Incredible Dishwasher

BLOG ONE:                                                                                                           DATE: 15/4/2011

What is Technology?

Technology is the branch of knowledge that deals with the creation and use of technical means. It is application of scientific knowledge to solve problems and discovering knowledge about the world in which we live (Smorti, 1999). In terms of everyday technology, there is a huge variety of electronic and digital equipment that permeate young children’s lives and shapes their understanding of the world. This includes barcode scanners, calculators, cameras, cash machines, computers, console games, dishwashers, laptops, microwave, ovens, mixers, mobile phones.

Technology is not only electronic and digital equipment but there are other means of technology which people do not realise. For example pen, paper, chalk, and toys. Anything you name is technology so basically technology is everywhere. Technologies have changed the way the world works today. We need to make sure children have the skills to compete in this global economy. Every single child deserves the opportunity to succeed in the 21st century.

 

Incredible    Dishwasher

Technology plays a significant role in children’s everyday life.  Today when I was putting dishes in the dishwasher after morning tea, I noticed B looked so curious like he wanted to ask me so many things.  B said “how does it work, why are you putting powder in there and what those buttons are for”. After explaining to him, B went and told his friends about the dishwasher. They all were interested to see how it works.

To extend children’s learning I showed them how this technology works. Children developed an understanding of how technology has a real and direct impact upon everyday life. For example dishwashing technology makes life fast and easier for everyone. Through this technology children learnt to explore and discover concepts in using dishwasher. The idea was to give children the tools necessary to assess problematic situations and use knowledge and concepts learned from their education to solve problems in the best way possible in everyday life (Smorti, 1999).  Te whāriki states that children experience an environment where they have “confidence in using a variety of strategies for exploring and making sense of the world, such as in solving problems, looking for patterns, classifying things for a purpose, guessing, making comparisons, asking questions, explaining to others and  listening to others” (Ministry of Education, 1996, p.69).

They also discovered about hygiene. For example attention was given to minimising the potential for the spread of infection when environment is clean and well-presented. B was encouraged to play an active role in showing other children about dishwashing technology under supervision. He was assisting me with loading the dishwasher. Children learnt about safety near electrical appliances by following the simple safety rules, which they were reminded at the beginning. This particular technology enhanced children’s learning and development about adopting healthy lifestyles and they developed skills for their future. Children developed a better understanding of how technology works and appreciate people who created this technology and understand how technology made everyone’s lives better. Children also gained knowledge about how technology within the world work and co-exist.

I will extend children’s further knowledge on technology by providing them with variety of technology to explore such as telephone, computer, camera and microwave.  I will also set up activities which will involve technology.

REFERENCE LIST:

Ministry of Education. (1996). Te Whāriki: He whāriki mātauranga mo nga mokopuna o Aotearoa . Wellington, New Zealand: Learning Media.

 Smorti, S. (1999). Technology in Early Childhood. Early Education, No.19 Autumn 1999.