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Young Children Home > Finding the Education in Educational Technology with Early Learners

Finding the Education in Educational Technology with Early Learners

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YC Vol 67 NO2

YOUNG CHILDREN  |  MAY 2012

Finding the Education in Educational Technology with Early Learners

Lilla Dale McManis and Susan B. Gunnewig

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As many educators and parents have observed, today’s children are exposed to advanced technology at an early age, with tablets, e-readers, and smartphones being some prevalent choices (Gutnik et al. 2011; Rideout 2011). Experiences with technology can pave the way for unprecedented learning opportunities. However, without an education component, technology cannot reach its full potential for supporting children’s learning and development. In early childhood programs, the education component often means adults being nearby, interacting with children and providing opportunities for peer-to-peer learning to encourage children to gain the skills they need for succeeding in school.

While the literature establishes the use of educational technology and positive outcomes for children (see reviews by Glaubke 2007; McCarrick & Li 2007; Penuel et al. 2009), it also indicates that technology needs to (1) be developmentally appropriate for children, (2) include tools to help teachers implement the technology successfully, and (3) be integrated into the classroom and curriculum (see Clements & Sarama 2003; Glaubke 2007; NAEYC & Fred Rogers Center 2012). In this article, we will discuss these criteria and provide a practical plan, examples, and a tool for evaluating, using, and integrating educational technology in early childhood programs.... continue reading

 

 

About the Authors

Lilla Dale McManis, PhD, is research director for Hatch Early Childhood in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, where she conducts research in education technology for early learners. Previously a teacher and teacher educator, she now focuses on understanding learning environments and positive outcomes for young children. dmcmanis@hatchearlychildhood.com

Susan B. Gunnewig, MEd, develops content for technological hardware and platforms at Hatch Early Childhood. Previously on the faculty of the Children’s Learning Institute at the University of Texas Medical School, Susan cocreated the Texas School Readiness project, participated in a number of federal grants, and has been a teacher and administrator. sgunnewig@hatchearlychildhood.com

A study guide for this article is available online at www.naeyc.org/memberlogin.

   Related Resources
 

 
  "Technology and Interactive Media as Tools in Early Childhood Programs Serving Children from Birth through Age 8" is a joint position statement of NAEYC and the Fred Rogers Center for Early Learning and Children's Media.
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