This document outlines an agenda and presentation for a session on implementing technology in early childhood classrooms. The agenda includes introductions, assessing interests, exploring educational websites for young children, sharing ideas, and wrapping up with questions. The presentation covers making decisions about appropriate software based on objectives, balance, and usability. An example website, Wonderopolis, is analyzed in detail. Participants are then encouraged to share resources and consider criteria for evaluating technology. The session aims to support teachers in thoughtfully integrating technology to enhance early learning.

1. Technology Implementation in the
Early Childhood Classroom, Session 2
Fran Simon M. Ed.
Maggie Powers, M.A.
April 27, 2012
You will hear silence until
we begin!
For The Department of Child Care
City University of New York 1

2. Agenda
• Introductions
• Assess interests
• KidsSmart site
• Web Site Safari of sites for ECE
You can drive!
• Your ideas
• Questions and wrap up
Slides: http://www.slideshare.net/secret/MRjkNkcq8lTnM8

3. Decisions about using software:
Level 1- Basic pedagogical decisions
1. What is my objective?
2. Is this the right tool for the objective?
3. Does it extend other activities?
4. Is it interactive? Is the interaction
meaningful?
5. Does it fit in with my project/theme/study?
6. Does it work with The Creative Curriculum?
7. What is my role using this software?

4. Decisions about using software:
Level 2 – 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?

5. Decisions about using software:
Level 3 – 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?

6. Example: Wonderopolis

7. Example: Wonderopolis
What is my objective?
• Prompt discussion and ideas for class study
Is this the right tool for the objective?
• Yes, the website provides numerous prompts
and opportunities for exploration/wonder,
leading to new study topics

8. Example: Wonderopolis
• Does it extend other activities?
Yes, the site has a large list of “wonders” which can
be tied into current lessons or activities to allow for
further/deeper exploration
• Is it interactive? Is the interaction meaningful?
No, but it provides ideas and suggestions to create
interactive projects in response to the web content
and videos

9. Example: Wonderopolis
• Does it fit in with my project/theme/study?
Yes, the large number of topics makes it easy to find
“wonders” that fit current projects & themes
• Does it work with The Creative Curriculum?
Yes, the site fits well with the various CC studies and
the idea of on-going project exploration

10. Example: Wonderopolis
• What is my role using this software?
To be a facilitator, to help scaffold/guide discussion
around the “wonder” of the day and provide
materials to create projects in connection with
those wonders
• Special Notes:
Is best for teacher inspiration and limited highly adult-
facilitated activities. Very text-heavy. Some
Wonders are for older children.

12. Review site
Online “curriculum” (?) Educational
activities
Study starters and teacher inspiration
Dual Language Learning - Instruction
Creative game based on body
awareness and animals- Fun
Activities for Preschool Children
Great resources and tips for teachers
that weave activities together
Technology position statement and
fantastic resources to support it.

13. Information for teachers about reading
and literacy activities
Kid Safe Search Engine
International Reading Library- free
ebooks from around the world
Songs, ryhmes and traditions from
around the world.
Free ebooks to read online
Open-ended drawing site

14. Activities, videos and everything
Sesame!
Great resource for teachers and the
tech section offers great suggestions
A social media site that allows people
to bookmark great sites. Kids can
document their favorites.
American Library Association – Listing
of great sites for children and teachers
Another PBS site specifically for pre-
reading skill development
Resources for ECE teachers and
administrators
Resources for ECE teachers and
administrators

15. Use Your Resources
Type of Software,
App, or Online Example of a Few Brand Names A Few Possible Uses
System
Group or individual experiences with adult help at first,
and without assistance later
G Language experience stories
Word, WordPerfect, OpenOffice, G Child-created recipes
Word Processing
Google Docs, Pages GClassroom-created books, posters, signs, letters,
newsletters
G G Dictated descriptions for drawings and other
creations
Group or individual experiences with adult help
G Simple classroom graphs that expand as children
Excel, OpenOffice, Google Docs, add
Spreadsheets
Numbers responses
G Charts for classroom routines and jobs G
Calendars
Group or individual experiences with adult help at first,
and without assistance later
G Easy graphics of all kinds
PowerPoint, Keynote, Prezi, G Child-created signs
Presentation
SlideRocket G Slideshows of photos and drawings from field trips
and special projects
G Sequential steps for children to follow to create a
recipe, set up snack time, or complete a task

16. Ask Yourself …
• Does it meet most of the criteria for • What do the reviews from other users
developmental appropriateness? say?
• Are the staff and children likely to use it • Why is it a good fit for my program?
often and purposely?
• Will it help my staff members meet their
• Will the staff have the appropriate level of objectives?
technology awareness and skills to use it
well? • What other peripherals, devices, or other
applications will I need to make it work?
• Is there an abundance of programs that
support one skill/concept/content area • Is there built-in technical support?
and too few that support others?
• Is hands-on training needed, and if so,
• Do I have the budget to support the cost how much will it cost?
and the professional development needed
to support its use? • Is your program set up to support and
monitor its use?
• Will I have to pay to upgrade the •
application? Is it safe?

17. Dates Next session
TBD
Take our survey:
http://ecetech.net/surveys

18. For support and ideas, join Early
Childhood Technology Network
Fran.Simon@ESbyFS.com Margaret.A.Powers@gmail.com
Slides: http://www.slideshare.net/secret/MRjkNkcq8lTnM8