Individual Reflection 5

Visit to Odyssey Fourth Avenue

I felt fortunate to be able to visit this prestigious school where technology was incorporated in children’s daily routine to enhance their learning.

            

I was amazed to see that parents or caregivers check in and check out of their child’s presence using iPad before they enter and leave the school. This was an environmentally friendly approach because it was a paperless effort to keep record of children’s attendance and monitor their safety.

It was delighted to see that children were given the autonomy to construct their own learning through active exploration with the technological devices at a tender age. This showed that teachers trusted the children’s abilities even though they were by their side to facilitate them. Teachers gave children time and opportunities to improve their capability to manipulate the technological devices and to build their confidence. Moreover, children could develop social skills whenever they work in pairs on the computer like sharing and negotiating.

Technology is not every teacher’s forte and the school is empathetic towards this issue. They provide in-house IT training conducted by their staff. This is a realistic strategy and it improves the culture of the school between staff.

Individual Reflection 4

Technology in early childhood classrooms

In session four, I was inspired to incorporate basic technology tools into activities to enhance children’s learning in the classrooms. The Over Head Projector (OHP) that was used in class made me realized that outdated technology could still be useful if we take advantage of its functions. Activities that comprised of using basic technology should be created as a form of play in the process of exploring concepts, to attract children’s interest. It requires teachers to be creative in utilizing the materials that can be found in school. Thus, sharing of ideas among teachers is vital for them to be more accepting and courageous to include technology in children’s learning.

After reviewing the National Association for the Education of Young Children [NAEYC) position statement, I recognized the responsibility of adults to provide meaningful experiences for children to interact with technology and media. We are to bear in mind the quality and quantity of experiences that we give children. In addition, adults are to educate children to help them develop appropriate digital practices and values to maintain a more positive cyber world. Adults can do so by modeling appropriate practices. According to Albert Bandura’s Social Learning Theory, observing the environment shapes children’s behaviors.

Individual Reflection 3

Technology and Learning

In session three, I realized that using simple technological tools is cost effective and builds an individual’s creativity in designing various ideas to include them. Furthermore, it prevents teachers or children who are incompetent in using technology to feel intimidated before exploring its benefits. Henceforth, simple technology could serve as a form of encouragement.

Context of learning is now being challenged due to technology and new media (McLeod, Lin & Vasinda, 2012). Other than books and teachers, technology comes on-board to enrich learning. The teachers have to be open-minded, bold and competent to embrace the new context of learning. Additionally, the support by leaders and colleagues is crucial to sustain the adaptation of technology. Even though technology is gaining more attention, books and teachers still have their value in giving children a sensorial touch and human contact respectively. Thus, the success relies on how the old and new context of learning could be merged in a seamless way.

Power becomes purposeful when teachers and children take turns to demonstrate power appropriately. Teachers, who hold power respect the children, maintain order and share knowledge. On the other hand, children who receive power display their strengths, construct knowledge and become more confident gradually.    

References
McLeod. J, Lin. L and Vasinda. S. (2012). Children's Power for Learning in the Age of 

          Technology. IGI Global. DOI: 10.4018/978-1-61350-059-0.ch003.

Individual Reflection 2

Evolution of Technology

In session two, I recognized that technology evolvement reflects human’s desire to pursue higher quality of living. There are a wide variety of technological devices these days to fulfill our specified needs. They offer us more options of how we can go about doing things by including more functions in technological devices. Different technological creations can even be put together to bring convenience for humans. An example would be a smartphone where functions such as camera, music player and calendar can be put together other than just for making a phone call.

The advancement in technology allows humans to see the bigger world out there without having to travel to other places. Humans get to see, read and hear information all around the world through mediums such as the Internet and digital cable television service. This promotes our curiosity to know what is happening around the world and increases our knowledge of other cultures.

The progress in technology has impacted humans in significant ways. We become accustomed to having technology devices around us. Hence, we could feel depressed without their presence. We should be mindful that technology does not shape our lifestyle. Technology enhances our lifestyle.  

Individual Reflection 1

Enculturation of Young Children and Technology

In first session, we identified the trends and issues in relation to young children and technology in United States and Singapore.  We recognized that technology has become one of the ways of living, for a considerable number of children.

  

There are many pros and cons to using technology for young children. What makes a difference is, how we go about maximizing the effectiveness of the pros and seeking ways to reduce the impact of the cons.

It is adults’ responsibility to promote the use of technology to children in a delightful and advantageous way. We should educate and influence our children to make use of technology appropriately for their development.

         

Since more young children are introduced to technology at home these days gradually, teachers are expected and challenged to be well equipped with relevant knowledge and skills to extend their learning at home and school curriculum. It could be done by incorporating technology in classrooms based on their developmental milestones, background and experience. Another important element is teachers’ interest.

            

In addition, teachers and parents could support each other to enhance children’s interest in technology and benefit their growth when given opportunities.