Final Reflective Blog
When reading the comments on my reflections, I noticed a trend forming in regards to children working together and learning alongside each other. This was also a common feature in the blogs of the rest of my group and I realised that through the use of technology, children are learning communication skills and developing their language and vocabulary as they work in pairs or as part of a group. Another comment mentioned the way technology can have a positive effect on children and their confidence and wellbeing. I observed this when the children playing the xylophone together made the proud comment that they “can play music” and also the way the children felt when they assisted in the making of the pulley in the sandpit.
Something else I learnt from the comments on my blog was how important the involvement of a child’s parents at the centre can be. Baker, Bernstone, Ellis, Glass and Hagan (2008) state that everyone should feel valued and important in their environment and have a sense of belonging. This child came to our centre from America and told her mother that she is the only one with white skin in the class and she looks different to everyone else. I think due to her differences, she was struggling to find a sense of belonging in the centre. When her father, herself and the other children built the pulley, I saw things change for her. Her father is now mentioned often at the centre as “M’s dad who made the pulley” and she often reflects on the experience with other children when they are in the sandpit about the day they built it. Talay-Ongan and Ap (2005) suggest that parents and families should also feel a sense of belonging in the centre and I think now that the child saw her father involved at the centre and she assisted him and worked with her peers, she is feeling more confident and like she has a place.
A comment on my xylophone blog was about the use of it being a rich experience for children that uses all their senses compared to that of iPads or computers. I read this comment a couple of times before I really understood it and I realised that by playing this large outdoor instrument, she is right, the child really does use all their senses and could not experience quite the same thing through a computer.
Another comment suggested the children are asked for their ideas on new games for the computer and I agree with this. The programmes need to be updated to encourage more use and be appropriate for the children’s age and varied skill levels.
This assignment has really challenged me but it has increased my understanding of what is considered technology and how it can be beneficial to the learning and development of children. I would often see children using a resource and not consider it technology at all or think about what they were achieving or learning from it but I notice now that I look at resources and equipment differently and I find myself questioning whether it is considered technology and how can I justify it as being technology. I will then observe the children and see what they are learning by using it.
Overall, I think that the use of technology is vital for children as the world around them moves so quickly they can easily be left behind. Basic skills like learning how to use a computer and the social skills associated with solving problems together and helping each other are skills that are necessary in life. Involving families is a great way to give children the confidence they need to feel a sense of belonging at the centre and in turn participate in the group and work together with others. Stepping out of your comfort zone as a teacher and gaining knowledge about technology is very beneficial for children and opens the door for many learning opportunities.
I am grateful to my group for the comments they made and the learning I gained from them.
