Computer Whizz

At my centre the 3 and a half to 5 year old children have a computer in their classroom. The computer gives the children access to games that help them to learn math skills, problem solving skills and literacy skills. They can also watch interactive DVDs that help with recognition, recall, language and literacy skills. However there is no internet access or other programs for the children besides games, which could be because "...myths contribute to teachers' reluctance to move beyond basic awareness of computers toward integrating computer technology into teaching and learning" (Tsantis, Bewick, & Thouvenelle, 2003, p. 1). One child had just moved into this room from the toddlers, and he noticed another child playing on the computer. He watched from a distance for a few minutes before moving off to play. As soon as the child moved away from the computer, the new child came back and stood watching the screen again. I asked if he would like to have a turn on the computer and he seemed a little unsure, but he said yes and climbed up onto the chair. He wasn't sure what to do, so rather than stepping in I asked another child if she would come and help. She gladly showed the boy what to do and some scaffolding took place while he followed her instructions and figured out how to choose a game and open it up. This is a really important way for children to learn because "The support of adults and more competent peers provides the necessary assistance or 'scaffold' that enables the child to move to the next level of independent functioning" (NAEYC, 1991, as cited in MacNaughton & Williams, 2004, p. 331). From the aspect of people, places and things, this reminded me that children can influence each other's learning too, not just adults. If a child sees one of their friends doing something they are more likely to want to take part themselves (MacNaughton & Williams, 2004). I encourage children to use the computer if they are interested because it can help with the development of computer awareness and literacy skills (Tsantis, Bewick, & Thouvenelle, 2003). I believe that it can also help with the development of fine motor skills, cognition and hand eye co-ordination among other things. Technology is such an useful tool today  and through the computer children can access other technological devices such as using digital cameras, printers, scanners, USB sticks and the internet. These are things that I would like to introduce to the children in my centre more frequently, which is why I am advocating for the children to have internet access and a digital camera of their own. I have learnt from creating this blog that there are many skills I can still teach the children at my centre. Watching how quickly they can pick up skills on the computer through peer scaffolding has motivated me to teach them new skills that will help through the rest of their lives.