# I had set this up to publish automatically and well it didn’t. As they say better late then never.
In response to my blog Reflecting on theorist: Is it possible to embrace ICTs in play- based learning?
Digital technology is a reality in children’s lives.
From a young age children use technologies, such as cameras, music players and computers, as tools for investigation and to represent their learning. It is through the implementation of these forms of ICT’s that children’s play is enriched and the opportunity to scaffold learning is provided.
As children interact with used keyboards, mobile phones, standard phones and possibly old gaming consoles social behaviour and collaborative engagement is developed.
Digital technology can be used to take pictures of one’s- self and the world around us, the same technology can be used to creatively document learning. Sharing these images with children and families can facilitate reflections on learning.
In a study conducted by Prowse (2010) children were provided with cameras to use as they play. The children began by using the camera to take ‘snapshots ‘of themselves. When the children were taught some media language (long shots, close ups) and ICT skills (cropping, zooms), the children learned that the cameras could be used to tell stories- to record and reflect on their own learning.
Children together with educators can investigate questions about how the world works. Preschool children can collect and record data, make prediction and talk about their finding as they investigate topics of interest. Tara Fagan, a CORE Education early years facilitator, discusses the three areas of creativity, communication and collaboration in early years education in EdTalks: Why ICT in early childhood education?
ICTs in early childhood have changed, as an early childhood educator it is my role to find ways to embed these practices without impacting on my play-base philosophy.
Reference
Fagan. T.(2012). Edtalks. Why ICT in early childhood education? [You Tube]. Retrieved September 14, 2017 from http://edtalks.org/#/video/tara-fagan-why-ict-early-childhood-education
Image (n.d.). Learning about animals using ICT. Retrieved September 14, 2017 from http://www.daisykins.co.uk/wp-content/gallery/baby-plus-using-ict/P1120748.jpg
Prowse, S. (2010). How can young children show us what they know? The impact of media and technology in the early childhood years. Paper presented at C&K Conference. State of the nation and the future directions. Brisbane.