With the development of science and technology, more and more people are more familiar with and dependent on the new technologies such as mobile phones, digital cameras and computers. Ministry of Education (1996, p. 18) states that in order to cope with a rapidly changing society, children need "both the confidence to develop their own perspectives and the capacity to continue acquiring new knowledge and skills.” Thus, I believe that in order to prepare our children for the rapidly developing world, we need to enhance children's learning of using those new technologies.
In our centre, children don't get many opportunities to operate a real digital camera as there aren't any real digital cameras available for children, however, we do have a lot of toy cameras or faulty cameras for children to play with so that they could get a basic concept of camera. Even though, I believed that it would be beneficial to engage children in the real experience of using a digital camera. O' Hara (2004) suggested that the use of new technology enhances children's overall development, including cognitive, emotional communication and social development. A new learning experience could easily stimulate a child to explore and learn through it so that children are very likely to develop cognitively. Children are able to acknowledge positive emotional feelings from the exploring of digital camera, for example, pleasure in finding out, satisfied curiosity and confidence. Social interaction with peers is very likely to occur in the photo-taking process, children will learn to join in and enjoy working with others.
Sensitively using cameras always needs to be kept in mind, as The New Zealand Curriculum (2007, p.32) stated, children should be aware of the “ethics, legal requirements, protocols, codes of practice, and the needs of and potential impacts on stakeholders and the environment.” Thus, as teachers, we should be teaching children with the rules of how to safety and properly using cameras, such as no taking pictures in the bathrooms, explain to children why we should have this rules.
Reference:
Google. (n.d.). Image. Retrieved from http://www.digital-camera-center.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/The-reason-why-your-kids-need-a-digital-camera-2.jpg
MacNaughton, G., & Williams, G. (2009). Techniques for teaching young children: Choices in theory and practice (3rd ed.). Frenchs Forrest, NSW, Australia: Pearson Prentice Hall.
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.
O'Hara, M. (2004). ICT in the early years. New York: Continuum.
Santrock, J.W. (2009). Lifespan development. (12th ed., International). Boston, MA: McGraw-Hill.
Camellia, I really enjoyed reading this post. It was great to get a different perspective. I am glad to hear that you offered the girls the opportunity to have a go with your camera. I also agree that it is very important for children to learn to look after the camera, such as wearing it around their neck so that it is less likely to get dropped.
ReplyDeleteI was interested to hear that although you don't have real digital cameras in your centre you do have toy ones. I agree that this is a good way for children to gain experience. I also think this it is good to have them available for children. I have found that children love to pretend play, and sometimes a real camera is not necessarily needed, they are enjoying engaging in pretend play.
I am glad that you touched on the ethical issues of cameras. Maybe this could have been talked about more, as it is very important. I liked that you mentioned that it is important to talk to the children about why we have these rules. I think this is very important, and will hopefully help them gain understanding.
Hi Camellia,
ReplyDeleteIt is such an interesting reflection to read. I like the idea you stated at the end, which is teaching children why and how to use cameras in a respectful, safe and ethical way. I think it is really important and it is a must.
I also agree with you that the camera is a beneficial tool in children’s learning. You claimed that in the photographing experience, the camera got the children working together and motivated them and promoted their learning in different areas, including social competence. That led me to think that cameras could help new children to settle in as well. New children would probably feel more comfortable and free to observe the new environment and to look for new friends behind the camera. I think you may think and reflect on that aspect as well.
I found the following literature is really informative, you could have a look : )): http://www.educate.ece.govt.nz/~/media/Educate/Files/Reference%20Downloads/ex/ECEBk20/ECEBk20Jason.pdf
Hi Camellia, I really enjoyed reading this insightful post. at my centre, we also have lots of toy cameras for children, but limited access to the real ones. however I agree with Nicola that even toy cameras are a greatly enjoyed by the children.
ReplyDeleteChildren do need to use the technology that is around them, but as you highlighted, it is also important for us teachers to teach and model to children how we can take care of these and also make them aware of the ethical issues around it.
You also talked about how cameras can boost social interaction between children. Isn't technology amazing. Not only it makes moments memorable , but it also helps children (and adults) social skills.
Continue to encourage the use of digital technology with children, but also explain why they need to follow the ethics of it.
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ReplyDeletesorry, wrong page.
DeleteKai pai Carmellia. This is a really well thought out post, which demonstrates your understanding of how important technology is in the world and the importance of fostering children's interests in digital technology. It is great that you saw this interest in the play cameras and were able to extend this interest, by offering a real one.
ReplyDeleteYou made the comment “I believe that in order to prepare our children for the rapidly developing world, we need to enhance children’s learning of those new technologies”. You backed this up with your practical example of giving the opportunity, demonstrating and role-modelling. In class we have talked about how much we need to teach children and how much we should let them explore. Which is the Vygotsky/Piaget debate. I did like what Bronwyn Glass said in class this week about how they left an ipad on the table and within minutes the children had got it and had found the drawing tool. I have also seen a child figure out how to unlock their parent’s smartphone, and that was not taught (possibly observed). Do you believe enhancing learning of technology is primarily taught or is providing the resources and stepping back another relevant way for enhancing children’s learning? You did demonstrate both in this interaction by letting also letting them explore and teach each other.
You said you were surprised how fast a child could pick up a new technology. I agree it is incrediable. Have a look at some of these ipad clips, some of these children are so young and very capable with technology .http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2lqQ2nItoQ&feature=BFa&list=PL46C0411E2D786E4F
Thanks for great sharing. i think that there should b a balance between technology providing and not providing. I loved the way you explained. check kids IQ here
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