MakingConnections

"Welcome to the Victorian Government iPads for Learning website This website is for educators who want to learn about using iPads in education. Here you will find information about the Victorian school iPads for Learning trial including specially selected apps, classroom ideas and technical tips."

"Night Light Stories is a podcast featuring original children's stories. These stories were all originally told by the friendly glow of a child's night light. We invite you now to share these stories with your own children, at night, in the morning, or anytime ... anywhere. You can download and listen to the stories from the links on the blog or download it free at iTunes!"

"This study explored the viability of tablet computers in early education by investigating preschool children's ease in acclimating to tablet technology and its effectiveness in engaging them to draw. A total of 41 three- to six-yearold children were videotaped while they used the tablets. The study found significant differences in level of tablet use between sessions, and engagement increased with age. Teachers reported high child interest and drawings as typical to above expectation. Children quickly developed ease with the stylus for drawing. Although technical issues in learning this new technology were encountered, children were interested and persisted without frustration. What seems to matter for children's learning is the ways teachers choose to implement this technology."

Screencast from FCLC staff on using a Smartboard and Boardmaker Plus

Online Picture Books Read Aloud shows pages, highlights words, reads text aloud kids can pause the reading otherwise pages turn automatically

"Nothing lowers the age bar or makes interface invisible like touch capability. Hopefully the iPad will represent the best from both our old Touch Window and the Koala Pad, and go forward from there.

"Early Years interactive resources for Primary or Infant Schools. Ideal to use on any type of Interactive Whiteboard. Also for teachers, parents & children at home with a PC or Mac"

"Young children are increasingly using tablets (as well as smartphones and other devices with touch screens) in early education settings and with family members. This raises important questions, such as when and how these devices can be used with young children."

Reviews and info on apps for kids

"The Adaptation Station (formerly the Device Gallery) is a compilation of classroom materials, instructional strategies, and assistive technology devices that are recommended for use with young children with disabilities to access the curriculum. We thank our teachers and staff for sharing their expertise and ideas to make this compilation of ideas so rich."

Ideas for using a document camera in preschool

"ACTTT used a variety of technology tools to support its curriculum activities. The list below offers explanations of the kinds of tools used and offers tips to teachers about selecting and using the technologies."

"These are resources that can help teachers include children with disabilities more naturally in the classroom. These tools are designed to be able to print and go with quick and easy explanations. "

"Preschool "U" dives deep into the depths of learning and teaching children with and without learning disabilities and challenging behaviors. A useful series on recognizing the characteristics of challenging behaviors and practical interventions for the classroom, these strategies will aid in giving support to children who exhibit these characteristics allowing them to be more successful not only in the classroom but in the entire school as well."

App search site

"Technology and Interactive Media as Tools in Early Childhood Programs Serving Children from Birth through Age 8 Issued by the National Association for the Education of Young Children and the Fred Rogers Center for Early Learning and Children's Media at Saint Vincent College"

Find the Best Educational Apps for Preschoolers "Educational App Store For Parents."

Can listen to and download .mp3 of his books

"Research supports that young children are developmentally ready and able to engage with educational technology in ways that promote positive outcomes in school readiness and success in early schooling. To fully realize the potential of such opportunities however means understanding why educational technology must be carefully evaluated by programs considering its use, and how they can skillfully do so. In this webinar, you will learn about the key components that influence educational technology including the theories that drive the field and best practices in designing for young learners. We will share a roadmap of the elements to consider in evaluating the quality of early childhood educational technology. Some of the areas we will discuss are determining if the educational technology is based on how children best learn, if outcomes are defined and if they are appropriate, and to what extent the educational technology can be integrated into the classroom. "

Can create online videos using a child's pictures plus other online activities. From the JibJab people