Digital Decisions: Choosing and Using Technology in Early Education - An Overview for K-6 Educators
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This document discusses considerations for using technology intentionally and appropriately in early education classrooms. It emphasizes that technology should be used as a tool to enhance learning objectives, not for its own sake. Teachers should select tools that are engaging, interactive, and have pedagogical value. The document provides guidance on balancing whole group, small group, and individual uses of technology. It also stresses the importance of professional development to help teachers learn how to integrate technology effectively in their teaching.
Digital Decisions: Choosing and Using Technology in Early Education - An Overview for K-6 Educators
- 1. Digital Decisions: Choosing and Using Technology in Early Education Karen Nemeth, Ed.M. Fran Simon, M.Ed.
- 3. Classroom tech: Paradigm shifts and affirmations @ Copyright, Fran Simon. All rights reserved. 3
- 4. Being intentional about technology use will lead to positive outcomes. Copyright, Simon and Nemeth 4
- 5. Daily Routines Intentional • Select the tech tools to align with the curriculum objectives. • Plan technology use as just another tool to get the job done, like books, crayons, pencils, etc. • Not tech for tech’s sake
- 6. Don’t fall for “app mania” • Technology is not always the best choice • Apps designed for children are not always the best choice • Mobile devices are not always the best choice @ Copyright, Fran Simon. All rights reserved. Think out of the mobile box 6
- 7. Tech tools * old & new * * analog & digital * * low & hi-tech * * For professional use * * Designed for children * Copyright Simon and Nemeth, 2014
- 8. NAEYC/FRC Joint Position Statement on Technology in ECE CLASSROOMS http://www.naeyc.org/content/technology-and-young-children 8 Copyright, Simon and Nemeth
- 9. Considerations for developmentally appropriate technology use @ Copyright, Fran Simon. All rights reserved. 9
- 10. When Digital Tools Make Sense Meaningful Pedagogical value Engaging Interactive Productive Up to date © Copyright Nemeth and Simon, 2102 10
- 11. Poll 3 Labs, computer centers, and in classroom use
- 12. Make tech tools available throughout the room Preschool Interactive whiteboard 2nd Grade Lab @ Copyright, Fran Simon. All rights reserved. 12
- 13. Consider technology tools as additional materials that allow students to “DO” and teachers to FACILITATE learning. Copyright, Simon and Nemeth 13
- 14. Opportunities to foster relationships with children and adults @ Copyright, Fran Simon. All rights reserved. 14
- 15. Make sure adults are available to support learning @ Copyright, Fran Simon. All rights reserved. 15
- 16. Opportunities for Autonomy @ Copyright, Fran Simon. All rights reserved. 16
- 17. Integrate technology throughout special events @ Copyright, Fran Simon. All rights reserved. 17
- 18. Decisions… Decisions … Decisions … Decisions … Decisions … Decisions … Decisions … Decisions … Decisions @ Copyright, Fran Simon. All rights reserved. 18
- 19. Decisions about using software: Basic pedagogical decisions • • • • • • • What are the objectives? Is this the right tool for the objective? Does it extend other activities? Is it interactive? Is the interaction meaningful? Does it fit in with the unit or project? What is my role using this tool?
- 20. Decisions about using software: Balance Is the software for: • A large group, small group, or for individual children? • Teacher-directed or child-initiated activities? • Open-ended or skill-focused? • Short periods of time or deeper exploration?
- 21. Decisions about using software: Usability and instructional design Is the software: • Flashy, distracting, overwhelming or just enough appealing graphics and sounds to engage, but not distract? • Free of ads or enticements for children? • Recommended by trusted resources? • Easy for children to navigate independently? • Provide feedback to guide children? • Interactive with meaning or just fun?
- 22. From Digital Decisions @ Copyright, Fran Simon. All rights reserved. http://bit.ly/commonsenseTECH 22
- 23. Selection Criteria @ Copyright, Fran Simon. All rights reserved. 23
- 24. We could tell you, but we won’t Tools to help you make decisions on your own! @ Copyright, Fran Simon. All rights reserved. 24
- 25. 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 @ Copyright, Fran Simon. All rights reserved. 25
- 26. Apps and websites that: • fit your school’s philosophy • fit the students’ needs, skills, and interests • provide feedback, not praise • offer “leveled” challenges • offer more than rote direct instruction • offer high interactivity • value learning over entertainment • do not include commercial temptations or inappropriate content @ Copyright, Fran Simon. All rights reserved. 26
- 27. What can you do with tech tools designed for adults? • • • • • • • Word? Skype? Evernote? Webcam? Video? Search engines? Document Projector? • • • • • • • PowerPoint? VoiceThread? Excel? Camera? Mp3 Player? Projector? Email? @ Copyright, Simon. And Nemeth, All rights reserved. 27
- 28. The most powerful use of tech tools: Those that enhance dual language learning, represent diversity, and allow access for children with disabilities. Copyright, Simon and Nemeth 28
- 29. Time limits: Consider variables like age, objectives, and type of interaction. Copyright, Simon and Nemeth 29
- 30. How Much Time? Recommendations from Digital Decisions Copyright, Simon and Nemeth
- 31. What teachers need @ Copyright, Fran Simon. All rights reserved. 31
- 32. Investments in technology tools are wasted without investments in professional development. Copyright, Simon and Nemeth 32
- 33. Teachers need technology “play time” AND formal professional development to how to use them in context. Copyright, Simon and Nemeth 33
- 35. Get in there… * Check out other successful programs… To learn it * View videos and webinars… * Network… * Get buy-in… © Fran Simon Copyright, 2012 * Plan… 35
- 36. Resources for Teachers, Parents and Staff Review site Technology position statement and fantastic resources to support it. Resources for ECE teachers and administrators Resources for ECE teachers and administrators Fred Rogers Center’s Early Learning Environment Resources and tips for teachers A website and newsletter summarizes products and trends in children’s media
- 37. Resources for Teachers, Parents and Staff Information for teachers about reading and literacy activities American Library Association – Listing of great sites for children and teachers International Reading Libraryfree ebooks from around the world Songs, rhymes and traditions from around the world. Free ebooks to read online
- 38. [email protected] [email protected] Early Childhood Technology Network ECEtech.net
Editor's Notes
- #11: See chart on p. 61 - The Common Sense Approach to Developmentally Appropriate Evaluation of Software, Websites, and Apps Developed for Young Children
- #13: As natural as using crayons to draw in a structure in the block area or using props in the dramatic play area.
- #18: There are even apps designed to capture and use what happens outdoors or on field trips!
- #29: Consider ways that technology can help children learn and explore concepts even while they are not yet fluent in the language spoken by the teacher – for example Toca Tea Party app wordlessly allows children to take turns pouring tea and juice, serving desserts, and cleaning up spills.
- #30: In other words, don’t just use a ‘math game’ but look for activities that support the learning of specific math concepts you need to cover such as apps like My First Tangrams for spatial reasoning or Cookie Doodle for measuring and quantities.
- #34: That means you!That means teachers!