Where: Over 2s’
room
When I arrived in
the room, there was an old main computer and a keyboard on the table. S, M and J were busy looking at and working on
them with screwdrivers. I sat down at
the table and observed them working for a while first. S and J touched the electrics and talked
about them each other, and M focused on disassembling the keyboard with
screwdrivers. 
I think that teachers
need to help children develop “the ability to represent their discoveries,
using creative and expressive media and the technology associated with them” such
as scissors, sticky tape, glue, etc (Ministry of Education, 1996, p. 88). I also realised that teachers can provide
diverse resources and equipment for scientific and technological learning so
that children can develop concepts through planned daily programmes (Ministry
of Education, 1996).
Meanwhile, M disassembled
the keys from the keyboard and put them into a jar one by one, then looked at
me and said “I am collecting all keys”. I
asked “When the keys have gone from the keyboard, can we use it again?” M said “No, we can’t. It’s very old.” So I said “We need the keyboard when we use a
computer.” And then S and M said
together “It’s broken!”, “Look, look, we already took the screws away from here,
too” while pointing at the old main computer.
I noticed that the
children looked very curious and explored the old electronics with screwdrivers
diligently and actively. I also realised
that both the electronics and equipments are included in technology. I honestly did not think that young children
can properly handle equipments such as screwdrivers, screws and carpentry tools
because some equipments belong to adults.
In addition, I am very surprised that the children had some knowledge of
electronics. For example, the
electronics became useless because they disassembled screws from the old main
computer. 
Through using
knowledge and information about technology, children can develop their capability
of solving practical problems, which contributes to development of their self-confidence
and well-being (Ministry of Education, 1996). Interactivity and capacity of Digital
information and communications technologies can promote resources for
exploration, approach problem-solving and make connections between ideas (Loveless, 2002).
When I had a look
in the old main computer, it looked complicated and it was hard for me to
figure out what the parts were. I just noticed that it had sharp boards and lots of coloured wires. I used
to hesitate and be less confident in giving information about technology, such
as computer hardware and software, because I have a superficial and vague
knowledge about technology. I realised
again that technology has been changed very quickly and I need to prepare new
fast generation through gaining knowledge and skills as a well-prepared
educator. Here is a Videoclip (in Youtube) for opinion about new generation.
* The 21st Century Learner
Tsantis, Bewick and
Thouvenelle (2003) said “for many people, computer use is not an easy,
effortless experience” (p. 3). In
addition, Tsantis, Bewick and Thouvenelle (2003) suggested that teachers can
gain their comfort and skill levels through continuous professional development
opportunities and support for teachers.
Teachers need to recognise the potential of technology to enhance the
teaching and learning process (Tsantis, Bewick, & Thouvenelle, 2003), which
links with quality outcomes for children’s learning through thinking and
practices (Ministry of Education, 2007).
I recognise that I
can use recycled resources and materials for child-initiated learning. Old electrics are very useful and effective
resources for children’s interests. In addition, I do not need any worries which children could break them. Children can understand the people, events and
things in their environment through extensive interactions with real materials
and resources such as machines and machine parts (Isenberg & Jalongo, 2006).
Relevant Videoclips in Youtube:
* Teach a Child How to Use Scissors
* What is technology
* What is Educational Technology
References
Isenberg,
J. P. & Jalongo, M. R. (2006). Creative
thinking and arts-based learning: Preschool through fourth grade (4 ed.).
Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Merrill Prentice Hall.
Loveless, A. (2002).
Literature review in creativity: new technologies and learning. Futurelab series. Bristol, United
Kindom: Futurelab.
Ministry
of Education. (1996). Te Whāriki: He
whāriki mātauranga mō ngā mokopuna o Aotearoa : Early childhood curriculum. Wellington, New Zealand: Learning
Media.
Ministry
of Education. (2007). The New Zealand
curriculum. Wellington, New Zealand: Learning Media.
Tsantis, L. A. Bewick, C. J., & Thouvenelle, S.
(2003). Examining some common myths about computer use in the early years. Young Children, 58(1), 1-9.
Google images. (2012). Image of AL6XN-hex-cap-screw, retrieved from http://al6xnscrew.com/
Googleimages. (2012). Image of athlon64_box, retrieved from http://blog.aurel32.net/date/2005/07
Google images. (2012). Image of beige_chicony_keyboard_large, retrieved from http://www.keyboardco.com/keyboard_big.asp?PRODUCT=7
Google images. (2012). Image of colorado%20recycling, retrieved from http://fall7getup8.shikshik.org/page/2/
Google images. (2012). Image of d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427eimage, retrieved from http://www.breezypoints.com/preschool-education-newtown-bucks-county.htm
Google images. (2012). Image of AL6XN-hex-cap-screw, retrieved from http://al6xnscrew.com/
Googleimages. (2012). Image of athlon64_box, retrieved from http://blog.aurel32.net/date/2005/07
Google images. (2012). Image of beige_chicony_keyboard_large, retrieved from http://www.keyboardco.com/keyboard_big.asp?PRODUCT=7
Google images. (2012). Image of colorado%20recycling, retrieved from http://fall7getup8.shikshik.org/page/2/
Google images. (2012). Image of d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427eimage, retrieved from http://www.breezypoints.com/preschool-education-newtown-bucks-county.htm
Google
images. (2012). Image of electronics-recycling, retrieved from http://schaumburglibrarygreenside.wordpress.com/category/recycling/
Google images. (2012). Image of imagesCAEVR02I, retrieved from http://forum.notebookreview.com/zepto/244036-zepto-keyboard-just-broke.html
Google
images. (2012). Image of IMG_1599, retrieved from http://teachertomsblog.blogspot.co.nz/2011/01/two-year-olds-with-hammers.html
Google images. (2012). Image of royers-prek-purple-boys, retrieved from http://www.malvernschool.com/programs/pre-kindergarten-program
Google images. (2012). Image of screwdriver, retrieved from http://www.pruner.biz/tag/who-invented-the-screwdriver/
Google images. (2012). Image of stock-photo-broken-computer-74248147, retrieved from http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-74248147/stock-photo-broken-computer.html
Google images. (2012). Image of 151, retrieved from http://www.vintage-computer.com/vcforum/album.php?albumid=12&attachmentid=2496
I think that it is a good idea for children’s learning to provide old and broken computer. By disassembling the main board of the computer, the children can learn about the structure, working process and technology of computers. As you cited from Te Whāriki, teachers should provide various resources linked with technology in order to support children to understand scientific and technological knowledge in a daily basis (Ministry of Education, 1996).
ReplyDeleteAnd I did not think about screwdrivers before you commented on it. Now I realised that screwdrivers are also technological tools. I appreciate it. Those tools can be used in carpentry activities as well. While hammering nails, tightening and loosening screws, children can realise use of technology. Moreover, I think that it is important for children to ask questions and respond to their activities so that children can understand convenience of technology.
I think that it is a good idea for children’s learning to provide the old and broken computer. By disassembling the main board of the computer, the children can learn about the structure, working process and technology of computers. As you cited from Te Whāriki, teachers should provide various resources linked with technology in order to support children to understand scientific and technological knowledge in a daily basis (Ministry of Education, 1996).
ReplyDeleteAnd I did not think about screwdrivers before you commented on it. Now I realised that screwdrivers are also technological tools. I appreciate it. Those tools can be used in carpentry activities as well. While hammering nails, tightening and loosening screws, children can realise use of technology. Moreover, I think that it is important for children to ask questions and respond to their activities so that children can understand convenience of technology.
Reference
Ministry of Education. (1996). Te Whāriki: He whāriki mātauranga mō ngā mokopuna o Aotearoa: Early childhood curriculum. Wellington, New Zealand: Learning Media.
I agree with Youri that junk old technological devises provide an additional opportunity and let children to explore and extend their existing knowledge in technology, good spotting. In this reflection Youri constantly showed her screw vision of the situation, the awareness of her own thought and feeling. “The use of technology enables teachers to easily tailor the curriculum to meet individual child needs” (Talay-Ongan & Ap, 2005, p.227). I think that Youri did it through her reflection and helped the children to enrich environment and then learning through open-ended questions. She is talking not only about the importance to teach the new generation but to be aware about self confidence in technology among the teachers too to “enhance the teaching and learning process” with quality. It is true we are learning from each other and alongside with more knowledgeable person (AKO) Maori (Tamati, 1996) teaching and learning theory. (151)
ReplyDeleteI agree with Youri that junk old technological devises provide an additional opportunity and let children to explore and extend their existing knowledge in technology, good spotting. In this reflection Youri constantly showed her screw vision of the situation, the awareness of her own thought and feeling. “The use of technology enables teachers to easily tailor the curriculum to meet individual child needs” (Talay-Ongan & Ap, 2005, p.227). I think that Youri did it through her reflection and helped the children to enrich environment and then learning through open-ended questions. She is talking not only about the importance to teach the new generation but to be aware about self confidence in technology among the teachers too to “enhance the teaching and learning process” with quality. It is true we are learning from each other and alongside with more knowledgeable person (AKO) Maori (Tamati, 1996) teaching and learning theory. (151)
ReplyDeleteI agree with Youri that junk old technological devises provide an additional opportunity and let children to explore and extend their existing knowledge in technology, good spotting. In this reflection Youri constantly showed her screw vision of the situation, the awareness of her own thought and feeling. “The use of technology enables teachers to easily tailor the curriculum to meet individual child needs” (Talay-Ongan & Ap, 2005, p.227). I think that Youri did it through her reflection and helped the children to enrich environment and then learning through open-ended questions. She is talking not only about the importance to teach the new generation but to be aware about self confidence in technology among the teachers too to “enhance the teaching and learning process” with quality. It is true we are learning from each other and alongside with more knowledgeable person (AKO) Maori (Tamati, 1996) teaching and learning theory. (151)
ReplyDeleteOh, Children love explore.They always curious about every things especially technologies.Teachers should be able to notice children's interest and provide opportunities that follows their interest.In order to facilitate children effectively, teacher need to have a clearly stated purpose for what children are asked to do, giving children explicit directions, providing children with the materials needed and guiding students through their tasks by asking questions, answering questions and providing them with clear feedback (McNaughton & Williams, 2009) . Extend the idea To use recycle materials to make things is a very good way to teach children what the part of a computer look like as well as to look after the mother earth by saving the recycle materials.
ReplyDeleteMcNaughton, G., & Williams, G. (2009). Techniques for teaching young children: Choices in theory and practice (3rd ed.). Melbourne,Vic.: Addison Wesley Longman.