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Blog # 11
I have to say that this course was very informative for me. Since I would definitely consider myself a Digital Immigrant, I learned a lot of new things through this course. I was not aware of Virtual worlds, and have never heard about Second Life or Zora.
My topic is on how children benefit from using technology and what advantages are from using different technology. I always thought that children are just “playing” using computer games, however, this course convinced me that is not true. The children definitely benefit from using technology such as computers, camera, end Electronic Blocks. I found one article for my topic “Designing technology for children: Moving from the computer into the physical world with Electronic Blocks by Peta Wyeth. Those blocks are stackable blocks that include sensor, action, and logic blocks. When children connect those blocks, they can program structures that interact with environment. They are great for open-ended and discovery-oriented play. The article explains how preschool children enjoy playing with Electronic Blocks and how children also benefit from playing with the blocks.
Tabitha’s presentation made me think how easy is to access someone’s personal information, such as passwords for e-mail, or Facebook. I was really surprised. Of course I keep my password for myself only, and I have never thought about what if someone, somehow finds it out.
Alex, thank you for teaching such a great course. Even though it went so fast, I believe we all learned a lot!
Blog #10
What is the difference between “play” and “game”? I would say that play is spontaneous, does not have a time limit, and children do not have to begin or to end their play. However, game has the beginning and ending, we could approximately estimate the time needed for it, and there are “visible” results at the end. Both are fun, and we learn from them. I personally do not plat digital games (I did not hear about many of the games that Kristen was talking about); however I love board games (I play Ludo and cards often). Board games are something that I grew up with; I had played a lot of different board games with my family and friends. I still remember sitting down with my parents and playing Ludo, cards, Monopoly, and others. My goal was to play for fun and to win as well. Through games I was learning many skills such as taking turns, respecting others, new words (language), finding alternatives – problem solving, and fine motor skills.
In today’s society I am not surprised that people prefer to play digital games. People use technology a lot, and they would rather be involved in digital than board games. For me board games are something to do when I have free time and I will definitely try some of digital games that I have never tried. Today’s discussion and Prensky’s article made me think about the advantages that children get from games – which are helpful for my final paper.
I believe that children do benefit from digital games as well, but they should not forget about board games, since they are great for developing their social skills – interacting, communicating with others, and cooperating. All of these is somehow possible with digital games, but let’s not completely replace everything with technology!
Hi everyone!
This is the link to Collins short article about homeschooling
Blog # 9
Stephanie showed us how using cameras is not only valuable for adults, but for children as well. I agree that children can learn a lot while using cameras, however, I have not seen that in my day dare center. There is only one camera, and it is “only” available to teachers. I would say that it is acceptable to give children camera and let them experiment with it. They are learning while doing things on their own, and experimenting. When I was growing up I would have not even thought about asking my parents to give me camera. It was not a child’s “toy”. Today, I would definitely give children camera, and let them take pictures. Stephanie’s presentation made me think about possibility of incorporating camera as a technology for my research paper.
I believe that some educators find it difficult to use constructionist approach with technology because they “are afraid” to experiment with it or they do not want to ask for help. I am not comfortable with some technology, but I will ask for help when needed. There is nothing wrong about not knowing something, and children will help us for sure. When I was working with school age children, and they wanted me to play certain computer games, since I did not know and wanted to learn, they were my teachers, and they felt so good about it. And I was happy, since I learned something new and that gave me opportunity to play with them, something that they are interested in. If children do not know it as well, what about if we learn together, by trying and experimenting. It does not matter what the product is, what Tabitha said, the process is more valuable. Teachers need to be willing to try to learn and experiment, especially when it comes to technology, since it is everywhere around us.
Blog # 8
Maxine’s question regarding parents and use of computers in the classrooms, made me think about toddler classroom and everyday use of computer. My manager insisted on turning on the computer every day between 5 – 5:30pm, because it is “great for eye and hand coordination” for 18 months old children. That was the time when parents come and pick up their kids. I personally felt awful since I did not have any choice. It was a very negative picture for parents to see that on a daily basis, and I completely understood how parents felt. As Alex said the computers are great tools, but what are young toddlers getting from it? Even research showed that children should not be introduced to computers before the age of three. Maxine pointed out that there should be a balance of using technology and doing other things. If children spend 6 hours involved in technology every day, where is the time to do other things? Isn’t it parents/caregivers responsibility to set limits and help children in choosing other things beside technology?
I do understand that software teach children problem solving, and teamwork. But how about teaching friendship? Don’t children need “real” friends to be taught about friendship, in “real” situations?
Last class made me think about my topic that is on advantages of exposing children to technology. I am aware that there are many advantages; however, I do not look at technology as a replacement for everything, but rather as a tool to help children in their learning.
Blog # 6
For my research project I would like to focus on advantages for exposing young children to technology. Since technology is all around us and children, I am starting to realize that children are being exposed to it very early in their lives. In the article that I read: Children and technology: issues, challenges, and opportunities, Wright (2001) says that computers should not be introduced to children under the age of three, because that technology does not match their learning styles. She also points out that it is more important how computers are used, than how often are used. Children do benefit from using technologies in different ways: giving them opportunities to be creative, work alone or in collaboration with others, enhance their cognitive, social, and language skills, improve their motor skills, increase their mathematical thinking, and others.
Other articles show that teachers have important roles in incorporating technologies in their everyday lessons. They first need to be knowledgeable about technology, and if they are not they should learn in order to help their students (Gimbert & Cristol, 2004; Finegan & Austin, 2002). It is not only about the use of technology, but also how technology is used effectively for children, so they could fully benefit from it. Some articles that I read made me think how teachers and parents are important in showing children to learn with technology. I want to incorporate that in my research as well. Maybe, I will focus on advantages of exposing young children to technology and teachers’ role in helping children to learn with technology. After reading articles for my annotated bibliography I realized that these two are connected. If teachers help children in their learning with technology, children will fully benefit from technology.
Blog # 7
CJ’s presentation made me think how children today do not have much free time. Whatever they do, from the parents’ perspective academic achievement needs to be seen in that. If children like computer games, why they cannot play them “just for fun”? Anyway, they are learning through fun (“head fake”), and some parents unfortunately do not see that.
While I was listening to Joyce’s presentation about Neopets (I have never heard of it), I thought that it was interesting, however, it made me think about possible benefits that I would get by going in that virtual world. The only game that I play on the computer is Freecell, and that is not often at all. Instead of being in the virtual world, I like to go outside and be in the real physical world. Since I do spend a lot of time on the computer doing my school work (I do not like sitting a lot), I do not want to sit even longer and play games. It could become so addictive, that is why after our class I never went to Second Life again. My husband spends a lot of time on the computer (not playing games, but working and doing school work). Sometimes I love when our computers are shut down, and I pretend they do not exist for a while.
How would children benefit from Neopets (since I would not)? I would agree with Alex that children know a lot, they love to explore and create new things. They could show their creativity by building their own games. In order to help them, I would need to go to that virtual world, explore it on my own, and then guide children.
Talking about adults who love games, and virtual world (I know some that spend a lot of time playing games) – are they becoming that addicted that they would rather stay home and play games, instead of going out and meeting with their friends, or families?
Blog # 5
I have to admit that I have never heard about Second Life before our class. I was talking to my husband about it, and even though he is into technology, he has never heard about Second Life either. It was an interesting experience, and the time passed so fast with it, and I know that there is so much more to explore about it. For now, I will not explore it because I am sure that it is very easy to become addicted to it (maybe later, when I will have more time).
I just want to mention that it is very interesting how someone asked me (that person does not have a TV in his house, because all family is against it), what is the reason that I do not have a cell phone. It made me think that in this society it is somehow assumed that everyone must have a cell phone. The reason I do not have one is because I really never needed and wanted one.
I would like to say that Diane’s presentation was very interesting; it showed how technology might help children to learn with, instead of from it. Technology could be great to facilitate learning, not only to mention computers, but other technology as well (for example, digital cameras). Today, technology is used in sophisticated toys that they are able to talk, move, or respond to simple voice orders. A great example of this toy is Lego Mindstorms (robot). It is a great toy, so children can learn math and logic by programming a robot. I just learned about this toy!
I was thinking about my topic, and I am really interesting how children could learn with technology. Various age groups could benefit from different technologies. Therefore, I would like to explore and learn the age appropriate technologies for preschoolers, how they could use them, and also hot they could benefit from using them.
Blog # 4
Silka’s and Cathy’s presentation (both presentations were great) made me think about how some people are completely involved in technology and some are not. I would not consider myself as Digital Native. I do not have a cell phone, because personally I do not need one and I do not want to become too dependant on it. I know if I have it I will become totally dependant on it. When speaking of Facebook, it is great because it gives us an opportunity to connect with people that we have not seen in a while, or find people that we lost contact with. For example, I came to Canada from Bosnia due to the war, and I still do not know where some people live (some that I was not close to), and Facebook might help me in finding them. However, I am not on it, because I know I will spend a lot of time on it searching for people, looking at pictures, etc., and probably become dependant on it, and that I do not want at all. Especially, now while I am at school, I do not even have time for that.
On-line courses are great for people who like that way of learning. I prefer to be at class, hearing all conversations instead of having words in front of me. I would definitely not benefit from on-line courses. Maybe it is fear of unknown, since I do not know much about technology.
I believe that children learn by doing, and by having hands-on materials available. I think it is better for child to have someone teach her/him how to plant a garden instead of having program on the computer who will teach that as well. A child is spending a quality time with an adult, while learning about planting, and at the same time developing his/her cognitive, social, language, and physical skills. I would never replace that experience with an experience that child gets while learning to plant a garden from a computer.
Blog # 2
Martha and Jobina did a great job presenting and facilitating part of our class. When talking about childhood dreams, I have to say that I do not remember any of them, and I am sure I did have them. I grew up with great family and have happy memories from my childhood. When Martha mentioned “childhood dreams” that made me think of one of my neighbour who grew up with alcoholic parents, who always argued in front of her. She suffered a lot while growing up. Her childhood dreams were to live happy in a happy family. So many people take happy childhood for granted, and my neighbour did not have that. I always remember her while thinking how happy I was growing up with great parents who took great care of me, and I do appreciate that.
I have never heard of a term “head fake” before. Even though, I was using it in my day care by teaching children different concepts (for example, teaching children counting while making cookies) I was not aware of that term. I think that different computer games for children where they learn math or language skills can be used as a “head fake”.
I do agree with a phrase that Jobina mentioned “Everyone has something good in themselves. If we wait long enough, we will see it”. I do believe that each person has something good in herself/himself. Sometimes it takes a while to see that, especially if you are not close to that person, but I am positive that each individual has great characteristics that will be seen by others sooner or later.
I really enjoyed this class and great presentations.
I hope I figured out how to use blog.
