MakingConnections

"Build a Scare contains beautiful high resolution artwork designed specifically for the iPad's retina display. This is matched perfectly with some unique background music and friendly narration to help your child build their Monsters."

"Turn everyday moments into brain-building moments! New science has shown that our children's brains develop the most during the ages of 0-5. Daily Vroom is an app created to make the most of these precious years when the foundation for all future learning is happening. It offers parents ways to help make connections in their child's growing brain. And it's all rooted in new science. Every day, the app serves up a "Vroom" (a simple brain-building activity) into the palm of your hand, providing you with a daily dose of inspiration. It enhances the things you already do and helps spark new ideas"

"Fireworks 123 is an interactive "cause and effect" app designed to support the development of early literacy skills and the comprehension of descriptive concepts such as number, size, and color in a fun and entertaining way. Each time a user makes a selection from one of the three descriptive choice menus, Fireworks 123 provides immediate feedback by showing a clear visual representation of the choice made. LAUNCH the firework show you selected to watch a fun and dynamic visual display designed to further reinforce comprehension."

"Slide & Spin is designed for toddlers aged 1.5+ to help them develop fine motor skills using four basic motions: turning, sliding, spinning, and pushing of a button."

videos, songs, lyrics, coloring sheets and more.

"The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation (OPRE) recently released a report reviewing the knowledge base related to the use of technology to support the practice of early childhood practitioners who work directly with children and families. The report, Uses of Technology to Support Early Childhood Practice, is accompanied by three related research-to-practice briefs: Instruction and Assessment Brief Parent, Family and Community Engagement (PFCE) Brief Professional Development and Informal Learning Brief"

"Yet, despite rapid growth in society's use of digital technology, many children in low-income families in the United States are not able to access and use technology in the same ways as their more-advantaged peers. This means they have fewer opportunities to learn, explore, and communicate digitally, and fewer chances to develop the workforce skills they will need to succeed in later life. Early childhood education can play a valuable role in ensuring that low-income children can access technology and learn how to use it. However, there are a number of important issues that need to be addressed."

"The purpose of the Use of Technology to Support Head Start Practice project was to review the knowledge base related to the use of technology to support the practice of early childhood professionals who work directly with children and families. The results were intended to fill a knowledge gap regarding what technologies are currently available to early childhood programs; how practitioners are using these technologies; and the barriers to and facilitators for practitioner use. The review examined three topic areas of interest: 1) instruction and assessment; 2) parent, family and community engagement (PFCE); and 3) professional development and informal learning. It also outlined both the facilitators and barriers to effective technology use in early childhood settings."

Variety of publications from MCG on young children and technology

"To help, we are pleased to introduce a checklist that brings together recommendations from all of these experts. This checklist is meant to help educators identify exemplary uses of technology and interactive media for early learning. ("

"Videos and apps created by the Fred Rogers Center"

Nice video featuring adult learners and the impact of UDL

" ZERO TO THREE has developed Screen Sense:  Setting the Record Straight-Research-based Guidelines for Screen Use for Children Under 3 Years Old. This new free resource, written in partnership with leading researchers in the field of media and young children, is an authoritative review of what is known about the effect of screen media on young children's learning and development.  It is designed to serve as a tool for guiding parents and professionals in making informed decisions about screen media use."

"New science tells us that our children's first years are when they develop the foundation for all future learning. Every time we connect with them, it's not just their eyes that light up - it's their brains. In these moments, half a million neurons fire at once, taking in all the things we say and do. We can't see it happening, but it's all there, all at work. That's why Vroom is here. Vroom turns shared moments into brain-building moments. Whether it's mealtime, bath time, or anytime in between, there are always ways to nurture our children's growing minds."

"Hasbro and The Autism Project team up to introduce ToyBox Tools, a free online resource where caregivers and educators can find tools to make play easier and more accessible for children with developmental disabilities. ToyBox Tools is a collaboration connecting evidence-based practices with classic Hasbro toys. ToyBox Tools can help children experience the joy of play with three levels of tools available for those who need support: basic play, expanding play and social play levels."

Redefining developmentally appropriate tech use for early childhood

article on picture book apps