cool tech tools - bales gayc 2010

C l h l l iC l h l l iCool Technology Tools in Cool Technology Tools in Early ChildhoodEarly ChildhoodEarly ChildhoodEarly Childhood

…for the Tech-Savvy, Technology Novices, and Everyone in Between

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Novices, and Everyone in Between

Where We’re GoingWhere We’re GoingWhere We re GoingWhere We re Going

Attitudes about technologyAttitudes about technologyWhat makes technology useful in early childhood?early childhood?Tips for using technology in early hildh dchildhood

Cautions and challenges with technologyCool tech tools and web resources

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Attitudes about Technology Attitudes about Technology i E l Childh di E l Childh din Early Childhoodin Early Childhood

Technology = change

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Technology in ECE?Technology in ECE?Technology in ECE?Technology in ECE?

Benefits ChallengesBenefitsAuthentic way to explore new topics

ChallengesPassive activityUnequal access top p

Chance to createWay to share

Unequal access to tech toolsCan be overusedWay to share

creations and receive feedback

Can be overusedSafety concerns for children online

Supports critical thinking

o c d e o eEasy access to inappropriate

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Chance to work together

pp pcontent

Problems with “Problems with “Drill and KillDrill and Kill””Problems with Problems with Drill and KillDrill and Kill

Decreases creativityDecreases creativityReduces problem solvingR d hild ’ i iReduces children’s motivation to use computersIncreases frustrationRequires quick reaction timeq qNo way out

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Four Uses of TechnologyFour Uses of TechnologyFour Uses of TechnologyFour Uses of Technology

T h l i d ll b ti1. Teacher planning and collaboration2. Communication with families3. Direct teaching with children4 Hands-on discovery learning4. Hands on discovery learning

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The World is Changing…The World is Changing…The World is Changing…The World is Changing…

Technology is a part of our societyTechnology is a part of our society.Children born today will be “digital natives ”natives.Children see adults using technology.“Web 2.0” has changed our ways of understanding the world.

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Web 2.0Web 2.0Web 2.0Web 2.0

The web is no longer just a source ofThe web is no longer just a source of static information. Users expect to contribute toUsers expect to contribute to content.C h h i klContent changes much more quickly.Collected knowledgeHow do we know what to trust?

I f l it2 /t t i l%20018/i d ht l

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Image from www.learnit2.com/tutorial%20018/index.html

The Web in Today’s WorldThe Web in Today’s WorldThe Web in Today s WorldThe Web in Today s World

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The “Computer Question” Is The “Computer Question” Is Ch iCh iChangingChanging

The “old” question: Should youngThe old question: Should young children use computers?The “new” question: When and howThe new question: When and how should young children be introduced to technology?gy

How early is too early?What’s developmentally appropriate in

Preschool?Early elementary?Later elementary?

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Later elementary?

Technology for young Technology for young hild h ld bhild h ld bchildren should be…children should be…

Developmentally appropriateDevelopmentally appropriateUsed only when it’s the best toolAvailable as just another learningAvailable as just another learning materialUsed for exploration and discoveryUsed for exploration and discoveryA chance for collaborative learningA il bl t ll hildAvailable to all childrenAdult-monitored!

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Some Types of TechnologySome Types of Technology

Digital camerasDigital camerasMusic players (ipods and others)Di i l iDigital microscopesDigital whiteboardsSmart toys

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Tech Example: The ProScopeTech Example: The ProScopeTech Example: The ProScopeTech Example: The ProScope

Digital USB microscopeDigital USB microscopeHand-held and portableChild-safeChild-safeCan be used to examine almost anythinganythingImages saved as digital photos or videosvideosCosts about $250

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The ProScopeThe ProScope

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Creative Tech IdeasCreative Tech IdeasCreative Tech IdeasCreative Tech Ideas

W b d li tiWebcams and online conversations

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Creative Tech IdeasCreative Tech IdeasCreative Tech IdeasCreative Tech Ideas

C t di it l l h b t!Create a digital alphabet!

Image from www.alphabetphotography.caImage from www.alphabetphotography.ca

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Creative Tech IdeasCreative Tech Ideas

Comic LifeHere’s a sample of what you can do with Comic

Comic Life

Software packageLife in about 5 minutes!

p gQuick way to share photos in a meaningful waywayRelatively inexpensive ($29.95)www.plasq.com

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Cool Tools on the WebCool Tools on the WebCool Tools on the WebCool Tools on the Web

Photo SharingPhoto Sharing

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Cool Tools on the WebCool Tools on the WebCool Tools on the WebCool Tools on the Web

Storybook CreationStorybook Creation

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Cool Tools on the WebCool Tools on the WebCool Tools on the WebCool Tools on the Web

BlogsBlogs

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Cool Tools on the WebCool Tools on the WebCool Tools on the WebCool Tools on the Web

H P S t (3 X 3 Li k )Home Page Setup (3 X 3 Links)

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Cool Tools on the WebCool Tools on the WebCool Tools on the WebCool Tools on the Web

Animating DrawingsAnimating Drawings

Animated Slideshows from Photos

Creating Artwork from PhotosCreating Artwork from Photos

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WordleWordleWordleWordle

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Cool Tools on the WebCool Tools on the WebCool Tools on the WebCool Tools on the Web

Collaborative Document CreationCollaborative Document Creation

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Cool Tools on the WebCool Tools on the WebCool Tools on the WebCool Tools on the Web

Image Sharing and CommentingImage Sharing and Commenting

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Cool Tools on the WebCool Tools on the WebCool Tools on the WebCool Tools on the Web

Social BookmarkingSocial BookmarkingBookmark collectionA ibl fAccessible from any computer Can be shared with others Communication tools

Commenting on linksCommenting on linksHighlights and sticky notesDiscussion topic threads

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Discussion topic threads

Keeping Children Safer Keeping Children Safer O liO liOnlineOnline

Always review websites thoroughlyAlways review websites thoroughlyWatch for similar addresses!Set limits on children’s online accessSet limits on children’s online accessSupervise carefullyT h hild “ f fi ”Teach children “safe surfing”

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Questions?Questions?Questions?Questions?

D Di B lDr. Diane BalesCooperative ExtensionThe University of Georgiadbales@uga.edug

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