Technology can be used effectively in early childhood education when done appropriately. It should be used to encourage exploration, imagination, and problem solving. Some ways technology can be used include having children use digital tools like cameras to explore the world from new perspectives, and to write, record, and revisit class activities by making electronic slideshows with individual contributions. Examples of appropriate technologies include digital cameras for children to document concepts and events, and math websites with games and virtual manipulatives. Digital storytelling created by teachers can also make topics more engaging for young children.

1. Technology Works! Krysten Clark

2. Research says… Technology is good Technology should be used in conjunction with hands-on learning when selecting software for children, it is important to choose software that is developmentally appropriate--it should: encourage exploration, imagination, and problem solving (from “Early Connections: Technology in Early Childhood Classrooms”)

3. And… Technology is good for: Explore with digital tools-investigate the familiar world from new perspectives--close-up photos, digital microscopes or cameras-record scenes and sounds (and other senses or feelings) while exploring for later reference Write, record, and revisit-use digital photographs, captions, drawings, voice recordings, etc. to record class activities-make an electronic slideshow of a class book with individual contributions about the curriculum From “5 Effective Ways for Young Children to Use Technology”

4. Examples Digital Cameras Children can use these to create more concrete representations of concepts and to show progression of events Children enjoy taking photos of things that are important and meaningful to them

5. Examples Math Tools--http://mathforum.org/mathtools/ A website that can give examples of sites that have games and virtual manipulatives for a variety of grades and standards

6. Examples Digital Storytelling Created by the teacher Can by used to make a topic seem more interesting, such as creating a story that involves narrating and animating the words of a poem to make it come to life more for the kids One Inch Tall By Shel Silverstein

7. Resources Digital Camera photo: http://www.lakewoodconferences.com/direct/dbimage/50197602/Digital_Camera.jpg Children on computer photo: http://joyerickson.files.wordpress.com/2008/06/kids-on-the-computer1.jpg Kids using digital camera photo: http://farm1.static.flickr.com/126/405061246_5ed2028a85.jpg Geek Squad baby photo: http://smithwinchester.files.wordpress.com/2007/05/koanbabygeek.gif