Educators and ICT technology

 

Retrieved from source: http://www.teachnursery.com/images/made/images/uploads/article/a-chance-to-play_253_171_84_int_s_c1.jpg 

As more and more early childhood education services are introducing the use of Technology or ICT into their curriculum there is an increased need for educators to be knowledgeable and confident with using this technology. Hayes and Whitebread (2006) write that “the role of the teacher in guiding and assisting children’s learning with ICT is seen as critical” (p. 50). As technology and ICT is relatively new to the early childhood classroom educators may have little knowledge and confidence with their own abilities. It is important that educators have opportunities for professional development and guidance in the area of ICT in early childhood education as the way it is introduced and implemented has a great influence on the children using it.

The Ministry of Education (2006) has developed a frame work for ICT across all sectors of education from early childhood to tertiary. This framework aims “to improve learner achievement in an innovative education sector, fully connected and supported by the smart use of ICT” (Ministry of Education, 2006, p. 2). It emphasizes three components of ICT use in ECE; connectivity, content and confidence and capability. The document states that it aims to have coordinated training initiatives which will help to “support learners, teachers, researchers, administrators and support staff in their ability to use new ICT tools and services” (p.6). For educators to develop the confidence they need to effectively use ICT within ECE settings there needs to be opportunities for professional development and learning available which allows educators to expand their knowledge and understanding of ICT as well as support them in the implementation of appropriate practices.

The Ministry of Education (2010) states that “all planning for the introduction and use of ICT by children and adults in early childhood education should be grounded in a clear understanding of the purposes, practices, and social context of early childhood education” (par. 6). Through appropriate professional development and education, educators are then equipped with the tools they need to use ICT in ECE settings in a way that supports children’s learning and development as well as integrates the implementation of Te Whāriki (Ministry of Education, 2010).  There is a lot of discussion of planning to have more funding going towards offering professional development for ICT in early childhood education which is a clear sign that the Ministry of Education is committed to ensuring the quality of its use in ECE settings.

I have observed children using ICT technology excessively within ECE settings I have worked in and this was not monitored very well by educators and I felt as though the educators did not have the skills and confidence with ICT technology that they needed to facilitate it in an empowering way which benefitted children’s learning and development. I feel it is the responsibility of educators to monitor and set clear boundaries when it comes to children’s use of ICT technology within ECE settings and to encourage children to spend less time watching screens and more time engaged in physical exploration of their world through real life hands on experiences.

 

References:

Hayes, M,. Whitebread, D. (2006). ICT in the Early Years. Learning and teaching with information and communication technology. NY, United States of America: Open University Press.

Ministry of Education. (2006). ICT Strategic Framework for Education. Supporting learning in a connected sector through the smart use of ICT. Retrieved from source: http://www.google.co.nz/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CBwQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Felearning.tki.org.nz%2Fcontent%2Fdownload%2F393%2F1910%2Ffile%2FICTStrategicFrameworkEducation.pdf&ei=nA8-VfLTHOKxmwWgwIHAAw&usg=AFQjCNG5st2ogNRD-E3qwaoPktYqyLFWnA&sig2=FNFYI_7jUdaivdlXmhsXxw&bvm=bv.91665533,d.dGY

Ministry of Education. (2010). Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
Te Hangarau Pārongo me te Whakawhitwhiti. Retrieved from source: http://www.educate.ece.govt.nz/learning/curriculumAndLearning/Assessmentforlearning/KeiTuaotePae/Book20.aspx