working on social competence, expanding their minds and working out problem solving. I now firmly beleive that children live in a world where technology is a big part of their lives, we as teachers should embrace this to extend their learning opportunities.