Early Childhood Education and Computers

1. By Yadira De La Cruz

2.  Many have attempted to identify the
advantages and disadvantages of the
inclusion of technology in the classroom.
Unfortunately none of the information
collected has been able to support one
specific side, positive, or negative even whit
the variety of applications (Tsantis, Bewick &
Thourenelle, 2003).

3.  Giving children an head start on computer to get
a jump start on success. A 30 year investigation
on educational technology has identified a clear
link between computer use and children’s
learning (Computers and Children ).
 Their verdict: “We believe that when used
appropriately, technology and interactive media
have tremendous potential to nurture early
learning and development,” said Rita Catalano,
executive director of the Fred Rogers Center
(Jackson , S).

4. 1. Create a support group with people that
have a vast knowledge in technology, and
developmentally appropriate integration.
2. Select developmentally appropriate
software and web sites.
3. Select a computer that supports selected
software and easy to keep up-to-date
4. Provide staff with training on the use of the
computer, appropriate integration of
computer in to existing curriculum.
5. Integrate computer resources to classroom
http://www.earlychildhoodnews.com/earlychildhood/article_view.aspx?domainredirect=true

5.  The interactive media can be a positive tool to will
support children's’ learning just like building
blocks or play dough would support their
development (Jackson , S).
 We must keep in mind who is presenting the
information what are they presenting, and why they
are presenting the information before we can truly
consider the benefits of computer use in Early
Childhood classrooms (Jackson , S).
*(NAEYC) National Association for Education of Young Children

6.  The myth that computers will not promote social
interaction and will outshine other classroom
materials is false (Tsantis, Bewick & Thourenelle,
2003).
 Some consider that not all media is going to provide
children with social development opportunities. One-
on-one interactions are important in young children
because they learn best when immediate feedback is
given (Jackson , S).
 Some people have concerns that technology will take
away the opportunity for talking and interacting with
the others (Jackson , S).

7.  Research has shown that children are now
spending up to 32 hours a week using screen
media.
 It is the teachers and parents responsibility to
limit the child’s screen time
 The recommendation of screen time for
preschoolers is of 15-minute maximum.
http://spotlight.macfound.org/featured-stories/entry/technology-in-early-childhood-advice-for-parents-and-teachers-from-a-truste/

8.  As educators we should make every effort to
use technology as a tool that empowers the
students. A instrument that adapts to their
needs, fit many learning styles, and expands
the classroom to any part of the world
(Wardle, F).
http://www.earlychildhoodnews.com/earlychildhood/article_view.aspx?domainredirect=true

9.  Computers and Children | Alliance for Childhood. (2000, September 12).
Retrieved September 30, 2013, from
http://www.allianceforchildhood.org/computer_position_statement
 Jackson , S. (n.d.). Technology in Early Childhood: Advice For Parents and
Teachers From A Trusted Source | Spotlight on Digital Media and
Learning. Retrieved September 30, 2013, from
http://spotlight.macfound.org/featured-stories/entry/technology-in-
early-childhood-advice-for-parents-and-teachers-from-a-truste/
 Tsantis, L., Bewick, C., & Thouvenelle, S. (2003, November). Examining
some common myths about computer use in the early years. Retrieved
from
https://www.naeyc.org/files/yc/file/200311/CommonTechnoMyths.pdf
 Wardle, F. Retrieved September 30, 2013, from
www.earlychildhoodnews.com/earlychildhood/article_view.aspx?domainr
edirect=true