"I will show you how to use your phone"
Today was I big eye opener for me I had forgotten my camera
and so I got permission from my head teacher to use my cell phone. I have only had this phone for less than a
week and was still learning how to use it.
I notice one of our new children and was trying to take a photo for her
portfolio it was taking a while (as I said the phone was new) I was trying to
work out how to zoom in when the child came up to me and said do you want some
help. She asked for my phone and I said
“ohh no sorry I can do it” (looking back I think I was scared she may break it)
she took the phone and assured me she knew how to use it. She took my phone and slide her fingers
across the screen and said “ see you slide your finger this way to make it
bigger and slide it this way to make it smaller” she navigated her way through
the applications on my phone and took a photo of me and then found the photo
and place it as my background picture. She then gave it back to me and said
there do you know how to do it now and then walked back and waited for me to
take her picture. I spoke to this child’s
mother when she came to collect her and told her about this interaction. She then told me that she has the same phone
and her daughter plays with the phone all the time.
Kin Wai and Mei Sung (2005) suggests that when implementing
technology with a child we need to understand their background and in this case
I feel I did give enough credit to this child.
I was reluctant to give her my phone as I was scared that she may break
it and it was new but it turns out the she knew how to work my phone better
that I did. I know we are living in a
fast paced technological world but never did I think that this little 3 and a half-year-old
would know how to use my phone better than myself. Te Whariki (1996) states that children should
have an understanding of how technology (Ministry of Education) works and in
this case this children as an extensive knowledge of how cell phones work.
The biggest thing that I learnt from this experience is not
only that technology is important but also teachers need to know about the
child background and that the interaction between child and adult while using
technology should be the main focus. The
child in this scenario is new to our Centre and I noticed that when she was
able to show my how to work the phone her confidence grew and the bond between
her and I also grew. I feel that it was
me and not the child that learnt the most from this interaction and I now look
at technology as not only a learning experience on it own, but it can also (and
should also) be used as a level to build relationships.
Kia Ora Glenis,
ReplyDeleteA great read and I think you are very lucky at your centre to be able to use your own cameras. At my centre this was recently been band for us teachers because we had some students who were too trigger friendly with no permission so we now have to use the centre camera.
But apart from that, isn't it amazing how children always surprise you with what they know. You have given an excellent example of children being confident and capable learners. I too would fear bringing in a Ipod for the children because of the same very reason. That children might break it. It is risky business but in this case the risks are worth it. Because the benefits far out weigh the negatives.
Great stuff Glenis!
Hi Glenis,
ReplyDeleteYou acknowledge your assumptions in a very honest way. I think a lot of us have many uncertainties about how to handle technology and digital devices within our early childhood centres. I believe that is due to technology has been introduced to early childhood just recently. I mean, it still happening so it is just normal that we have doubts.
One of our readings examines some common myths about computer in early childhood. I recommend it to you because it helped me to recognize my own insecurities. Sometimes I doubt children’s abilities with technology purely because I think they are too difficult for me so in turn they will be difficult for children too.
There is no doubt that technology is part of children’s everyday lives as much as of ours. As you said, it is very important that we know the children and families backgrounds, expectations and views. I heard from one parent that he prefers his child not to play on the computer because he already does that at home. He wants his child to engage in different activities when at the centre. I think he has a very valid point. This is a good reading too: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/gadgets/news/article.cfm?c_id=238&objectid=10829371
Enjoy!
Hey Glenis,
ReplyDelete“We are all teachers, we are all learniers (Epps, Brown and Fisher, 2011). One thing we often forget is that while we have much to teach the children, there is much we can still learn from them. Children are amazing creatures and can often surprise us humble teachers. The use of the phone is a great example. We as the adult are in the role of a teacher and as such do not want the inexperienced child to touch or break the cell. However the child kows how to use the phine in ways the teacher struggles with. This is another good example of where preconceived views of the child’s ability can be detrimental to who they really are as capable learners and sometimes teachers. I think giving the child the benefit of the doubt is the best course in judging their ability to handle technology and just because we have difficulty with something does not mean they will.