A presentation for NJAEYC 2012

1. Digital Decisions:
Choosing and Using New
Technologies in Early Education
Karen Nemeth, Ed.M.
Fran Simon, M.Ed.
NJAEYC, 2012

2. About us
Karen Nemeth, Ed.M. Fran Simon, M.Ed.

3. You Make the Choices
Be a critical consumer.
You, the teachers, and
the parents are the
gatekeepers who
stand between
technology and children.

4. Tech tools
* old & new *
* analog & digital *
* low & hi-tech *
Copyright, Simon 2012

5. NAEYC/FRC Joint Position Statement on
Technology in ECE CLASSROOMS
http://www.naeyc.org/content/technology-and-young-children
5
Copyright, Simon and Nemeth

6. You don’t have to use technology.
If you do use tech tools
intentionally, you will find they are
not always the best choice.
Copyright, Simon and Nemeth 6

7. Consider
technology tools
as additional
materials that
allow children to
“DO” and
teachers to
FACILITATE.
Copyright, Simon and Nemeth 7

8. Intentional Daily Routines
• Plan technology use as just
another option like books,
crayons, blocks etc.
• Examine the learning
objectives and make
choices that fit
• Work with children to
review their choices in all
areas of the room
throughout the week

9. Computer Software
 Meaningful
Pedagogical value
Engaging
Interactive “Sticky”
 Productive
 Up to date
© Copyright Nemeth and Simon, 2102 9

10. Decisions about using software:
Basic pedagogical decisions
• What are the objectives?
• Is this the right tool for the objective?
• Does it extend other activities?
• Is it interactive?
• Is the interaction meaningful?
• Does it fit in with the
project/theme/study?
• Does it work with the curriculum?
• What is my role using this software?

11. Decisions about using software:
A question of balance
Is the software for:
• A large group, small group, or for
individual children?
• Teacher-directed or child-initiated
activities?
• Open-ended or skill-focused?
• Short periods of time or deeper
exploration?

12. Decisions about using software:
Usability and instructional design
Is the software:
• Flashy, distracting, overwhelming or just
enough appealing graphics and sounds
to engage, but not distract?
• Free of ads or enticements for children?
• Deemed safe by trusted resources?
• Easy for children to navigate
independently?
• Provide feedback to guide children?
• Interactive with meaning or just fun?

13. Adults need
technology
“play time” AND
formal
professional
development to
understand the
implications of
the tools
Copyright, Simon and Nemeth 13

14. http://bit.ly/DigilitECTeach
Copyright, Simon and Nemeth 14

15. Research will inform ongoing
practice and investments (or
not!)
15
Copyright, Simon

16. Investments in technology tools are
wasted without investments in
professional development.
Copyright, Simon and Nemeth 16

17. Digital literacy learning
should be woven into the
fabric of the day, not
time set aside for
“computer time”.
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18. Equity: Include technology that
enhances dual language learning,
represents diversity, and allows
access for children with disabilities.
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19. Time limits: Guidelines and
expectations should consider variables
like age, objectives, and type of
interaction.
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20. How Much Time?
Recommendations from
Digital Decisions
Copyright, Simon and Nemeth 20

21. Copyright, Simon and Nemeth 21

24. Tech for infants and
toddlers: Laptime and
floortime with the
youngest children
might include
technology, but in very
limited cases, for a few
minutes at a time and
ONLY with an adult.
Copyright, Simon and Nemeth 24

25. Resources for Teachers, Parents and Staff
Review site
Technology position
statement and fantastic
resources to support it.
Resources for ECE teachers
and administrators
Resources for ECE teachers
and administrators
Fred Rogers Center’s Early
Learning Environment
Resources and tips for
teachers
A website and newsletter
summarizes products and
trends in children’s media

26. Resources for Teachers, Parents and Staff
Information for teachers about
reading and literacy activities
American Library Association –
Listing of great sites for children
and teachers
International Reading Library-
free ebooks from around the
world
Songs, ryhmes and traditions
from around the world.
Free ebooks to read online

27. Get in there…
* Check out other classrooms
and programs…
* View videos and webinars…
* Get a Technology buddy…
To learn it
* Get buy-in…
* Plan…
© Fran Simon Copyright, 2012
* Play! 27

28. Twitter Chat
#ECEtechCHAT
© Copyright, Nemeth and Simon, 2012 28

29. Fran@ECEtech.net
Karen@ECEtech.net
#ECETECHCHAT
Early Childhood Technology Network
ECEtech.net

30. Thank you!
30

31. Digital Decisions: Choosing and Using
New Technologies in Early Education
Whether you use technology in your classroom
or you want to give it a try, you need to know
about the new Fred Rogers Center/NAEYC
technology position statement. This
presentation will share fun ideas for integrating
different kinds of technology in a
developmentally appropriate setting for young
children.