Technology To Know in Early Childhood Education

Overview of Technology in Early Childhood Education

Did you know that 97% of children 3-18 years old had home internet access (2021)? To be more specific, 93% used computers, while 4% used smartphones.

Furthermore, most children spend part of their school day using computers or tablets. The majority of public schools provide students with personal computers, too. While the COVID-19 lockdowns increased technology use, it was already in widespread use.

If you’re a K-12 teacher, the use of technology in early childhood education is good news. You will agree with these reasons for integrating technology in ECE classrooms.

• Develops hard and soft skills that prepare children for classroom learning. Basic computer literacy is a given. Children also develop their communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
• Enables teachers to create tailored learning plans for students.
• Increases student engagement through interactive learning and storytelling.
• Improves access to education for learners with diverse needs. Screen readers and closed captioning are popular.

As an ECE educator, you also have responsibilities in guiding proper technology use. Start by modeling good technology use.

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Benefits of Technology in Early Childhood Education

Technology in early childhood education benefits you and your students. Of course, proper use is a must since technology use among children has its risks.

Enhances Learning and Engagement

Video games, educational apps, and touch-based devices, such as iPads. These are only a few interactive learning tools that promote fun learning. Children enjoy the diverse use of interactive elements like sight, sound, and touch. You can catch and hold their attention for longer periods, too.

Educational technology also comes in various formats. It’s possible to meet diverse learning preferences among children because of it. Choices include interactive simulations, video tutorials, and audiobooks.

Encourages Creativity and Problem-Solving

Children who use educational technology become better creators, designers, and problem-solvers. Many platforms and apps enable them to express themselves in creative ways. Making animated shorts, creating simple music, and drawing digital images are great examples.

Educational technology also develops their critical thinking skills. Games, for example, encourage children to solve problems and make decisions.

Prepares Children for Future Tech Use

Basic computer literacy skills are only the start. Children who use educational technology also develop digital literacy skills. Foremost are using search engines, navigating websites, and understanding online safety.

With these skills, children are more prepared for STEM learning. Many education apps enable children to build not only the 3Rs. Children also develop logical reasoning skills and get their first taste of coding.

Essential Technology Tools for Early Childhood Classrooms

The best technology in early childhood education is usually the easiest to use. Toddlers enjoy easy-to-use tools that promote learning through play and exploration.

Educational Apps and Software

Start building your technology portfolio with educational apps for early childhood learners. These apps build skills in math, literacy, and cognitive function via interactive ways. The best include ABCmouse, Khan Academy Kids, and Starfall.

Interactive Whiteboards

SMART Board and MimioTeach are great examples of interactive whiteboards for young learners. Teachers use these tools to display digital content, such as animations and images. Students use them for interactive lessons and group activities in various ways:

• Interactive quizzes
• Drag-and-drop activities
• Digital drawing tools (e.g., stylus pens)
• Playbacks

Children engaged in hands-on learning become more engaged. You can reinforce their lessons and foster collaborations, too.

Tablets and Mobile Devices

Children love holding things and manipulating them. No wonder, then, that tablets in early childhood education are a mainstay. Tablets and other mobile devices in education:

• Enable teachers to provide students with personalized learning experiences. You can set the difficulty level, for example, based on their learning style and pace.
• Allow students to learn and work at their own pace. Less pressure can promote better learning among young students.
• Develop skills based on their developmental stage and learning level.

However, tablet use can be addictive. You must ensure a good balance between physical activity and digital learning. Making arts and crafts and playing simple games are great examples.

Robotics and Coding Toys

Yes, there are plenty of robotics and coding toys for kids suitable for ECE classrooms.

• Bee-Bot is a simple robot for children that introduces them to coding basics. Children program the robot to move in different directions.
• Robo Wunderkind consists of modular blocks that enable children to learn coding and engineering concepts.
• Cubetto is a wooden robot that uses blocks and storytelling to introduce children to basic coding concepts.

These robots and other coding toys offer children fun ways of learning STEM concepts, too. Children also develop problem-solving and decision-making skills.

Digital Learning Platforms

Among the best digital learning platforms for preschool children include:

• Seesaw allows teachers to develop structured lesson plans. Students also create digital portfolios here.
• Brightwheel offers an all-in-one platform for teachers including lesson planning. 
• Learning A-Z provides a wide range of literacy and science products in the preK-6 levels.

These platforms have features that allow teachers to track their students’ progress. You create a digital portfolio for each student, which consists of videos, assessments, and photos. Tracking their progress becomes easier with it.

But it isn’t necessary to have every technology present in your classroom. Choose based on your desired student learning outcomes. Remember that it’s not the quantity but the quality that matters and how well you use technology.

Best Practices for Using Technology in Early Childhood Education

Taking full advantage means adopting these best practices for tech in early education.

Ensuring Developmentally Appropriate Use

• Start by understanding age-appropriate technology. Check the manufacturers’ recommended age group first. Ask fellow teachers for recommendations, too.
• Limit your students’ screen time. Ensure value during screen time, too, such as interactive activities instead of passive watching.

Balancing Tech with Hands-On Activities

• Adopt a fair policy in balancing screen time in early childhood education with physical activities.
• Remember that technology is a supplemental tool in learning among children.
• Use building blocks, coding toys, and digital storyboards to combine technology, education, and movement.

Engaging Parents in Tech Use

• Encourage parents to use educational technology at home.
• Guide parents in the proper use of technology in early childhood education. Setting limits on screen time and using apps for learning are examples.

Best practices evolve, too. You must then change your classroom practices based on current trends.

Addressing Challenges in Using Technology for Young Learners

Teachers must address challenges ASAP to avoid them becoming worse. Here are effective strategies to remember in doing so.

Screen Time Concerns

• Set limits on screen time. No more than one hour per day for children 2-5 years old.
• Emphasize interactive and informative content over passive entertainment.
• Encourage children to play and explore after screen time.

Equal Access to Technology

• Allow students who have little to no access at home to enjoy more screen time in school.
• Set up tech stations to increase access to shared technology.
• Work with community organizations, school districts, and government agencies to increase equal access.

Keeping Technology Safe and Secure

• Install parental controls on devices.
• Choose safe and secure platforms, usually with built-in safety features.
• Teach students about basic online safety measures.

Professional Development for Educators in Tech Integration

Teachers must engage in continuous professional development in educational technology, too.

Training Teachers to Use Technology Effectively

With continuous training, you’re more able to adopt current best practices. You have increased confidence and competence in using educational technology, too.

Consider these resources for professional development:

• Online courses
• Workshops, seminars, and conferences
• School-specific training programs

Staying Updated on New Tools

• Read industry journals, podcasts, and relevant educational technology publications.
• Network with fellow teachers.
• Subscribe to newsletters of educational tech companies and organizations.
• Avail of free trials on new tools.

The Future of Technology in Early Childhood Education

Look out for these future trends in early childhood education technology, too.

Emerging Technologies

• AI-powered tools, such as Duolingo, Smart Sparrow, and Squirrel AI, provide personalized learning.
• Augmented reality provides interactive and immersive learning experiences.
• Virtual classrooms are being adapted for K-6 levels.

Predictions for Technology in the Classroom

• Widespread use of virtual reality (VR) as well as augmented reality (AR) in ECE classrooms
• Greater levels of gamification in learning among young students

With educational technology changing rapidly, you must engage in continuous learning. Otherwise, you can misuse it.

Conclusion

Technology transforms early childhood education in many ways. Learning becomes more interactive, engaging, and individualized. Both teachers and students enjoy the benefits that proper use of technology brings. Hard and soft skills development at an early age is foremost.

However, technology in early childhood education is a double-edged sword. You must be aware of your role in maintaining the balance between screen time, hands-on learning, and physical activity. In doing so, you’re also teaching your students about balance in their learning, even if they don’t know it.