Instead of debating the pros and cons of technology in the early childhood classroom, teachers should ask, \u201cHow do I choose appropriate technology tools to enhance and support children\u2019s learning?\u201d. In addition to developing children\u2019s skills and abilities, well designed programs will include a variety of hands-on experiences that promote cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development.<\/p>\n
Enhanced Interactive Learning Through Technology![\"Children](\"https:\/\/childwatch.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Children-and-Technology-300x225.jpg\")
<\/strong><\/h5>\nProgressive centers understand the importance of focusing on the whole child. In a technology-advanced and ever-changing world, incorporating technology into the preschool classroom proves to be a powerful tool for helping children develop foundational skills in several important subjects.<\/p>\n
One question that often arises is how do we balance the educational benefits of digital technologies with the American Academy of Pediatrics\u2019<\/a> recommendation to limit screen time for young children?<\/p>\nIn 2013, the National Association for the Education of Young Children<\/a> (NAEYC), together with the Fred Rogers Center for Early Learning and Children\u2019s Media, published a position statement endorsing the use of digital technology for young children.<\/p>\nThe statement provided a clear framework for effective, appropriate, and intentional use of technology and media with young children in the digital age of smartphones, multi-touch screens, and apps.<\/p>\n
Key Messages<\/strong><\/h5>\nThe following key messages were intended to guide educators in early childhood settings on the selection, use, integration, and evaluation of technology tools for learning.<\/p>\n
When used intentionally and appropriately, technology and interactive media are effective tools to support learning and development.<\/p>\n
\n- Intentional use requires early childhood teachers and administrators to have information and resources regarding the nature of these tools and the implications of their use with children.<\/li>\n
- Limitations on the use of technology and media are important.<\/li>\n
- Special considerations must be given to the use of technology with infants and toddlers.<\/li>\n
- Attention to digital citizenship (privacy concerns) and equitable access is essential.<\/li>\n
- Ongoing research and professional development are needed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The key is to pay attention to the quality<\/em> of digital media exposure, as well as the quantity.<\/p>\nAppropriate use of technology in early childhood classrooms will focus on enriching content that teaches vital skills and concepts, rather than mindless entertainment that displaces offline activities and social interaction.<\/p>\n
Fred Rogers demonstrated how to use the technology of his day to support early learning with an emphasis on relationships, communication, and social and emotional development. He was a child development expert who always kept the child first and integrated technology in the service of positive self-esteem and healthy relationships. As Fred Rogers said, \u201cNo matter how helpful they are as tools, computers don\u2019t begin to compare in significance to the teacher\u2013child relationship, which is human and mutual. A computer can help you to learn to spell H-U-G, but it can never know the risk or the joy of actually giving or receiving one\u201d<\/strong> (Rogers 1994, 89). Fred was a media mentor to countless children, parents, families, and caregivers.<\/p>\nBenefits of Technology in Early Childhood Education<\/strong><\/h5>\nThere are many ways for teachers to incorporate technology into a structured preschool curriculum:<\/p>\n
\n- Teachers can use technology in a purposeful way that is similar to other learning materials, such as blocks, art supplies, toys, books and writing instruments.<\/li>\n
- Technology is one valuable tool for children to record, save, revisit and share what they learn from their lessons each day.<\/li>\n
- Digital media can introduce concepts that may not be readily available in person \u2014 such as historic events or people, extinct animals or geography.<\/li>\n
- Assistive technologies can promote the development of children with special needs.<\/li>\n
- Preschool technology tools may also promote an early foundation for digital literacy \u2014 in which children learn appropriate ways of using technology for constructive learning activities, rather than for mindless, passive entertainment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Appropriate Technology Activities for Preschoolers<\/strong><\/h5>\nChildcare centers should follow developmentally appropriate practices when developing curriculum, planning lessons and selecting learning tools, including technology.<\/p>\n
The NAEYC offers several guidelines for successfully using digital tools with preschoolers:<\/p>\n
\n- Teachers should be intentional about incorporating technology into any lesson plan.<\/li>\n
- Electronic devices must be used in a way that promotes active, hands-on learning experiences.<\/li>\n
- Lesson plans should emphasize co-viewing or co-usage alongside teachers and peers.<\/li>\n
- Teachers and preschool leaders must take the time to observe children\u2019s use of technology to identify potential problems, evaluate learning outcomes and adapt accordingly.<\/li>\n
- Preschools can also use technology to facilitate parental involvement.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
How Parents Can Guide the Use of Technology in Early Childhood<\/strong><\/h5>\n\u00a0<\/strong>Many parents wonder how they can encourage healthy digital media habits at home.<\/span><\/p>\n\n- One early childhood expert emphasizes that technology should be used mindfully and not mindlessly<\/a>. An important rule of thumb is that the content on the screen matters<\/u>.<\/li>\n
- Look for websites that feature engaging characters, encourage guided play and minimize distractions.<\/li>\n
- Parents using media together with children leads to more learning \u2014 this is true of all media, including books, television and computers. Instead of letting your child use the computer alone, help him or her find content that facilitates singing, play and learning activities that can be performed together.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Media Use Guidelines for Young Children<\/strong><\/h5>\n\u00a0<\/strong>For children younger than 2: <\/strong><\/h6>\n\n- Media use should be very limited and only when an adult is standing by to co-view, talk, and teach. For example, video-chatting with family along with parents.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\u00a0<\/strong>For children 18 to 24 months, if you want to introduce digital media:<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n- Choose high-quality programming.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Use media together with your child.<\/li>\n
- Avoid solo media use.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\u00a0<\/strong>For children 2 to 5 years of age: <\/strong><\/h6>\n\n- Limit screen use to no more than 1 hour per day.<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Find other activities for your children to do that are healthy for their bodies and minds.<\/li>\n
- Choose media that is interactive, non-violent, educational, and prosocial.<\/li>\n
- Co-view or co-play with your children.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Communication and Connection with Families<\/strong><\/h5>\nTo succeed in our digital information age, childcare professionals of today need access to technology that supports their work processes, offers online learning and professional development opportunities, and provides the ability to connect and network with parents, staff and other professional peers. Ultimately, childcare software<\/a> isn\u2019t just intended to make jobs easier, but to provide improved learning and development outcomes for children in care. And that is something on which we can all agree.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Computers, tablets, smartphones, apps, and other digital tools are part of our everyday lives. When used appropriately, technology can help children explore their world, express and make sense of what they know, and interact with other children. Technology tools can also assist families as they support their children\u2019s at-home learning. We are no longer living in a world where it\u2019s practical to disregard or avoid \u2018screen time.\u2019 Children of today are being born into the digital era, and they need to be prepared for the digital life that lies ahead for them \u2013 whether that be web-based study, online shopping, […]<\/p>\n
In 2013, the National Association for the Education of Young Children<\/a> (NAEYC), together with the Fred Rogers Center for Early Learning and Children\u2019s Media, published a position statement endorsing the use of digital technology for young children.<\/p>\n The statement provided a clear framework for effective, appropriate, and intentional use of technology and media with young children in the digital age of smartphones, multi-touch screens, and apps.<\/p>\n The following key messages were intended to guide educators in early childhood settings on the selection, use, integration, and evaluation of technology tools for learning.<\/p>\n When used intentionally and appropriately, technology and interactive media are effective tools to support learning and development.<\/p>\n The key is to pay attention to the quality<\/em> of digital media exposure, as well as the quantity.<\/p>\n Appropriate use of technology in early childhood classrooms will focus on enriching content that teaches vital skills and concepts, rather than mindless entertainment that displaces offline activities and social interaction.<\/p>\n Fred Rogers demonstrated how to use the technology of his day to support early learning with an emphasis on relationships, communication, and social and emotional development. He was a child development expert who always kept the child first and integrated technology in the service of positive self-esteem and healthy relationships. As Fred Rogers said, \u201cNo matter how helpful they are as tools, computers don\u2019t begin to compare in significance to the teacher\u2013child relationship, which is human and mutual. A computer can help you to learn to spell H-U-G, but it can never know the risk or the joy of actually giving or receiving one\u201d<\/strong> (Rogers 1994, 89). Fred was a media mentor to countless children, parents, families, and caregivers.<\/p>\n There are many ways for teachers to incorporate technology into a structured preschool curriculum:<\/p>\n Childcare centers should follow developmentally appropriate practices when developing curriculum, planning lessons and selecting learning tools, including technology.<\/p>\n The NAEYC offers several guidelines for successfully using digital tools with preschoolers:<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong>Many parents wonder how they can encourage healthy digital media habits at home.<\/span><\/p>\n To succeed in our digital information age, childcare professionals of today need access to technology that supports their work processes, offers online learning and professional development opportunities, and provides the ability to connect and network with parents, staff and other professional peers. Ultimately, childcare software<\/a> isn\u2019t just intended to make jobs easier, but to provide improved learning and development outcomes for children in care. And that is something on which we can all agree.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Computers, tablets, smartphones, apps, and other digital tools are part of our everyday lives. When used appropriately, technology can help children explore their world, express and make sense of what they know, and interact with other children. Technology tools can also assist families as they support their children\u2019s at-home learning. We are no longer living in a world where it\u2019s practical to disregard or avoid \u2018screen time.\u2019 Children of today are being born into the digital era, and they need to be prepared for the digital life that lies ahead for them \u2013 whether that be web-based study, online shopping, […]<\/p>\nKey Messages<\/strong><\/h5>\n
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Benefits of Technology in Early Childhood Education<\/strong><\/h5>\n
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Appropriate Technology Activities for Preschoolers<\/strong><\/h5>\n
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How Parents Can Guide the Use of Technology in Early Childhood<\/strong><\/h5>\n
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Media Use Guidelines for Young Children<\/strong><\/h5>\n
\u00a0<\/strong>For children younger than 2: <\/strong><\/h6>\n
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\u00a0<\/strong>For children 18 to 24 months, if you want to introduce digital media:<\/strong><\/h6>\n
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\u00a0<\/strong>For children 2 to 5 years of age: <\/strong><\/h6>\n
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Communication and Connection with Families<\/strong><\/h5>\n