Children in my centre have access to a
digital photo frame which displays photographs of their daily activities. This is important as it shows both tamariki
and whānau the different types of learning that is taking place. It encourages recollection of what is
happening in each individual picture and allows parents and teachers to question
the child as to what they feel about the activity (MacNaughton & Williams,
2009).
The technology is not static so this helps
to create more interaction between adults and tamariki. It also means that teachers do not need to
choose what they feel is the best photograph of the day and ensures that the
well being and sense of belonging of all the children is met (Ministry of Education,
1996) because all photographs can be displayed as a slide show.
 |
| Picture of a Digital Photograph Frame |
This type of technology is useful as it is
easy to change and usually only takes a short amount of time to update. The frame does not need to be overly large
and for a centre with little space like mine, it is great because it takes up a
small area and actually creates more room for notices et cetera.
Tamariki have opportunities to take their
own pictures and have them displayed in the frame. This can help “children contribute their own
Learning Stories by including a drawing or photograph and telling an
accompanying story” (Arthur, Beecher, Death, Dockett & Farmer, 2007, p.62). This is important because children have an
opportunity to self direct their learning.
Te Whāriki Early Childhood Curriculum also confirms this theory when it
states that we want our children “to grow up as competent and confident
learners and communicators” (Ministry of Education, 1996, p.9).
I have noticed a significant change in
parents’ curiosity into what their child is doing at the centre since the
digital photograph frame was introduced.
They are more eager to sign in and take notice of what their child is
learning and it helps to generate ideas as to what tamariki might like to do or
what they are interested in.
The main pitfall when using this technology
is that it is easy to forget to update pictures and in order for it to be
useful it needs to be updated regularly at the end of each day. It also needs to be on all day so that the
children can view it when they want to and the parents can view it when they come
into the centre. If it can be updated
immediately after an activity it even is better because teachers can engage
tamariki in responsive and reciprocal conversations as to what they think of
the picture and what is happening (Ministry of Education, 1996). This not only keeps the experience fresh in
the child’s mind but also helps teachers to decide how to extend the child’s
learning and perhaps to improve their own practice as to what they could have
done better.
The photographs themselves are important
because they “document children’s projects and experiences” (Arthur, Beecher,
Death, Dockett & Farmer, 2007, p63).
They can also help tamariki to develop vocabulary and help shy children
to express themselves.
Many families now have digital photograph frames
at home, so children’s learning can be further enhanced if parents wish copies
of photographs of their child they could bring in a USB stick and obtain a copy
immediately. This could help generate
conversations at home and can show other family members what the child is
achieving at their centre (Arthur, Beecher, Death, Dockett & Farmer,
2007). Long gone are the days where we
had to take our film in to be processed and wait for copies. Now all we need is a USB or a printer and we
can see our pictures immediately, which helps to enrich children’s learning at
a much faster pace.  |
| Children observing their photographs on a digital picture frame. |
References For Blog
Arthur, L.,
Beecher, B., Death, E., Dockett, S., & Farmer, S. (2007). Programming and planning in early childhood
settings (4th ed.). New South Wales,
Australia: Cengage Learning.
MacNaughton, G., & Williams, G. (2009). Techniques for teaching young children:
Choices in theory and practice. New
South Wales, Australia: Pearson Prentice Media.
Ministry of Education. (1996). Te Whāriki, he Whāriki mātauranga mo nga mokopuna o Aotearoa: Early
childhood curriculum. Wellington, New Zealand: Learning Media.
References
for Pictures
Jessops. (2012). Jessops. Retrieved from http://www.jessops.com/ce-images/PRODUCT/PRODUCT_LARGE/AJESSFR805156875.jpg
Tino pai to mahi Rachel. I have seen that you put so much effort into your post. I have to agree with what you have said above because yes, it is true that digital photo frame makes things easier for ecah individual including children, families and whanau. I like the idea of digital photo frame and I took it on board as an idea to improve my practice while working with children, colleages and friends. Overall, I enjoyed reading your reflection and because you have explaineds it very well then all I have to say is to keep up the good work. Kia ora.
ReplyDeleteKia Ora Rachael
ReplyDeleteI can see that the children have a lot of fun looking at their photos from previous activities that they have done. This is a great way to enhance memory recall, and developing their vocabulary thru positive discussions that may lead on to other interest that the children might want to do. Choosing to have a digital photo frame in your centre is valuable as this creates a community that shares information together; families are able to participate in their children’s daily activities and allow the children to take ownership of their work.
I wonder what it would be like if you could ask the children if they would like to make a frame for one of their photos to be placed on the wall. This interaction will take the children to a new level of competence and may even lead on to bringing their favourite photo from home, where they are able to share their non digital moments with their peers during mat time.
The saying is true a “Picture says a thousand words” what a great idea of developing this technology that has a positive outcome. However, I do agree with you in regards to the challenges that teachers face when having to update the photos on a regular basis, but I can see the postive benefits that it can bring when this is done. Kia Kaha to you and your centre as they continue to use this technology in such a awesome way. Keep up the great job in your centre.
Tumeke Rachel!
ReplyDeleteFrom just reading your blog I could tell how much fun the children had when they took part in this activity. I reckon the digital photograph frame is really good because it can display the stages of their activity, parents and staff will find it easy to identify the step of their activity. When children revisit their pass experiences their can look at the slide show and won’t have difficulty explaining what they were doing. Children can also make a frame, and put photos they would like on it, or they could make it and take it home and use photos of what they done with their family members during the weekend. Overall your blog has covered the importance of using a digital photograph frame, and how children can benefit from it. Come to think of it, I should suggest this frame to my centre, so the children at my centre can try it. Tumeke once again Rach :)
Thank you for all your feedback, it was very helpful and I liked your suggestion Linda to get the tamariki to make their own photoframes. This could be a great experience for them as they collect a lot of materials from the beach and bush on their weekly excursions which could be used to create a frame.
ReplyDeleteKia ora Rachael
ReplyDeleteReading through your blog I can see the excitement and joyful experience that you and the children have when given the chance to view your photos on the digital photo frame, and how children recall prior experience when viewing the photos and they share this with their parents. It’s good to know that educators in the wider community are supporting and introducing the new technology in the centres. I do agree with you how you mentioned the digital frame does not need a large area it only need a small space. Space is very important when working with young children; they need all the space to move around and engaged in their learning environment.
It is also a great way to capture the parent’s attention to actually stop and view the photo. This is a perfect opportunities for parents to see how their children is spending their day in the centre and actually seeing the exciting activities and learning opportunities their children are having while attending a learning environment.
Ka pae