The iPad computer at my centre is one of few digital technologies available for the children to use at supervised times. Technology can be defined as a tool created to by man to help us. Digital technology can be defined as an electronic resource (New Zealand Commerce and Economics Teachers Association, n.d.) and therefore the iPad is one of these.
The iPads are a very recent addition to our centre and the children are still learning appropriate use of them, and therefore are currently a supervision only activity. This technology is significant as the iPads are one of the latest advancements in today's technology, providing the world with an on the go device capable of everything a computer and camera can do in one. The iPads are an important part of our centre for the children as they are exposed to modern technology, developing knowledge and skills specific to technological resources and environments and they are able to form an understanding of why and how things work (New Zealand Curriculum, 2007). The iPads also provide the children with familiarity and consistence as most families have an iPad at home that the children frequently use.
The iPads are loaded with educational games that offer learning opportunities in individual or group settings, also providing the children with social interaction skill development as they work alongside peers and problem solve (Allen, 2011). These games mainly focus on the development of children literacy, numeracy and problem solving skills. The iPads have internet connection to allow us to follow up children's interests on specific topics using Google and YouTube and allowing us to investigate new things. Loaded on the iPad are also apps suitable for children at quiet time or to relax at the end of a long day. These include audio and visual stories, songs, and colouring pages. The colouring pages provide the children with an enjoyable experience and offer a different medium for creative expression (Ministry of Education, 1996). As children use the iPads they learn about how to use the technology they are growing up with and prepare them with ICT skills for later life. "In order to participate in this world, our children will need the confidence to develop their own perspectives as well as the capacity to continue acquiring new knowledge and skills" (Ministry of Education, 1996 as cited by Smorti, 1999).
The iPad computers offer learning in all areas of Te Whaariki - belonging, well-being, contribution, exploration, and communication as children engage in the world of technology (Ministry of Education, 1996). iPads help children to develop hand eye coordination and fine motor skills as they work the controls of the iPad. Children learn much about social skills as they wait patiently for their turn when sharing.
As the iPads are only new we are still working on introducing them to the children but I feel excited about exploring this technology and learning alongside the children. I look forward to seeing the opportunities they will provide for the children in the future when they become a resource accessible to the children at all times of the day.
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ReplyDeleteHi Sarah
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your blog and reading about the technology that you use in your centre. The iPad is also a new technology that has been brought into my centre so I can understand the passion you have about what benefits the children will get from it.
I like how you have explained in depth the benefits from this technology and what the children will be learning. I like how u have put educational games onto the iPad so the children will be learning and not just playing around.
I feel that with further understanding of technology in our centres we will be all using them without supervision someday.
I was wondering if the iPad was available for the children when they want to play on it or is there a set time? I have found having our iPad in our centre the children are starting to spend more time inside playing it. So we had a staff meeting and decided to set 3 times a day and have a roster where the children put their name on so that they don't come dependent and only want to play on the iPad.
Hi Sarah :)
ReplyDeleteThis was a great reflection about the use of the iPads within your centre.
It’s true what you have said about how children now engage in frequent use of such technology therefore they need to be showed multiple ways in which to use it. I like that your centre has apps on the iPads which are educational for the children and that it is not used as a tool for distraction, rather as another means for learning and development. It is amazing what such a small piece of equipment can be capable of and how much it can provide in regards to a whole list of different things. I like that the teachers in your centre have taken the time to explore and search for what could be beneficial for the children through the use of the iPads.
I was wondering, is there any type of security settings put in place in regards to the internet on the iPads so that the children can’t access such things as Google and YouTube?
Hi sarah
ReplyDeleteI like how your centre has bought in the iPad for children to use and explore, as it is a modern piece of technology which a lot of centres have and use. With my centre we do not have an iPad, so children are not really being exposed to too much digital technology at school because the only piece of digital technology we have is the CD player. However I really like what you and your centre staff are providing for children, it is really great.
I like what you have written about the iPad, it is really interesting and I agree with you on that. I have been to other centres and noticed what the iPad has to offer for children. I find the iPad a very convenient piece of technology to have and to use, as it has many features which provide great learning opportunities for children and teachers. I just wanted to if you have downloaded an anti-virus protector onto the iPad so that it keeps the iPad save from viruses and unwanted things?
Hey Sarah, another great piece of technology you have used. the Ipad is used worldwide and it has a lot to offer. I love the applications your centre offers for children to experience and engage in! I can see your passion about the Ipad as I know you have one. There are different applications that offer different skills all at once.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the Ipad is one of the latest technologies that centres are using as part of their curriculum to enhance children's learning and skills. By exposing them to new technology they gain new knowledge to become up to date. What I'm wondering is, do we need to know this to "participate in this world"? it's great that we have knowledge of digital means, but I don't think it is something we should rely on. You did mention that the Ipad is used at quiet time and at the end of the day, are children also offered other resources that aren't digital?