Using Ipads in the centre. – digital
technology
In the
centre we have just brought a new Ipad for the teachers to use with the
children. I was the lucky teacher to bring this wonderful piece of digital
technology out through the session, for myself to learn how to use it but also
for the children as well. “Through the use of technology, teachers can provide
opportunities for the children to learn, think critically and have discussions
with their peers support by ICT”(Khine & Fisher, 2003, p,22). The Ipad will
slowly be used more in the centre for many different purposes for children to
have the opportunity to learn from, like the internet, taking photos and games.
“Games often require learners to use problem-solving skills” (Smaldino, Lowther
& Russell, 2008, p, 30). These opportunities will help to develop
children’s learning though using the Ipad.
The Ipad,
clearly is a digital piece of technology which mean” technology is an
application of mechanical and applied science of industrials use” (Webster,
2003, p, 477). Introducing the Ipad into the centre myself gave me the
opportunity to learn so much, because I did not know how to use it, as I had
never used one before. I could see how much the children already knew about
this form of technology, but could see that the other children that were not
familiar with this piece of equipment learnt the basic skills of how to use it.
By taking photos and scrolling through the images, where the children learnt
these skills; through the conversations and watching what their fellow peers
where doing while using the device. Te whariki states we need to teach our
children to “grow up to be competent and confident learners and communicators”
(Ministry of Education , 1996, p, 9)For the children teaching their peers and
myself while using this form of technology gave the children competence and confidence
to share their knowledge with others.
took
photos using the Ipad, then recalled what photos we took, because the screen is
touch screen the children were using their hand and eye co-ordination skills. As
well as their fine motor skills by pushing the capture button to take the
photo; also gaining these skills by using their fingers to slide though the
images they had taken to recall their use of the Ipad. “schools should explore
not only how ICT can supplement traditional ways of teaching but also how it
can open up new and different ways of learning” (Ministry if Education, 1993,
p, 36) This device allowed children to explore the equipment but also gain social
and communication skills through talking amongst their peers and learning
literacy skills by reading and typing with the Ipad.
One of
the children showed me how to slide though the photos, I was amazed how much
the children knew about the Ipad compared to myself. The children were using it
like they used it every day. I was so shocked by this, because I thought I
would have had to explain how to use it and show them what it does, but the
children knew about the games, the internet and the photos. Obviously the
children have used these at home or because this technology has been introduced
through this generation. Where the children use these forms of technology in
their everyday life without realising it, through cell phones, computers and
other technology devices.
Next time
I am going to put the Ipad out, and let the children do what they want, like
taking photos or play games, since they know how to use it. This way it will
let the children explore the Ipad to gain more understanding about the
technology and to find out what else it can do that they don’t know of. Te
Whariki states “children use a variety of technology for different purpose as
they explore their world” (Ministry of Education, 1996, p, 98). As the Ipad is
a new device in the centre and the children can do a lot more with this
equipment than a camera can, the children can explore this through their
experiences.
Overall I
enjoyed and learnt a lot from this experience through using a digital piece of
technology in the centre.
References
Khine,
M., & Fisher, D. (2003).Technology- rich learning environments: A future perspective. World
Scientific. Singapore.
Ministry
of education. (1993).New Zealand Curriculum. Wellington, New Zealand: learning
media.
Ministry of Education. (1996). Te whāriki: He whāriki mātauranga
ngā mokopuna Aotearoa: Early childhood curriculum. Wellington, New
Zealand: Learning Media.
Smaldino,
S., Lowther, D., & Russell, J. (2008). Instructional technology and media
for learning. Ninth edition. Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, New
Jersey.
Webster.
(2003). Compact: English Dictionary, For
home, school or office. Geddes & Grosset, Scotland.
Picture
References
Google
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Rebecca, I like how you and the children are learning together, how to use the ipad. Using the ipad can be very tricky in the beginning, but learning how to use it especially with children are really fun and exciting. I can clearly see how much knowledge you and the children gained through this activity and exploring this piece of digital technology. You have some good literature to back you up and have clear link between Te Whariki and the New Zealand curriculum. I like how you brought out the ipad without knowing how it works. You have a very well written post, I found it interesting the whole way through. Here is a tip: If you have another change with the ipad, get involved ask the children if you can have a turn let them show you what you have to do, as much as they enjoy exploring and playing on it, they enjoy showing you how to use it and being your teacher. Well done on you post.
ReplyDeleteHey Rebecca, you’re lucky to share this new piece of technology with the children what a great learning opportunity. It’s cool that you and the children learnt to use this piece of technology together as it shows the children you are still learning too. It’s good to see that you could observe what the children already knew and what they were learning from this technology. You have great photos that have allowed me to actually see what an iPad was as I haven’t ever seen one before. I can see you have taken in your comments from your past reflection and used these to write a more in depth reflection. You have made clear links to literature, Ka pai for you reflection Rebecca, you have come a long way over this short period of time.
ReplyDeleteKia Ora Rebecca,
ReplyDeleteWow what an awesome experience using Ipad’s with the children. I would have loved to seen the children’s faces when they saw this. Since this was new, children would be gaining great social skills as the demand to use it would be high. Also I would enjoy implementing this in my centre, were there any negatives or difficulties you found through this piece of technology? It’s great you explained their previous knowledge and the simple task for others who were less confident in using it, quickly learnt how. You have used a great amount of literature to support important points, such as games. These can be viewed as meaningless to children’s learning and development. How do you feel about children playing games while being at the centre? Although the Ipad it can be taken anywhere, creating new and different learning. It was great to see the children teaching you about the Ipad, this makes them play an active part in the programme and gives them confidence their knowledge is valued. Really well written reflection Rebecca, you have reflected immensely in the last two blogs and your growth is evident. I can see you’ve learnt a lot over these technology experiences.
Hi Rebecca
ReplyDeleteThis is such a great reflection on the use of the Ipad within your centre. It is so interesting and wonderful to hear all the different reactions that the children had while engaging and interacting with this type of technology. I really liked that you provided an in depth reflection on the learning you have gained through this experience. I also liked how you talked about the way you felt when using this piece of technology. It showed me that you were not only noticing what the children were learning but also what you were learning at the same time. I think it is great that you mentioned about the next time you bring out the Ipad you are going to leave it there for the children to freely interact with by themselves. Throughout your reflections I can clearly see the growth you have developed through listening to your previous comments given. Overall this was a well written reflection. Well done.