Final Reflection

I have learnt technology is not only about computers, cameras and phones. There is non-digital technology such as pens, paintbrushes, bikes and puzzles and other things that help children learn and develop their problem solving skills. Smorti (1999) quotes “technology is about helping people and solving problems” (p.5). I never knew non digital technology was a  type of technology it kind of surprised me and took awhile for me to get my head around. Once we discussed it in class and I did some more reading on this type of non digital technology it helped me to understand more about how it worked and why it was looked at as technology. “Technology is everything we use around us – construction, clothing, tools, computers, machines, medicines, etc” (Fleer & Jane, 2011, p.2).

Through analysing children using technology at work, I discovered how much non digital technology was in the classroom that I would have never classed as a type of technology before. I learnt children need technology to help them develop confidence and self esteem and many skills like problem solving and eye and body coordination.

Through my group posting on my blog it has helped me to build self confidence in myself as I felt I did not know much about the topic technology. Getting feedback on my blogs helped me to think deeper about what I was doing and why I was doing it. They also gave me ideas on how I could further extend the children’s knowledge when using technology with them. “Critical reflection on experiences allows teachers to develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their students” (Yang, 2009, p.11). I believe feedback is a good way to see what others think about your ideas and how you can improve your techniques and teaching strategies. By reading my peers blogs it helped me to see their perspective on technology and helped to develop my knowledge further on technology. I found that commenting on their blogs allowed me to again think deeper as I needed to think about some constructive feedback that would allow them to think deeper.

I’ve realised how important technology is in our everyday lives and how much it has an impact on children’s learning and knowledge. Through observing the children using technology and reading my group member’s blogs I have gained so much more knowledge on digital and non digital technology. I never realised the learning behind all this technology and it feels good to now realise what learning children are gaining from all the individual digital and non digital technology. Ministry of Education (1996) discusses the importance of technology and says it is important for children’s ability to solve problems which helps children’s self-confidence and well-being.

I have learnt how to make a blog and to set it up and post my reflections. I feel this has helped me to have a better understanding about how blogs work and the importance of blogs. If I ever have to do a blog at work I will now feel more prepared and knowledgeable about this online journal website.

Reference List:

Fleer, M., & Jane, B. (2011). Design and technology for children. Frenchs Forrest,            Australia: Pearson Australia.

Ministry of Education. (1996). Te Whāriki, he whaariki mātauranga mo nga mokopuna o Aotearoa: Early childhood curriculum. Wellington: Learning Media.

Smorti, S. (1999) Technology in Early Childhood. Early Education, 19, 15-10.