Journal of Education and Human Development

How Do Young Children Learn about Photography?
WONG, Kit Mei

Abstract
Photography is increasingly used in research with children and as a learning tool in early childhood classrooms. However, very few studies have examined how young children encounter and experience the use of cameras. This paper describes a project conducted over a three-month period in which a class of 31 five- to six-year-old children in a Hong Kong preschool learned to use digital cameras. The project had three stages: (1) learning to use a camera, (2) practising photography skills, and (3) expression through photography. The children’s experiences of learning to use digital cameras throughout the project were documented infield notes, photos taken by the children, and photos and video taken by the researchers. The project demonstrated the potential and possibilities of using photography in research and learning in early childhood education. The substantive steps used in this project to introduce photography to children can be a reference point for both teachers and researchers.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/jehd.v9n1a10