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…for the Tech-Savvy, Technology Novices, and

Everyone in Between

Cool Technology Tools Cool Technology Tools in Early Childhoodin Early Childhood

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Where We’re GoingWhere We’re Going

Attitudes about technology What makes technology useful in

early childhood? Tips for using technology in early

childhood Cautions and challenges with

technology Cool tech tools and web resources

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Technology = change

Attitudes about Attitudes about Technology in Early Technology in Early

ChildhoodChildhood

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Technology in ECE?Technology in ECE?

Benefits Authentic way to

explore new topics Chance to create Way to share

creations and receive feedback

Supports critical thinking

Chance to work together

Challenges Passive activity Unequal access to

tech tools Can be overused Safety concerns

for children online Easy access to

inappropriate content

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Problems with “Problems with “Drill and Kill””

Decreases creativity Reduces problem solving Reduces children’s motivation to

use computers Increases frustration Requires quick reaction time No way out

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Four Uses of TechnologyFour Uses of Technology

1. Teacher planning and collaboration2. Communication with families3. Direct teaching with children4. Hands-on discovery learning

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The World is Changing…The World is Changing…

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.

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Web 2.0Web 2.0

The web is no longer just a source of static information.

Users expect to contribute to content.

Content changes much more quickly.

Collected knowledge How do we know what to trust?

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

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The Web in Today’s WorldThe Web in Today’s World

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The “Computer Question” The “Computer Question” Is ChangingIs Changing

The “old” question: Should young children use computers?

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?

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Technology for young Technology for young children should be…children should be…

Developmentally appropriate Used only when it’s the best tool Available as just another learning

material Used for exploration and discovery A chance for collaborative learning Available to all children Adult-monitored!

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Some Types of Technology

Digital cameras Music players (ipods and others) Digital microscopes Digital whiteboards Smart toys

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Tech Example: The Tech Example: The ProScopeProScope

Digital USB microscope Hand-held and portable Child-safe Can be used to examine almost

anything Images saved as digital photos or

videos Costs about $250

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The ProScope

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Creative Tech IdeasCreative Tech Ideas

Webcams and online conversations

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Creative Tech IdeasCreative Tech Ideas

Create a digital alphabet!

Image from www.alphabetphotography.caImage from www.alphabetphotography.ca

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Creative Tech IdeasCreative Tech Ideas

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

Comic Life

Software package Quick way to share

photos in a meaningful way

Relatively inexpensive ($29.95)

www.plasq.com

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Cool Tools on the WebCool Tools on the Web

Photo Sharing

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Cool Tools on the WebCool Tools on the Web

Storybook Creation

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Cool Tools on the WebCool Tools on the Web

Blogs

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Cool Tools on the WebCool Tools on the Web

Home Page Setup (3 X 3 Links)

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Cool Tools on the WebCool Tools on the Web

Animating Drawings

Animated Slideshows from Photos

Creating Artwork from Photos

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WordleWordle

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Cool Tools on the WebCool Tools on the Web

Collaborative Document Creation

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Cool Tools on the WebCool Tools on the Web

Image Sharing and Commenting

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Cool Tools on the WebCool Tools on the Web

Social Bookmarking Bookmark collection Accessible from any computer Can be shared with others Communication tools

Commenting on links Highlights and sticky notes Discussion topic threads

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Keeping Children Safer Keeping Children Safer OnlineOnline

Always review websites thoroughly Watch for similar addresses! Set limits on children’s online

access Supervise carefully Teach children “safe surfing”

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Questions?Questions?

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