Technology Leadership in Early Childhood Education: Is There an App for That?

Technology Leadership in ECE:Is there an App for That? Chip Donohue, Ph.D. Fran Simon, M.Ed. Leadership Connections May 18, 2012 Copyright, Simon and Donohue

Chip Donohue, Ph.D. Director of Distance Learning TEC Center Director Erikson Institute Senior Fellow, Fred Rogers Center Fran Simon, M.Ed.Chief Engagement Officer, Engagement Strategies Founder, Early Childhood InvestigationsCo-Founder, Early Childhood Technology Network Author Copyright, Simon and Donohue

Surprise Guest Copyright, Simon and Donohue

About you… Copyright, Simon and Donohue

ObjectivesHeighten awareness of:• technology leadership• the DAP + technology link• elements of best practice• evaluation criteria• elements of technology plans

Agenda: • NAEYC Position Statement • Leadership • Technology Basics • Making Decisions • Making PlansCopyright, Simon and Donohue

Erikson Institute, child development &children’s media – current context • NAEYC/Fred Rogers Center – Joint Position Statement on Technology and Interactive Media as Tools in Early Childhood Programs Serving Children from Birth through Age 8 • Fred Rogers Center - Framework for Quality Digital Media for Young Children, ELE Early Learning Environment • Joan Ganz Cooney Center at Sesame Workshop – Taking a Giant Step: A Blueprint for Teaching Young Children in a Digital Age • EriksonOnline – Technology and distance learning methods for early childhood teacher education and professional development • TEC Center – Curating/aggregating resources and “show me” examples of effective practice, offering online PD, and building a community of interest Copyright, Simon and Donohue

Follow Fred’s lead I went into television because I hated it so, and I thought there was some way of using this fabulous instrument to be of nurture to those who would watch and listen. Copyright, Simon and Donohue

Joint Position Statement on Technologyand Interactive Media as Tools in EarlyChildhood Programs Serving Childrenfrom Birth through Age 8 Copyright, Simon and Donohue

http://www.naeyc.org/content/technology-and-young-children Copyright, Simon and Donohue

http://margaret-powers.com/2012/03/09/technology-and-interactive-media-as-tools-in-early-childhood/ Copyright, Simon and Donohue

• Tools • Interactive• Intentional • Engaging Courtesy of the University of Maine Center for Community Inclusion and Disability Studies• Appropriate • Co-Engagement• Effective • Access• Integrated • Equity• Balanced • Select, Use, Integrate, Evaluate • Professional development Copyright, Simon and Donohue

What do we mean by technology?Old & new / analog & digital / low & hi-tech http://www.supersonicinc.com/Portable_Audio/fuseaction/Vi ewProductDetails/ProductID/3,3862597 http://tabletworld.in/newsdetails?id=30 http://www.hatchearlychildhood.com/ http://www.the-cameras.com/what-is-the-best-digital-camera- similar-to-professional-cameras/ http://www.couponsaver.org/computer-hardware- coupons-codes.htmlhttp://www.brightminds.co.uk/science-toys/microscopes-for-kids.htm http://www.babble.com/products/toddler-preschool-products/fisher-price- http://itdl.darton.edu/forms/help_page.htm Copyright, Simon and Donohue

What is the position?Technology and interactive media are tools that can promoteeffective learning and development when they are usedintentionally by early childhood educators, within theframework of developmentally appropriate practice, tosupport learning goals established for individual children.Children’s experiences with technology and interactive mediaare increasingly part of the context of their lives that must beconsidered as part of the developmentally appropriateframework. Copyright, Simon and Donohue

What are the recommendations?• Select, use, integrate, and evaluate technology and interactive media in intentional and developmentally appropriate ways…and focus on the appropriateness and the quality of the engagement.• Provide a balance of activities in programs for young children.• Understand the limits of technology…Give careful consideration to technology with infants and toddlers…Be aware of public health concerns.• Provide leadership to ensure equitable access to technology and interactive media experiences for the children in your care and for their parents and families. Copyright, Simon and Donohue

What are the key messages?• When used intentionally and appropriately, technology and interactive media are effective tools to support learning and development• Intentional use requires early childhood teachers and administrators to have information and resources regarding the nature of these tools and the implications of their use with children. Copyright, Simon and Donohue

What are the key messages?• Limitations on the use of technology are media are important.• Special considerations must be given to the use of technology with infants and toddlers.• Attention to digital citizenship and equitable access is essential.• Ongoing research and professional development are needed. Copyright, Simon and Donohue

A neighborly reminder…….Computers can be usefulmachines, especially whenthey help peoplecommunicate in caringways with each other…. •Dear Mister Rogers, Does It Ever Rain in Your Neighborhood? Copyright, Simon and Donohue

Technology Position Statement Questions? Copyright, Simon and Donohue

Get ready to… Lead Copyright, Simon and Donohue

Leadership “A process of social influence in which oneperson can enlist the aid and support of others in the accomplishment of a common task". Chemers M. (1997)

Leadership can and should come from anywhere in the organizationSmart leaders know they need leaders from within and leverage all strengths

GoalProvide support,encouragement, direction,and information to others… in your program to everyone can work together to integrate technology intentionally and meaningfully

Board Technology Funders Integration Takes a team I/T DirectorCommunity Main Office Partners Tech Lead Teachers Vendors Support Staff Families Copyright, Simon and Donohue

Shared Planning: Identify Your Team Internal ExternalTeacher(s) Business PartnersTech Staff (If possible) Community Partners • CCRR • Colleges • Libraries • Other agenciesBoard FundersParents Friends/Family © Copyright Nemeth and Simon, 2102 25

The Director Tech Lead In charge of resources and The person to whom others accountability first will turn for information• Resource • Resource• Role model • Role model• Facilitator • Facilitator• Supervision • Collaborator• Evaluation and • Encouragement redirection

Make a list of your key players, their roles, potential obstacles, and support they will needCopyright, Simon and Donohue

Tech budget: Allocations ½ on: • Internet access • Software/Apps • Peripherals • Professional Development Put aside something for maintenance/support © Copyright Nemeth and Simon, 2102 28

Tech budget: Proportions change over the years © Copyright Nemeth and Simon, 2102 29

MUST Invest in Professional Development, orinvestments in equipment will be wasted © Copyright Nemeth and Simon, 2102 30

Invest in software:Expensive equipment is wasted on cheap software © Copyright Nemeth and Simon, 2102 31

To be prepared to lead,you need a full deck of… answers in the palm of your hand Copyright, Simon and Donohue

Leadership means staring down the challenges Copyright, Simon and Donohue

Fear = Resistance

Technology Leadership Challenge Overcoming resistance and/or Keeping excitement under control Copyright, Simon and Donohue

How to keep ducks in a row• Examples• Models• Pilots But there’s more.. Copyright, Simon and Donohue

* Plan teams * Plan Resources ** Plan Purchases * Plan Policies * © Copyright Nemeth and Simon, 2102 37

Set up internal & external support networks 38 © Copyright Nemeth and Simon, 2102

Set up evaluation and reporting systems © Copyright Nemeth and Simon, 2102 39

Schedule professional developme © Copyright Nemeth and Simon, 2102 40

Outline expectations for success and measure© Copyright Nemeth and Simon, 2102 41

Communicate with stakeholders © Copyright Nemeth and Simon, 2102 42

Plan to overcome resistance© Copyright Nemeth and Simon, 2102 43

Questions? Copyright, Simon and Donohue

“Technology tools are neutral” Chip Donohue People have to do something to make something happen Copyright, Simon and Donohue

Connect the dots- Tech and DAP © Copyright Nemeth and Simon, 2102 46

Objectives come before the tool

Help each child meetchallenging goals Achievable “leveled” challenges and motivation for all ability levels

Interactive:Make something happen © Copyright Nemeth and Simon, 2102 49

Follow children’s interests and abilities Vary tools and applications for all interests

Foster relationships with other children Use software that encourages children tointeract and place technology areas where they are likely to interact

Relationships with responsive adults Tools and apps that encourage interactions with adults and makesure an adult is available to be involved © Copyright, Nemeth and Simon, 2012 52

Integrate technology into the room

Integrate technology throughout choices © Copyright Nemeth and Simon, 2102 54

Integrate technology throughout the day © Copyright Nemeth and Simon, 2102 55

Integrate technology throughout special events © Copyright Nemeth and Simon, 2102 56

Integrate technologywhen children go home © Copyright Nemeth and Simon, 2102 57

Hardware Web sites, software, appsInternet access and internal networks

ComputersDecisions, decisions, decisions… PC vs. Mac Laptop vs. Desktop

Using Computers: Does it look like this… or that? © Copyright Nemeth and Simon, 2102 60

Mobile Devices in the ClassroomHighly mobile, small flat digital computers that usually have multi-touch screens. Great forintegrating into learning centers and using on the go.

The Integration Power of Mobile Copyright, Simon and Donohue

Questions? Copyright, Simon and Donohue

Just what can kids do on computers and multi-touch devices? • Educational software • Games • Internet research • Interactive websites • Videos • Communications • Photo sharing • What else?Copyright, Simon and Donohue

The Guts: SoftwareUse and Evaluation Copyright, Simon and Donohue

Daily Routines: Recommendations forIntentional teachers • Plan technology use along with ordinary day-to-day, project to project planning • Examine the group’s learning objectives and make choices that fit • Examine each child’s objectives and make choices that fit • Work with children to review their choices in all areas of the room throughout the week

Computer Software Meaningful Pedagogical value Engaging Interactive  “Sticky”  Productive  Up to date © Copyright Nemeth and Simon, 2102 67

Making Choices About Tech:It’s the Leader’s…• choices …with the staff for the children and families• planning …with the staff for the children and families• responsiveness …to the staff, children and families• relationships …with the staff and program ecosystem

You Make the Choices Be a critical consumer. You, the teachers, and the parents are the gatekeepers who stand betweentechnology and children.

Be selectiveBad news – most Early Learningapps, Websites, and software…• have moderate entertainment• have low production value• have low educational value• are redundant• are rote/skill based © Copyright Nemeth and Simon, 2102 71 according to Simon & Nemeth

Selecting SoftwareMaking choices is all about the lens through which you view the software © Copyright Nemeth and Simon, 2102 81

Decisions about using software: Level 1- 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 my project/theme/study?• Does it work with the curriculum?• What is my role using this software?

Decisions about using software: Level 2 – A question of balanceIs 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: Level 3 – Usability and instructional designIs 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?

No in-app purchases Copyright, Simon and Donohue

Review by Warren Buckleitner Children’s Technology Review

Site Safari: Resources for Information for Teachers, Parents and Staff 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 Great resources and tips for teachers that weave activities together

Site Safari: Resources and Information for Teachers, Parents and Staff A website and monthly PDF newsletter designed to summarize products and trends in children’s interactive media 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 Great resource for teachers and the tech section offers great suggestions

Site Safari: Interactive Sites for ChildrenClick to go to BE CAREFUL! SOMEthe site: ARE GOOD, AND OTHERS NOT SO MUCH. Use the evaluation criteria we discussed to be sure they are appropriate.

App Safari: Apps for ChildrenToca Boca Doctor BE CAREFUL! SOME ARE GOOD,Wheels on the Bus by AND OTHERS NOT SO MUCH. Use the evaluation criteria we discussedDuck Duck Moose to be sure they are appropriate.Winnie the PoohBirthday story DoodelCastElmos Monster Maker Little PimDrawpad Cow Says MooCookie Doodle Speech with Milo Sequencing iTot Cards Dancing Animals Alpha Baby free Chalk Walk Copyright, Simon and Donohue

#ECETECHCHAT Fran@ECEtech.net Karen@ECEtech.netEarly Childhood Technology Network ECEtech.net

Contact ChipCDonohue@erikson.edu www.teccenter.erikson.edu

You can do it!They are counting on you.

Technology Leadership in Early Childhood Education: Is There an App for That?

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