UWW310 Technology & Early Childhood

Credits ERIC Counseling and Student Services Clearinghouse Overview When to Introduce Children to Computers Developmentally Appropriate Computer Activities Computers for Kindergartners and Early Primary Children Benefits of Computer Use Integration of Computers Into the Classroom Teacher Training Education and Kids Guidelines for Computer-Assisted Reading Instruction New Survey Finds Computer Units Have Positive Effect on the American Family Whether we use technology with young children--and if so, how-are critical issues facing early childhood educators and parents.

Technology can be used to keep communication open between children and their deployed military parents. For a child to be able to see the face of their parent or to hear their voice can help to keep them connected while the parent is away.

For early childcare programs that are looking to add technology to their classrooms, consider tablets. They are easier for younger children to manipulate and they can provide more of a hands on learning experience than a traditional computer.

This article looks at the dilemma of whether or not to include technology in an early childcare setting. Technology can provide additional resources and experiences for children and can be a dynamic addition to a classroom setting when used appropriately.

This article focuses on children's early communicative and creative experiences, concluding that digital technologies have the potential to expand young children's repertoire of activities in this context, It is therefore important that pre-school and early years specialists recognizes and respond to the expertise children will have already developed by the time they enter formal education, given the increasing technologisa-tion of communicative and creative activities, likely to continue over the life course of those born at the start of the 21st century.

Saw this on the news. Interesting take on Cyberbullying....it's not technologies fault (according to the author of this article) and kids will be bullied regardless....that is true, but technology makes it much easier. 

The benefits of virtual schooling and distance learning.

The downside to technology in classrooms and constantly being "plugged in" as a student. 

Interesting to see that some classroom teachers are using simulated games for lessons. Not sure how I feel about it, but it is sure an interesting read!

I have seen this many times and it is scary that some parents knowingly allow their children to lie and put themselves out there. I have also see parents set pages up for their babies and toddlers. Not necessary and very risky!!

I have been looking into virtual schools for my daughter. It is interesting to see the pros and cons

Saw this story this morning on The Today Show and found it interesting! There are programs for those addicted to the internet and they have a name for the addiction/disorder...I did not know that prior to watching/reading this!

This really shows how technology can be poisonous. Residential program for internet addiction: No one ever imagined things will get this chaotic or that teens could get to this point.

Who's Wired and Who's Not. Paper prepared for The Future of Children, issue on Children and Computers. This article explains topics such as children and computer access at school, frequency of computer use, etc.

This article describes an approach to interactive storytelling, helping children create their own storytelling by listening and telling stories using an interactive stuff animal design by the children.

Wow! The University of Maryland has a great idea - they have coined the term 'Cooperative Inquiry'. This is where partnerships are formed with children (ages 7-11) and technological companies to come up with innovative products.

This is a news article that cites a study showing children who played games(particularly non-educational games) were likely to score lower on verbal tests later on.

Interesting how they recommend letting the kids work together in groups with the "more advanced students serving as peer tutors." Score one more vote for collaboration!

The article discuss Gardner and a diversity of learning styles (multiple intelligences) - if these are discernable at such a young age and technology is used to enhance these intelligences, is the development of a well rounded child being ignored?

Interesting article and perspective from Early Childhood educator, recommendations for children over aged three, a they do not see computers/technology as being developmentally appropriate for children under age three.

The Journal of Early Childhood Research is a peer reviewed journal that provides an international forum childhood research, bridging cross-disciplinary areas and applying theory and research within the professional community. This reflects the world-wide growth in theoretical and empirical research on learning and development in early childhood and the impact of this on provision.