The document discusses using iPads to support hands-on investigation by preschoolers. It describes a study where preschoolers used iPads for activities like drawing, taking photos on field trips, playing educational games, and researching questions. Teachers observed that children quickly learned to navigate the iPads and found that introducing them for purposes beyond games was more challenging. The study aims to have children use iPads for hands-on science with microscopes, solving problems, and communicating findings. It provides suggestions for how early childhood educators can start integrating technology.

1. Using Technology Tools to Support
Preschoolers' Hands‐on
Investigation
Diane Bales, Cooperative Extension
Phillip Baumgarner, Child Development Lab
Child and Family Development
The University of Georgia

2. Where We’re Going Today
• Technology and the early childhood field
• Benefits and challenges of technology in
ECE
• Tips for using technology with young
children
• Cautions and challenges with technology
• Our project: Using iPads as Preschool
Research Tools
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3. How do you use technology?
• What technology tools do you own?
• How often do you use technology in your
professional life?
• How do you use technology in your early
childhood program?
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4. How To Vote via Texting
1. Standard texting rates apply (up to $0.20)
2. Phone number not recorded
3. Capitalization doesn’t matter, but spaces and spelling do
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5. How To Vote via Poll4.com
Capitalization doesn’t matter, but spaces
and spelling do
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9. The “Computer Question” Is
Changing
• The “old” question: Should young children use
computers?
• The “new” question: When and how should young
children be introduced to technology?
• Competing recommendations
• AAP: “No screen time for children under age 2”
• NAEYC: “…technology and interactive media are learning
tools that, when used in intentional and developmentally
appropriate ways and in conjunction with other
traditional tools and materials, can support the
development and learning of young children.”
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10. Technology Itself Is Changing
Quickly
Images from www.apple.com
• 2010: Introduction of the iPad
• A “Game Changer” for ECE?
• Babies using iPads?
• What do you think?
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11. Technology with Children:
Benefits
• Familiar tool; part of child’s world
• Authentic way to explore new topics
• Chance to create
• Way to share creations and receive
feedback
• Supports critical thinking
• Chance to work together
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12. Technology with Children:
Challenges
• Can be a passive activity
• Sometimes overused
• Developmentally inappropriate uses
• Unequal access to tech tools
• Safety concerns for children online
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13. Problems with “Drill and Kill”
• Decreases creativity
• Reduces problem solving
• Reduces children’s motivation to use
computers
• Increases frustration
• Requires quick reaction time
• No way out
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14. Keeping Children Safer Online
• Always review websites thoroughly
• Watch for similar addresses!
• Set limits on children’s online access
• Supervise carefully
• Teach children “safe surfing”
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15. Technology for young children
should be…
• Developmentally appropriate
• Used only when it’s the best tool
• Available as just another learning material
• Used for exploration and discovery
• A chance for collaborative learning
• Available to all children
• Adult‐monitored!
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16. Our Project
• Exploratory study of preschoolers’ use of iPads
• Areas of interest
• Motor skills
• Language
• Cooperation and social interaction
• Science investigation
• Questions to address
• How can we push children beyond “playing games”
• How can we help children see iPads as multi‐use tools?
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17. What We’ve Done So Far
• Collaborative use of iPads
• Initial exploration
• Drawing
• Photos
• Playing games
• Monkey Preschool Lunchbox
• Water Slide
• Field trip photos
• Researching classroom questions
• Small group comparison activity
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18. Initial Exploration of Tools
• Two girls learning basic navigation skills
• Start button
• Dragging
• Tapping
• Example of cooperative learning
Image from www.apple.com
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19. Initial Exploration of Tools
• Girl and boy playing Monkey Preschool Lunchbox
• Teacher scaffolding by repeating instructions
• Trial and error
Images from www.apple.com
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20. Initial Exploration of Tools
• Two girls using an open‐ended painting app
• Example of cooperative learning
• Shared language
• Memory of skills learned earlier
• Challenges explaining how they did something
Image from www.apple.com
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21. Field Trip Photos
Photos taken by children using ipad.
Due to size and weight, the camera
app is a cooperative activity.
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22. Researching Classroom Questions
Teachers record research
questions
Children are encouraged to make inquiries
for research.
Ipads are used to gather information.
Teachers attempt to make use of
visual literacy whenever possible.
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23. Small‐Group Comparison Activity
• Monkey vs. Ape
Group 1 Group 2
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24. You Be the Judge!
• What do you see children doing in this video clip?
• What skills are they using?
Image from www.apple.com
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25. What We’ve Observed
• Some children are already familiar with iPads
• Most children learn quickly to navigate the iPad
interface
• Children gravitate to games and see iPads as “toys”
• Introducing other uses is more challenging
• Parents are interested and have their own ideas
• New partnerships are forming between children
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26. Future Plans
• More hands‐on science investigation (iPads + microscopes)
• Tool to solve intellectual problems
• Communication tool to share findings/activities (Face Time,
blogging, VoiceThread, etc.)
• Document children’s growth in iPad use
• Changes in complex language
• Ease of navigating tool
• Peer teaching and modeling
• Teacher scaffolding of children’s learning
• Gender differences
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27. The ProScope HR Mobile
• Digital microscope
• Hand-held and wireless
• Child-safe image from bodelin.com
• Can be used to examine almost
anything
• Images synched to iPad as digital
photos or videos
• Costs about $250
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28. Using the ProScope: Examples
images from bodelin.com
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29. Communication: VoiceThread
• Enables sharing of images and videos
• Comments through typing, computer mic, or
phone
• Two‐way communication through
commenting
• Free online tool (voicethread.com)
• Brand‐new mobile app (VoiceThread)
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30. How You Can Get Started Using
Technology with Children
• Start out slowly!
• Use free online resources
• Capitalize on parents’ interest in technology
• Build technology into your budget
• Apple volume discounts
• Apple computer recycling
• Investigate community resources and donors
• Small grants for technology
• Check out http://www.squidoo.com/ipad‐grants
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31. Questions?
Dr. Diane Bales
Cooperative Extension
The University of Georgia
dbales@uga.edu
Phillip Baumgarner
Child Development Lab at McPhaul
The University of Georgia
phillipb@fcs.uga.edu
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