During this experience I have learnt a huge amout about what can be veiwed as technology. Before we started this assignment I just viewed technology as being the use of computers, cameras, cellphones just digital stuff really!
I now have a new understanding and have learnt technology can even be classed as growing potatoes. I feel the comments I have received from my posts were very helpful and made me think about how I act in situations. For example when I had the experience with the child picking up the camera, my first reaction was to get him to put it down. After reading the feedback it has made me more aware to think twice and let the child experience equipment, and we have since implemented a camera system in my centre for the children. From this the children get to become familiar with the use of cameras and they are also able to view their photos they have taken during the day on a digital photoframe.
I viewed technology as having a negative influence on childrens lives, I didn't see it as being necessary when they are that young. We do have computers in our centre which the children use in the mornings to type their name - I felt this was good for the children as they were learning letter recognition and it was contributing to their literacy skills. But that was all I felt as being good for children, however now I have a more open mind and can see that this is the way things are going these days. Technology is all around us, and as teachers I feel now we need to embrace it and make the most of it - so children can get the maximum benifits from it.
