Technology is the making, usage, and knowledge of tools, machines, techniques, crafts, systems or methods of organization in order to solve a problem or perform a specific function - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Technology, or simply put, technology is the creation of something that serves to meet a need.
In my nursery room, we work using Pikler's theories, which have been incorporated into the RIE philosophy. The key word to sum up these ideas is 'Respect'. As a result, the 'technology' used is age and stage appropriate equipment. The children are provided with an environment where they are invited to participate if they choose to do so. When we have an activity at the table (such as painting or play-dough), they are able to independently come and join in. In order to make this possible, we don't have high-chairs. Instead, low chairs that the children can get themselves into and out of are used. We also use bowls placed on sheeting on the floor for gloop or water play. This way, all children are able to come and go as they wish, and are able to observe what is happening.
Not all technology is computer based. For under two's, I feel very strongly that technology should aid the inclusion of all children, and this is what the child sized equipment does.
Now that the centre has Educa up and running, we are able to include video clips onto the website for parents to see their child in action, not just photographs.
There are many different forms of technology, and they all have a different purpose and a different audience. I feel that I am able to use these different forms appropriately, and they help everyone involved.
