This document discusses considerations for using technology intentionally and appropriately in early education classrooms. It emphasizes that technology should be used as a tool to enhance learning objectives, not for its own sake. Teachers should select tools that are engaging, interactive, and have pedagogical value. The document provides guidance on balancing whole group, small group, and individual uses of technology. It also stresses the importance of professional development to help teachers learn how to integrate technology effectively in their teaching.

1. Digital Decisions:
Choosing and Using Technology in Early Education
Karen Nemeth, Ed.M.
Fran Simon, M.Ed.

2. POLLS
About you

3. Classroom tech:
Paradigm shifts
and affirmations
@ Copyright, Fran Simon. All rights
reserved.
3

4. Being intentional about
technology use will lead
to positive outcomes.
Copyright, Simon and Nemeth
4

5. Daily Routines
Intentional
• Select the tech tools to
align with the
curriculum objectives.
• Plan technology use as
just another tool to get
the job done, like books,
crayons, pencils, etc.
• Not tech for tech’s sake

6. Don’t fall for “app mania”
• Technology is not always the
best choice
• Apps designed for children are
not always the best choice
• Mobile devices are not always
the best choice
@ Copyright, Fran Simon. All rights
reserved.
Think out of
the mobile box
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7. Tech tools
* old & new *
* analog & digital *
* low & hi-tech *
* For professional use *
* Designed for children *
Copyright Simon and Nemeth, 2014

8. NAEYC/FRC Joint Position Statement on
Technology in ECE CLASSROOMS
http://www.naeyc.org/content/technology-and-young-children
8
Copyright, Simon and Nemeth

9. Considerations
for developmentally
appropriate technology
use
@ Copyright, Fran Simon. All rights
reserved.
9

10. When Digital Tools Make Sense
Meaningful
Pedagogical value
Engaging
Interactive
Productive
Up to date
© Copyright Nemeth and Simon, 2102
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11. Poll 3
Labs, computer centers, and in
classroom use

12. Make tech tools available throughout the room
Preschool
Interactive whiteboard
2nd Grade
Lab
@ Copyright, Fran Simon. All rights
reserved.
12

13. Consider
technology tools
as additional
materials that
allow students to
“DO” and
teachers to
FACILITATE
learning.
Copyright, Simon and Nemeth
13

14. Opportunities to foster relationships with
children and adults
@ Copyright, Fran Simon. All rights
reserved.
14

15. Make sure adults
are available to
support learning
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reserved.
15

16. Opportunities for Autonomy
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reserved.
16

17. Integrate technology throughout
special events
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reserved.
17

18. Decisions…
Decisions … Decisions …
Decisions … Decisions … Decisions …
Decisions … Decisions … Decisions
@ Copyright, Fran Simon. All rights
reserved.
18

19. 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 unit or project?
What is my role using this tool?

20. Decisions about using software:
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?

21. 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?
• Recommended by trusted resources?
• Easy for children to navigate
independently?
• Provide feedback to guide children?
• Interactive with meaning or just fun?

22. From Digital Decisions
@ Copyright, Fran Simon. All rights reserved.
http://bit.ly/commonsenseTECH
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23. Selection
Criteria
@ Copyright, Fran Simon. All rights
reserved.
23

24. We could tell you, but we
won’t
Tools to help you make decisions on your own!
@ Copyright, Fran Simon. All rights
reserved.
24

25. Bad news – most early learning apps,
websites, and software…
• have moderate entertainment
• have low production value
• have low educational value
• are redundant
• are rote/skill based
according to Simon & Nemeth
@ Copyright, Fran Simon. All rights
reserved.
25

26. Apps and websites that:
• fit your school’s philosophy
• fit the students’ needs, skills, and interests
• provide feedback, not praise
• offer “leveled” challenges
• offer more than rote direct instruction
• offer high interactivity
• value learning over entertainment
• do not include commercial temptations or
inappropriate content
@ Copyright, Fran Simon. All rights
reserved.
26

27. What can you do with
tech tools designed for adults?
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Word?
Skype?
Evernote?
Webcam?
Video?
Search engines?
Document Projector?
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
PowerPoint?
VoiceThread?
Excel?
Camera?
Mp3 Player?
Projector?
Email?
@ Copyright, Simon. And Nemeth,
All rights reserved.
27

28. The most powerful use of tech tools:
Those that enhance dual language learning,
represent diversity, and allow access for
children with disabilities.
Copyright, Simon and Nemeth
28

29. Time limits: Consider variables like age,
objectives, and type of interaction.
Copyright, Simon and Nemeth
29

30. How Much Time?
Recommendations from
Digital Decisions
Copyright, Simon and Nemeth

31. What teachers
need
@ Copyright, Fran Simon. All rights
reserved.
31

32. Investments in technology tools are
wasted without investments in
professional development.
Copyright, Simon and Nemeth
32

33. Teachers need
technology
“play time”
AND formal
professional
development to
how to use
them in context.
Copyright, Simon and Nemeth
33

34. http://bit.ly/DigilitECTeach
Copyright, Simon and Nemeth
34

35. Get in there…
* Check out other successful
programs…
To learn it
* View videos and
webinars…
* Network…
* Get buy-in…
© Fran Simon Copyright, 2012
* Plan…
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36. Resources 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
Resources and tips for
teachers
A website and newsletter
summarizes products and
trends in children’s media

37. 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 Libraryfree ebooks from around the
world
Songs, rhymes and traditions
from around the world.
Free ebooks to read online

38. Fran@ECEtech.net
Karen@ECEtech.net
Early Childhood Technology Network
ECEtech.net