Young children make and communicate meaning about their world in multiple ways, particularly through their engagement with the arts (visual arts, dance, drama, music, storytelling, media) and technology. Building from your developing knowledge of curriculum frameworks pertaining to The Arts and Technology and the general capabilities, you will research contemporary meaning making processes available to young children and explain how teachers support such meaning making in early childhood learning environments as they engage in curriculum decision making. Through the careful design of learning spaces, including natural spaces, you will demonstrate your understanding of children’s development, strengths, needs and interests and also ensure that all children can participate. Reflecting on early childhood pedagogies, you will identify potential issues with ICT use and propose strategies to support the safe, responsible and ethical use of ICT in learning and teaching. You will gain personal and practical experience in using the different symbol systems and ways of understanding and representing and making meaning of the world. The unit will equip you with dispositions for valuing the use of The Arts and Technologies for effective teaching and learning and with a working knowledge of some fundamental tools that can be applied across curriculum learning areas in early childhood contexts.

Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.

Feedback from Self-reflection

The hands-on nature of learning supported the development of student confidence in teaching through the Arts and with technologies.

Continue this approach with the established theoretical base for learning.

Feedback from Self-reflection

The timing of tutorials during the day was prohibitive for full student engagement.

Consider scheduling online tutorials for after school hours.