Cool Technology Tools in Early Cool Technology Tools in Early Childhood

…for the Tech-Savvy, Technology Novices, and

Everyone in Betweeny

Dr. Diane BalesUniversity of GeorgiaUniversity of GeorgiaCooperative Extension

Wh W ’ G i gWhere We’re GoingAttitudes about technology and childrenAttitudes about technology and childrenWhat makes technology useful in early hildh d?childhood?

Tips for using technology in early childhoodCautions and challenges with technologyCool tech tools and web resources

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F U f T h l g i ECEFour Uses of Technology in ECE

1 T h l i d ll b ti1. Teacher planning and collaboration2. Communication with families3. Direct teaching with children4. Hands-on discovery learningy g

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Th W b i T d ’ W ldThe Web in Today’s World

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W b 2 0Web 2.0The web is no longer just a source ofThe web is no longer just a source of static information. U t t t ib t t t tUsers expect to contribute to content.Content changes much more quickly.Collected knowledgeHow do we know what to trust?

I f l it2 /t t i l%20018/i d ht l

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

Th W ld i Ch iThe World is Changing…Technology is a part of our societyTechnology is a part of our society.Children born today will be “digital

ti ”natives.”Children see adults using technology.“Web 2.0” has changed our ways of understanding the world.

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Attitudes about Technology in E l Childh dEarly Childhood

Technology = change

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The “Technology Question” Is Ch iChangingThe “old” question: Should youngThe old question: Should young children use computers and other technology?The “new” question: When and how should young children be introduced to technology?technology?

How early is too early?What’s developmentally appropriate inp y pp p

Preschool?Early elementary?Later elementary?

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Later elementary?

T h l g i ECE?Technology in ECE?Benefits ChallengesBenefits

Authentic way to explore new topics

ChallengesPassive activityUnequal access to techp p

Chance to createWay to share creations

Unequal access to tech toolsCan be overusedWay to share creations

and receive feedbackSupports critical

Can be overusedSafety concerns for children onlinepp

thinkingChance to work

Easy access to inappropriate content

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together

All T h T l N t Alik !All Tech Tools are Not Alike!Effective technology tools for childrenEffective technology tools for children

Child-directed and child-controlledFocused on authentic discovery learningFocused on authentic discovery learning

Ineffective technologiesT h di t d d t tiTeacher-directed demonstrationsRepetitive programsFocused on drill and practice of a specific skillFocused on drill and practice of a specific skill

Many programs for children are d l t ll i i t !

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developmentally inappropriate!

P bl ith “D ill d Kill”Problems with “Drill and Kill”

R i i k ti tiRequires quick reaction timeNo chance for creativityNo way outIncreases frustrationReduces problem solvingDecreases children’s motivation to useDecreases children s motivation to use computers

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A “Drill and Kill” ExampleA Drill and Kill Example

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T h l g i ECE h ld bTechnology in ECE should be…Developmentally appropriateDevelopmentally appropriateUsed only when it’s the best toolAvailable as just another learning materialAvailable as just another learning materialUsed for exploration and discoveryA chance for collaborati e learningA chance for collaborative learningAvailable to all childrenAd lt it d!Adult-monitored!

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Some Types of TechnologySome Types of TechnologyDigital camerasDigital camerasMusic players (iPods and others)T bl t t (iP d d th )Tablet computers (iPads and others)Digital microscopesDigital whiteboardsSmart toysy

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T h E l Th P STech Example: The ProScopeDigital USB microscopeDigital USB microscopeHand-held and portableChild safeChild-safeCan be used to examine almost anythingalmost anythingImages saved as digital photos or videosCosts about $250Costs about $250

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The ProScopeThe ProScope

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C ti U f T h l gCreative Uses of Technology

W b d li tiWebcams and online conversations

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C ti U f T h l gCreative Uses of Technology

C t di it l l h b t!Create a digital alphabet!

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

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Creative Tech IdeasCreative Tech IdeasHere’s a sample of whatComic Life Here s a sample of what you can do with Comic Life in about 5 minutes!

Comic LifeSoftware packageQuick way to share photos in a meaningful wayRelatively inexpensiveRelatively inexpensive ($29.95)www.plasq.com

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C l T l th W bCool Tools on the WebPhoto SharingPhoto Sharing

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C l T l th W bCool Tools on the WebStorybook CreationStorybook Creation

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C l T l th W bCool Tools on the WebBlogsBlogs

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C l T l th W bCool Tools on the Web

H P S t (3 X 3 Li k )Home Page Setup (3 X 3 Links)

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C l T l th W bCool Tools on the WebAnimating DrawingsAnimating Drawings

Animated Slideshows from Photos

Creating Artwork from PhotosCreating Artwork from Photos

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WordleWordle

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C l T l th W bCool Tools on the WebCollaborative Document CreationCollaborative Document Creation

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C l T l th W bCool Tools on the WebImage Sharing and CommentingImage Sharing and Commenting

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C l T l th W bCool Tools on the WebSocial BookmarkingSocial Bookmarking

Bookmark collectionAccessible from any computer Can be shared with others Communication tools

Commenting on linksgHighlights and sticky notesDiscussion topic threads

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What About Babies and Toddlers?AAP Recommendation: No screen time forAAP Recommendation: No screen time for children under age 2I ll “ ti ” lik ?Is all “screen time” alike?

Active vs. PassiveChild t ll d t l ?Child-controlled tools?The iPad example

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K i g Child S f O liKeeping Children Safer OnlineAlways review websites thoroughlyAlways review websites thoroughlyWatch for similar addresses!Set limits on children’s online accessSet limits on children s online accessSupervise carefullyTeach children “safe s rfing”Teach children “safe surfing”

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Q ti ? Id ?Questions? Ideas?

D Di B lDr. Diane BalesCooperative ExtensionThe University of Georgiadbales@uga.edu

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