A Debut ofDigital Decisions: Choosing the Right Technology for Early Childhood Education

1

Fran Simon, M.Ed.

Karen Nemeth, Ed.M. April 12, 2012

2 © Copyright Nemeth and Simon, 2102

But start with one step 3 © Copyright Nemeth and Simon, 2102

10 Steps to Get Started Which is your starting point?

• Form a team

• Program assessment

• Set goals Get buy-in

• Establish policies

• Plan funding

• Plan infrastructure

• Create a wish list

• Training

• Obtain hardware

• Obtain software


Tech in the Classroom

DAP


New NAEYC & FRC Tech Position Statement

+ =

Technology & Interactive Media as Tools in Early Childhood Programs Serving Children from Birth through Age 8 6 © Copyright Nemeth and Simon, 2102

The ECE Technology Bible

Click

http://www.naeyc.org/content/technology-and-young-children 7 © Copyright Nemeth and Simon, 2102

http://www.naeyc.org/content/technology-and-young-children

6 Key Messages

1

Technology can be an effective tool to support learning and development when used intentionally and appropriately


To use tech intentionally, you need to know about the tool itself and the

implications for young children using that tool

2


3

Limitations should be placed on screen time and tech use


Tech should only be used with children younger than 2 if it supports responsive interactions between caregivers and children

4 11 © Copyright Nemeth and Simon, 2102

Be attentive to digital citizenship and equitable access


Ongoing research and professional development are needed


Best Practice in the tech-

rich program


Teachers and directors are the gatekeepers who

stand between technology and children.

Be an educated consumer!


Choices

Just more tools from which to choose to get the learning done! The right tools for the job. Objectives come before

the tool.


Connect the dots- Tech and DAP


Interactive: Make something happen 18 © Copyright Nemeth and Simon, 2102

TV and video are not

interactive


Follow children’s

interests and abilities 20 © Copyright Nemeth and Simon, 2102

Foster relationships with other children and adults 21 © Copyright Nemeth and Simon, 2102

Integrate technology throughout

the room 22 © Copyright Nemeth and Simon, 2102

Integrate technology throughout choices 23 © Copyright Nemeth and Simon, 2102


the day 24 © Copyright Nemeth and Simon, 2102


special events 25 © Copyright Nemeth and Simon, 2102

Integrate technology

when children go home 26 © Copyright Nemeth and Simon, 2102

Planning for technology


Shared Planning: Identify Your Team

Internal External

Teacher(s) Business Partners

Tech Staff (If possible) Community Partners • CCRR • Colleges • Libraries • Other agencies

Board Funders

Parents Friends/Family 28 © Copyright Nemeth and Simon, 2102

Shared Internal Action

Tech Lead 1st Point of Contact for

info

• Resource

• Role model

• Facilitator

• Collaborator

• Coach

The Director In charge of resources

and accountability

• Resource

• Role model

• Facilitator

• Supervision

• Eval & direction 29 © Copyright Nemeth and Simon, 2102

Tech budget: Allocations

½

on:

• Internet access • Software/Apps • Peripherals • Professional Development

Put aside something for maintenance/support


Tech budget: Proportions change over the years


MUST Invest in Professional Development, or

investments in equipment will be wasted


Invest in software: Expensive equipment is wasted on

cheap software


Professional Development

21% of Teachers and 27% of Directors had no technology training

Overwhelming percentage use self-help including online tutorials, colleagues and technical support


Classroom Tech Tools


What tools do programs have?

• 96.7% Laptops/desktops- More than ¾ confident using them

• 50% IWBs-

Only ¼ confident using them

• Only 17.9% have tablets/iPads- ~ 30% confident using them


A Few Key Tech Tools

Internet access, web sites, software, apps

Hard

ware


The most affordable and approachable technology tools for children Using cameras is not just for teachers! They are tools for children to use to support their experiences.

Digital Cameras


Computers

PC Vs. Mac

It’s not the tool, it’s how it’s used 39 © Copyright Nemeth and Simon, 2102

Using Computers: Does it look like this… or that?


Interactive Whiteboards

Like a blackboard +touch screen computer!

Large screen computer

monitors with touch-screen

functionality


Table with a multi-touch screen. The display is on a table at a comfortable height for children to stand around.

A cross between an iPad, an Interactive Whiteboard, and a light table. Great for small group collaboration.

Multi-Touch Tables


Tablets, Slates, iPads

Highly mobile , small computers that have multi-touch screens. Great for integrating into learning centers

and using on the go.


Tablets Specifically for ECE

“Branded” tablets for preschool children. Is the device designed for classroom professional use, or for parents use with their children?


Software


Computer Software

Meaningful

Pedagogical value

Engaging

Interactive

“Sticky”

Productive

Up to date 46 © Copyright Nemeth and Simon, 2102

Selecting Websites

http://bit.ly/preschooltech

Making choices is all about the lens through which you view the software


http://bit.ly/preschooltech

Bad news- most Early Learning apps, Websites, and software…

• have moderate entertainment • have low production value • have low educational value • are redundant • are rote/skill based

according to Simon & Nemeth 48 © Copyright Nemeth and Simon, 2102

Be selective

Takeaways


Schedule professional development


Set up evaluation and reporting systems


Outline expectations for

success

and measure


You can do it!

They are counting on you.


Join Early Childhood Technology Network

http://ECEtech.net/surveys

[email protected]

[email protected] 60 © Copyright Nemeth and Simon, 2102

http://ecetech.net/surveys

http://www.facebook.com/ECEtechnet

http://www.linkedin.com/groups/Early-Childhood-Technology-Network-2989480?gid=2989480&trk=hb_side_g

https://twitter.com/

http://pinterest.com/ecetech/

http://www.ecetech.net/techspirations/ecetechchat-on-twitter/

mailto:[email protected]

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A Debut ofDigital Decisions: Choosing the Right Technology for Early Childhood Education

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Transcript of A Debut ofDigital Decisions: Choosing the Right Technology for Early Childhood Education