…for the Tech-Savvy, Technology Novices, and Everyone in Between

Attitudes about technologyWhat makes technology useful in early childhood?Tips for using technology in early childhoodCautions and challenges with technologyCool tech tools and web resources

Technology is a part of our society.Children born today will be “digital natives.”Children see adults using technology.“Web 2.0” has changed our ways of understanding the world.

Technology = change

The web is no longer just a source of static information. Users expect to contribute to content.Content changes much more quickly.Collected knowledgeHow do we know what to trust?

Image from www.learnit2.com/tutorial%20018/index.html

2010: Introduction of the iPadA “Game Changer” for ECE?Babies using iPads?

• What do you think?

Images from www.apple.com

The “old” question: Should young children use technology?The “new” question: When and how should young children be introduced to technology?▫ How early is too early?▫ What’s developmentally appropriate in

Preschool?Early elementary?Later elementary?

Familiar tool; part of child’s worldAuthentic way to explore new topicsChance to createWay to share creations and receive feedbackSupports critical thinkingChance to work together

Can be a passive activitySometimes overusedDevelopmentally inappropriate usesUnequal access to tech toolsSafety concerns for children online

Many programs targeted at young children are developmentally inappropriate▫ Websites▫ Software▫ AppsFocus on drill and practiceRequire skills that children don’t haveNo active engagement

Decreases creativityReduces problem-solvingReduces children’s motivation to use the computerIncreases frustrationRequires quick reaction timeNo way out

Always review websites thoroughlyWatch for similar addresses!Set limits on children’s online accessSupervise carefullyTeach children “safe surfing”

1. Direct teaching with children2. Hands-on discovery learning3. Adult planning and collaboration4. Communication with families

Developmentally appropriateUsed only when it’s the best toolAvailable as just another learning materialUsed for exploration and discoveryA chance for collaborative learningAvailable to all childrenAdult-monitored!

Tablet computers (iPad, etc.)Smart phonesDigital camerasMusic players (ipods and others)Digital microscopesDigital whiteboardsSmart toys

Digital microscopeHand-held and wirelessChild-safeCan be used to examine almost anythingImages synched to iPad as digital photos or videosCosts about $250

image from bodelin.com

images from bodelin.com

Exploratory study of preschoolers’ use of iPadsAreas of interest▫ Cooperation and social interaction▫ Science investigation▫ Communication and storytellingQuestions to address▫ How can we push children beyond “playing

games”▫ How can we help children see iPads as multi-

use tools?

Collaborative use of iPadsInitial exploration ▫ Drawing▫ Photos▫ Playing gamesField trip photosResearching classroom questionsSmall group comparison activity

Photos taken by children using the iPad

Due to size and weight of the iPad, using the camera app is a cooperative activity

iPads are used to gather information. Teachers attempt to make use of visual literacy whenever possible.

Children are encouraged to make inquiries for research.

Teachers record research questions

Monkey vs. Ape

Group 1 Group 2

Some children are already familiar with iPadsMost children learn quickly to navigate the iPad interfaceChildren gravitate to games and see iPadsas “toys”Introducing other uses is more challengingParents are interested and have their own ideasNew partnerships are forming between children

Webcams and Online Conversations

Create a digital alphabet!

Image from www.alphabetphotography.ca

Here’s a sample of what you can do with Comic Life in about 5 minutes!

Comic Life

Software package and iPad AppQuick way to share photos in a meaningful wayRelatively inexpensive ($29.95)

StoryKit App for iPhone/iPadCan load photos or draw picturesWriting or recording storiesStories can be shared with others

Several different platformsChildren can contributePublic vs. private

3 X 3 Links

Animating Drawings

Animated Slideshows from Photos

Creating Artwork from Photos

VoiceThreadWebsite and iPhone/iPad AppCan narrate an image, series of images, or short videoOther visitors can leave comments

Bookmark collectionAccessible from any computer Can be shared with others Communication tools▫ Commenting on links▫ Highlights and sticky notes▫ Discussion topic threadsOther social bookmarking sites include Digg, StumbleUpon, Delicious, Reddit(and many others)

How can you use this information?▫ For yourself▫ In training▫ Working with child care providers▫ Working with children

Dr. Diane BalesCooperative ExtensionThe University of Georgiadbales@uga.edu

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