Technology in Early Childhood – When it benefits children
Integrating technology into children’s lives during the early years is a controversial topic. In many cases children are experiencing an overabundance of screen time through media and television, and in many cases children are not. The Huffington Post wrote 10 Reasons Why Handheld Devices Should be Banned for Children Under the Age of 12. Zone’in out of Canada suggests children should not use handheld devices until the age of 13 years. The Academy of Pediatrics also has recommendations. Technology is in the lives of children and adults. The U.S. Department of Education looks toward the early learning community to develop best practices with technology:
The U.S. Department of Education (April 2014) calls upon leaders in early learning to “step up” and facilitate “the successful use of technology, particularly in preschool settings. Teachers shouldn’t – and can’t – be alone in this endeavor.” Modeling how to integrate technology creatively and within a child-centered and play-based curriculum is essential. Below is a list of resources about integrating technology into young children's lives effectively and responsibly:
Technology and Interactive Media as Tools in Early Childhood Programs Serving Children from Birth to Age 8. (Position Statement). A Joint Position Statement by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the Fred Rogers Center for Early Learning and Children's Media at Saint Vincent College (2012).
10 Questions for Educators to Ask When Using Technology with Young Children. (Article).
Fred Rogers Center for Early Learning and Children's Media at Saint Vincent College (2014).
Technology and Young Children. (Resource List) Erikson Institute (2014).
Panel Explores Thoughtful Use of Digital Technology for Young Children. (Article) Education Week (Dec. 2013).
Too Young for Technology? 2013 Kristin Anderson Moore Lecture. (Video). Child Trends (2013).
Research on Technology and Young Children. (Online Forum and Information Resource). NAEYC Technology and Young Children Forum (2014).
Selected Resources on Technology and Early Childhood Education. (Extensive List of Resources). NAEYC. (2012).
Child's Play: Should Preschoolers Engage with Technology? or Good-Old Fashion Fun?. (Blog Entry). (2011). Preschool Matters Blog of the National Institute for Early Education Research.
“That’s why America’s early learning community – and anyone who wants to help build a brighter future for the next generation – must make smarter use of these cutting-edge resources, provide better support for the teachers who use them, and help ensure that all our children have equitable access to the right technology. ‘Early tech’ can be an incredible tool to increase access and quality, when we understand how to use it for good.”
The U.S. Department of Education (April 2014) calls upon leaders in early learning to “step up” and facilitate “the successful use of technology, particularly in preschool settings. Teachers shouldn’t – and can’t – be alone in this endeavor.” Modeling how to integrate technology creatively and within a child-centered and play-based curriculum is essential. Below is a list of resources about integrating technology into young children's lives effectively and responsibly:
Technology and Interactive Media as Tools in Early Childhood Programs Serving Children from Birth to Age 8. (Position Statement). A Joint Position Statement by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the Fred Rogers Center for Early Learning and Children's Media at Saint Vincent College (2012).
10 Questions for Educators to Ask When Using Technology with Young Children. (Article).
Fred Rogers Center for Early Learning and Children's Media at Saint Vincent College (2014).
Technology and Young Children. (Resource List) Erikson Institute (2014).
Panel Explores Thoughtful Use of Digital Technology for Young Children. (Article) Education Week (Dec. 2013).
Too Young for Technology? 2013 Kristin Anderson Moore Lecture. (Video). Child Trends (2013).
Research on Technology and Young Children. (Online Forum and Information Resource). NAEYC Technology and Young Children Forum (2014).
Selected Resources on Technology and Early Childhood Education. (Extensive List of Resources). NAEYC. (2012).
Child's Play: Should Preschoolers Engage with Technology? or Good-Old Fashion Fun?. (Blog Entry). (2011). Preschool Matters Blog of the National Institute for Early Education Research.
