Final Post

This has been a valuable learning experience for me, enhanced by the feedback that I received from my peers on the three reflective post that I made in relation to technology in early childhood education.

Before starting this course my idea of technology in Early childhood, and I guess in general, related solely to the use of digital technology. I was looking at technology through a very narrow lens indeed, believing that my centre and I were providing the tamariki with meaningful experiences with technology, solely through the use of computers, scanners, laminators and cameras. This idea was challenged from the beginning as my views on what technology entails were broadened and extended.

I saw technology as a product, rather than the process that it actually is (Smorti, 1999). This is an area of learning that was strongly enhanced by the feedback that I received from the four ladies that were kind enough to post their own comments on to my blog. The comments that these ladies provided me with, built a foundation of understanding for me that was strengthened as the process went on. By including interesting and insightful ideas of their own and links to relevant literature they enabled me to deepen my own understanding, as well as providing excellent examples of how I could improve the experience for future implementation.

Receiving this constructive feedback from fellow students who are in the same situation as me in regards to being both a student and teacher is of extreme relevance as we continue to travel on this journey of learning together. I can only hope that they gained as much from my comments as I did from theirs.

This course has shown me the significance of technology in early childhood education for both tamariki and kaiako (teachers). Teachers need to build their own skills and knowledge of different areas of technology, both digital and non digital in order to foster effective learning experiences for children in these areas.

We live in a world that is moving so rapidly, and at times it seems almost impossible to keep up, but the reality of the world we live in is that the future generations need our support to build their own skill base, that will be even more relevant for them in the years to come as they look to complete their educations and move into the workforce.

There is alot of focus put on digital technology through early childhood education, and I feel that it is just as important to shine a spotlight on non digital forms of technology, that the tamariki may not be so familiar with.

Overall this experience has been a real highlight for me, deepening my understanding and helping me to widen my horizons in this area. I would like to thank the four ladies who took the time and effort to post comments of each of my blog posts, your contribution has been a valuable part of my learning in this area.