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
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
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
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
See chart on p. 61 - The Common Sense Approach to Developmentally Appropriate Evaluation of Software, Websites, and Apps Developed for Young Children
As natural as using crayons to draw in a structure in the block area or using props in the dramatic play area.
There are even apps designed to capture and use what happens outdoors or on field trips!
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.
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.