digital decisions: choosing and using new technologies in early education, njaeyc
DESCRIPTION
A presentation for NJAEYC 2012TRANSCRIPT
Digital Decisions: Choosing and Using New Technologies in Early Education
Karen Nemeth, Ed.M. Fran Simon, M.Ed.
NJAEYC, 2012
Fran Simon, M.Ed. Karen Nemeth, Ed.M.
About us
Be a critical consumer.
You, the teachers, and the parents are the
gatekeepers who stand between
technology and children.
You Make the Choices
Tech tools * old & new *
* analog & digital *
* low & hi-tech *
Copyright, Simon 2012
NAEYC/FRC Joint Position Statement on Technology in ECE CLASSROOMS
http://www.naeyc.org/content/technology-and-young-children
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You don’t have to use technology. If you do use tech tools
intentionally, you will find they are not always the best choice.
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Consider technology tools
as additional materials that
allow children to
“DO” and
teachers to
FACILITATE.
Daily Routines • Plan technology use as just
another option like books, crayons, blocks etc.
• Examine the learning objectives and make choices that fit
• Work with children to review their choices in all areas of the room throughout the week
Inte
nti
on
al
Computer Software
Meaningful
Pedagogical value
Engaging
Interactive
“Sticky”
Productive
Up to date 9 © Copyright Nemeth and Simon, 2102
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 project/theme/study?
• Does it work with the curriculum?
• What is my role using this software?
Decisions about using software: A question of 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?
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? • Deemed safe by trusted resources? • Easy for children to navigate
independently? • Provide feedback to guide children? • Interactive with meaning or just fun?
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Adults need technology
“play time” AND formal
professional development to understand the implications of
the tools
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http://bit.ly/DigilitECTeach
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Research will inform ongoing practice and investments (or
not!)
Investments in technology tools are wasted without investments in
professional development. Copyright, Simon and Nemeth 16
Digital literacy learning should be woven into the
fabric of the day, not time set aside for “computer time”.
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Equity: Include technology that enhances dual language learning, represents diversity, and allows
access for children with disabilities.
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Time limits: Guidelines and expectations should consider variables
like age, objectives, and type of interaction.
How Much Time? Recommendations from
Digital Decisions
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Tech for infants and toddlers: Laptime and
floortime with the youngest children
might include technology, but in very limited cases, for a few minutes at a time and ONLY with an adult.
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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
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 Library- free ebooks from around the world
Songs, ryhmes and traditions from around the world.
Free ebooks to read online
Resources for Teachers, Parents and Staff
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Get in there…
* Check out other classrooms and programs…
* View videos and webinars…
* Get a Technology buddy…
* Get buy-in…
* Plan…
* Play!
To learn it
© Fran Simon Copyright, 2012
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#ECEtechCHAT
Twitter Chat
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Thank you!
Digital Decisions: Choosing and Using New Technologies in Early Education
Whether you use technology in your classroom or you want to give it a try, you need to know about the new Fred Rogers Center/NAEYC technology position statement. This presentation will share fun ideas for integrating different kinds of technology in a developmentally appropriate setting for young children.