Reflection 3
Using
digital cameras
This morning Child D was playing in the
Garden. I went there to take their pictures for their learning
assessments. When child D saw me she got
so excited, she came to me and said, “Teacher I know how to take pictures with
cameras because my dad teach me when we went to beach”. Then she asks me if she
can have turn after me to take some pictures with camera. Through this conversation, I discovered that
she had been really interested in using my camera. To further explore and
enhance D’s interest about the camera I gave my camera to D. Te Whāriki states, “Children use a
variety of technologies for different purpose as they explore their world”
(Ministry of Education, 1996, p.98).
I was so amazed to see the way she was taking
pictures so confidently like adults. I never thought that 4 and half years old
child could take pictures so perfectly. Te
Whāriki states, “Children experience an environment where they learn
strategies for active exploration, thinking and reasoning” (Ministry of
Education, 1996, p. 88). I believe that through the use of cameras children
learn to capture images and see them through the display in the camera, they
can take photographs of things they like and don’t like.
I realized that by using the cameras children
can tell a story about the pictures they took and they can capture their own as
well as others learning. I found that Digital photography could boost a child’s
self-esteem, celebrate children’s interests and challenge their thinking. Te Whāriki states, “Children exploring
and making sense of the world such as setting and solving problems with the
ability to represent their discoveries through creative media and technology
associated to them” ( Ministry of Education.1996,p.88)..
I discovered that as teacher my role is to set
up the environment and activities, matching technology use to the curriculum as
well as to the children’s needs and interests.
As a teacher I need to be less involved in directing the activities, and
more involved in monitoring children’s activities, intervening as necessary to
guide and pose questions that encourage thinking (Haugland, 1999).
My interaction with D has made me more aware
that children are very capable and competent and that we teachers need not to
tell them what to do but provide opportunities for them to explore the use of
technology whether it is digital or non-digital. D knew what she was doing, he
knew what angles took good pictures, she knew what pictures she wanted to take
and I as the teacher was there just to support and learn alongside him. This
made me realise how important it is to make technology a part of curriculum.
My perspective about the young children using
technology has changed now. This experience as allowed me to let children
discover technology. I have realised that digital cameras provide children
direct visual clues for developing self-concept and understanding their role in
social interactions with peers. Through this course I have learnt that my role
as teacher to allow children to make their own choices of when and how they
want use technology without forcing them.
Reference
Haugland, S.W.
(1999). “What Role Should Technology Play in Young Children’s learning? Part
1.” Young Children 54 (6): 26-31.
Ministry of Education
(1996). Te Whariki: He Whariki Matauranga mo nga Mokopuna o Aotearoa.
Welington, New Zealand: Learning Media LTD.
Karamjit it was good to see you giving the child an opportunity to explore the camera based on her interest. I was wondering that did you give the child an opportunity to view the pictures on his or her own or did you scaffold his or her learning process?. It was nice to see you reflecting that as an educator it is your responsibility to facilitate children with opportunities for active exploration in terms of technology. I liked the part where you reflected that as a teacher you need to step back and allow children to direct their own learning rather than teacher directed. I will agree that digital technology does give children an opportunity to gain self-perception and understanding when explaining about the pictures. It was good to read that you had conversations when implementing this learning process which I think might have gave the child an opportunity to be expressive and share his or her ideas. Overall ka pai.
ReplyDeleteKia ora Karamjit
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful reflection, I can imagine the joy that child experienced when you offered them the camera. The use of cameras is a great tool for children it allows them to use their imagination, hand and eye co-ordination detail and concentration.
Your thought of taking a step back made me think of Bronwyn from Botany Downs when she was telling us how effective a camera is for children's learning.She made us realise that we have to move into the children's world and keep moving forward to sustain their interest and learning.
Take care.
Karamjit, it was good to read through your reflection about using digital cameras in your early childhood setting. I was pleased to read that you as an educator allowed the child to explore through the camera. I believe that you were enhancing the child’s confidence there by just stepping back and letting them explore. I liked the part where you talked about children making stories about the pictures they have taken. This allows them to use their imagination while making these stories. I personally think that it is really cute when they go beyond their imagination and come up with cute stories relating to their picture. It was good to read that you as educator reflected on your own teaching and realised that you could make this experience more effectual by letting them try them self. I was just wondering, did you only do this experience with one child? Did other children not want a turn to explore this technology? Over all very good, keep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteKaramjit, it was good to read your reflection about the digital technology and how you have provided children to explore the camera in your early childhood setting. Through this learning experience that you provided for children you have enhanced their imagination n confidence by allowing them to use the camera. They also developed their independent skills when they were able to take pictures on their own. I totally agree with you that we as educators shouldn’t force children to engage in learning opportunities that we provide but we have to let them explore through various things themselves and whenever they feel like. I also have the same opinion as yours where you stated and backed up with literature that we should be directing children all the time we have to let them try things themselves. Generally, it was good to read through your reflection and see your journey of how you are also learning along with the children. Well done!
ReplyDeleteKia ora Karamjit
ReplyDeleteIt was interesting that the child shared her experience and knowledge with you about using camera. You provided the camera to the child to extend her interest. As we see children love to take the photos and clicking the camera’s buttons. I agree with you technology enhance children’s self-esteem and they feel confident and competent learn. It was amazing the child took some photos confidently and showed her capacity to use new technology. In my opinion technology is an important medium of children’s learning in their everyday lives. As an early childhood educator we need to support children to use technology. We could explore children’s learning by providing more opportunities such as download and print the photos. By using camera children can tell story about picture. We could ask open ended question to the children about pictures. It helps them to develop their communication, language and imagination skills. They could express their feeling by explaining the pictures. Well done.