Final Reflection

Using technology in early childhood education is not a new concept. “It can be traced back to when early cultures used complex systems of symbols and signs to record and transmit information” (Roblyer, Edwards & Haviluk, 1997). I think a technology can be any form s of tools, processes or materials we use to perform tasks more efficiently and meet our human needs. In the context of formal schooling, some of the best-known examples of technology used in teaching and learning are blackboard and chalk, pens, paper and textbooks. We would be familiar with other forms of technology used widely in schools, including digital video player, recorders, computers etc. “”Effective teaching is about choosing the best combination of these technological tools to enhance learning (Krause, Bochner, Duchesne & McMaugh, 2010).

 

Before I started this assignment, in my interpretation, technology is only about digital such as camera, computer, phone etc. I was confused when I was told that I have to write at least non-technology reflection as I didn’t have any idea of non-digital technology.  After read all the readings about Digital technology and Non-Digital Technology, I have gained a personal understanding of it. I think the N-DT doesn’t have to be an electronic product such as computer, camera etc. It can be a strategy, solution or idea which makes our life more convenient and simple. “Technology is about helping people and solving problems” (Smorti, 1999).

 

As Children are naturally drawn towards computers for their entertainment and development. I believe that digital and non-digital methods should be combined in education ideally. Both methods have pros and cons and I think a competent teacher can use the advantages and avoid the drawbacks. We cannot abandon the technical progress and all the facilities provided by it. But it does not mean we should disclaim old proved techniques in education.

 

From reading all the comments on my group members. I came to conclude:

For my first reflection, I talked about the ipad and iphone using in my centre. As my centre is private owned elite kindergarten, it was very challenging when I work in extreme social classes. Catherine asked me how that makes me feel. I would say, it really a big pressure for me to be honest, I have to be very carefully all the time. However,  I like the way my centre encourages children to expose to digital technologies as it really benefits children.

For my second reflection, I talked about the library and barcode.  I have a lot of good feedback from group members. I think it is because “the library” and “the barcode” are not available for every centre, so it looked quite new for us.  I chose this topic as believe it is good opportunity for children to operate simple basic computer skills, to learn how the barcode works etc.

 

For my last reflection, I talked about non-digital technology which is movement. I think it’s because I found it quite tricky in the beginning, so while I was writing it up, I didn’t explain it very well. I had a few disagreements from my group members. Their concerns were how I link movement to technology. And my example was not strong enough in this reflection.

 

I agree with what my peers had commented on my blog. To be honest, in the beginning, I was quite nervous to read the comments, because I was worrying about those comments were too ‘critical’. Actually, now I could see that my friends they read my reflections very carefully and their suggestions were really pertinent.  

 

 

Reference

Krause, K. L., Bochner, S., Duchesne, S., & McMaugh, A. (2010). Social, emotional and moral development. Educational Psychology for Learning and Teaching (3^rd ed.). Melbourne, Victoria: Cengage Learning.

 

Roblyer. M. D. Edwards, J.  & Havriluk, M. A (1997). Intergrating Educational technology into teaching. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall. 

 

Smorti, S. (1999) Technology in Early Childhood. Early Education, 19, 5-10.