…for the Tech-Savvy, Technology Novices,

and Everyone in Between

Cool Technology Tools in Early Childhood

Dr. Diane BalesUniversity of GeorgiaCooperative Extension

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Where We’re GoingAttitudes about technology and childrenWhat makes technology useful in early

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

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Four Uses of Technology in ECE

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

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The Web in Today’s World

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Web 2.0The web is no longer just a source of

static information. Users expect to contribute to content.Content changes much more quickly.Collected knowledgeHow do we know what to trust?

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

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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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Attitudes about Technology in Early Childhood

Technology = change

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The “Technology Question” Is ChangingThe “old” question: Should young

children use computers and other 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?

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Technology in ECE?Benefits

Authentic way to explore new topics

Chance to createWay to share creations

and receive feedbackSupports critical

thinkingChance to work

together

ChallengesPassive activityUnequal access to tech

toolsCan be overusedSafety concerns for

children onlineEasy access to

inappropriate content

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All Tech Tools are Not Alike!Effective technology tools for children

Child-directed and child-controlledFocused on authentic discovery learning

Ineffective technologiesTeacher-directed demonstrationsRepetitive programsFocused on drill and practice of a specific skill

Many programs for children are developmentally inappropriate!

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Problems with “Drill and Kill”

Requires quick reaction timeNo chance for creativityNo way outIncreases frustrationReduces problem solvingDecreases children’s motivation to use

computers

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A “Drill and Kill” Example

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Technology in ECE should be…Developmentally appropriateUsed only when it’s the best toolAvailable as just another learning materialUsed for exploration and discoveryA chance for collaborative learningAvailable to all childrenAdult-monitored!

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Some Types of TechnologyDigital camerasMusic players (iPods and others)Tablet computers (iPads and others)Digital microscopesDigital whiteboardsSmart toys

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Tech Example: The ProScopeDigital USB microscopeHand-held and portableChild-safeCan be used to examine

almost anythingImages saved as digital photos or videosCosts about $250

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The ProScope

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Creative Uses of TechnologyWebcams and online conversations

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Creative Uses of TechnologyCreate a digital alphabet!

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

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Creative Tech IdeasHere’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 way

Relatively inexpensive ($29.95)

www.plasq.com

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Cool Tools on the WebPhoto Sharing

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Cool Tools on the WebStorybook Creation

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Cool Tools on the WebBlogs

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Cool Tools on the WebHome Page Setup (3 X 3 Links)

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Cool Tools on the WebAnimating Drawings

Animated Slideshows from Photos

Creating Artwork from Photos

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Wordle

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Cool Tools on the WebCollaborative Document Creation

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Cool Tools on the WebImage Sharing and Commenting

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Cool Tools on the WebSocial Bookmarking

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

Commenting on linksHighlights and sticky notesDiscussion topic threads

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What About Babies and Toddlers?

AAP Recommendation: No screen time for children under age 2

Is all “screen time” alike?Active vs. PassiveChild-controlled tools?The iPad example

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Keeping Children Safer OnlineAlways review websites thoroughlyWatch for similar addresses!Set limits on children’s online accessSupervise carefullyTeach children “safe surfing”

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Questions? Ideas?

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