Reflective blog post!

The feedback that I received from other students, was very positive and proved to me that how I foster children’s learning with regards to technology is ok. One person said that I demonstrated a very good example of noticing, recognising and responding' to one of the child’s interest in trucks, and how my time, efforts and encouragement helped in fostering and extending on the child’s interest and enabled him to branch out and make more of his interest in trucks. It is part of my philosophy to listen and observe children’s interests and then find ways in which these interests can be extended.
By reading one of the comments about the photocopier, and how it was so great that the children were able to be exposed to equipment like that and able to actually use it for themselves is great learning for the child. Television, video, DVD (digital video disc), computer games and the Internet are part of many children’s social worlds” (Arthur, Beecher, Death, Dockett & Farmer, 2005, p. 10).
In my centre especially, because it is in such a low socio economical area, the children aren’t exposed to these things at home and don’t get the chance to experiment and use them. Which is why I think it is so important that our children get the opportunity to experiment with new equipment within the centre. That way the children develop a sense of civic and social responsibility, because they are able to use it for themselves (Ross, 2006). Another comment made about the photocopier was that the next step could be, to let the child take the photocopier apart and let her learn structures and mechanisms of technology. This is a great idea and certainly one I could consider in the future.
Another comment that I found interesting was that we are such huge role models for children, and we often do not realise how much so until it is being mimicked or displayed right in front of us. She also thought it was great that I involved the other children into the play as well, suggesting that we shouldn’t leave our friends out.
Throughout this course I have also learnt how important it safety around technology is, and how important it is that children learn how to use technology properly to keep themselves safe. As Te Whāriki states that “children develop increasing knowledge about how to keep themselves safe from harm” (Ministry of Education, 1996, p.52). I have also made our parents and whanau more aware of ‘Hectors World’, as I believe it is a necessity if any child is left to go onto the internet alone.
I have learnt that people, places, things and events can have a great influence on a child, and I have learnt how important outside influences can be for the learning of a child. So as a teacher and a role model to our children I believe that it is our responsibility to ensure these children have the opportunity to experience these meaningful learning moments and that we foster them the best we can.
I believe that ongoing knowledge and Professional development is also a necessity for teachers to ensure we provide the quality education children need.
I believe that all children need to be given opportunities to explore today's technology, and we as teachers are aware of "the technological world that we live in: a world that people have created and changed through technology" (Smorti, 1999, p.1).