Training for FACS agents on uses of technology in ECE, for both teachers and young children

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

2. 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

3. 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.

4. Technology = change

5. 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

6. Images from www.apple.com
2010: Introduction of the iPad
A “Game Changer” for ECE?
Babies using iPads?
• What do you think?

7. 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?

8. Familiar tool; part of child’s world
Authentic way to explore new topics
Chance to create
Way to share creations and receive
feedback
Supports critical thinking
Chance to work together

9. Can be a passive activity
Sometimes overused
Developmentally inappropriate uses
Unequal access to tech tools
Safety concerns for children online

10. Many programs targeted at young
children are developmentally
inappropriate
▫ Websites
▫ Software
▫ Apps
Focus on drill and practice
Require skills that children don’t have
No active engagement

11. Decreases creativity
Reduces problem-solving
Reduces children’s motivation to use
the computer
Increases frustration
Requires quick reaction time
No way out

12. Always review websites thoroughly
Watch for similar addresses!
Set limits on children’s online access
Supervise carefully
Teach children “safe surfing”

13. 1. Direct teaching with children
2. Hands-on discovery learning
3. Adult planning and collaboration
4. Communication with families

14. 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!

15. Tablet computers (iPad, etc.)
Smart phones
Digital cameras
Music players (ipods and others)
Digital microscopes
Digital whiteboards
Smart toys

16. Digital microscope
Hand-held and wireless
Child-safe
Can be used to examine almost
anything image from bodelin.com
Images synched to iPad as digital
photos or videos
Costs about $250

17. images from bodelin.com

18. Exploratory study of preschoolers’ use of
iPads
Areas of interest
▫ Cooperation and social interaction
▫ Science investigation
▫ Communication and storytelling
Questions to address
▫ How can we push children beyond “playing
games”
▫ How can we help children see iPads as multi-
use tools?

19. Collaborative use of iPads
Initial exploration
▫ Drawing
▫ Photos
▫ Playing games
Field trip photos
Researching classroom questions
Small group comparison activity

20. Photos taken by children using the iPad
Due to size and weight of the iPad,
using the camera app is a
cooperative activity

21. Teachers record research
questions
Children are encouraged to make inquiries
for research.
iPads are used to gather information.
Teachers attempt to make use of
visual literacy whenever possible.

22. Monkey vs. Ape
Group 1 Group 2

23. Some children are already familiar with
iPads
Most children learn quickly to navigate the
iPad interface
Children gravitate to games and see iPads
as “toys”
Introducing other uses is more challenging
Parents are interested and have their own
ideas
New partnerships are forming between
children

24. Webcams and Online Conversations

25. Create a digital alphabet!
Image from www.alphabetphotography.ca

26. Comic Life
Here’s a sample of what
you can do with Comic Software package and
Life in about 5 minutes! iPad App
Quick way to share
photos in a meaningful
way
Relatively inexpensive
($29.95)

29. StoryKit App for
iPhone/iPad
Can load photos or draw
pictures
Writing or recording
stories
Stories can be shared with
others

30. Several different platforms
Children can contribute
Public vs. private

31. 3 X 3 Links

32. Animating Drawings
Animated Slideshows from Photos
Creating Artwork from Photos

35. VoiceThread
Website and iPhone/iPad App
Can narrate an image, series of
images, or short video
Other visitors can leave comments

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

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

38. Dr. Diane Bales
Cooperative Extension
The University of Georgia
dbales@uga.edu

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