Robert Hagaman discusses technology in early childhood education and how it can be utilized to assist with development and learning at home and in the classroom.

1. HOW DOES TECHNOLOGY FIT INTO EARLY
CHILDHOOD EDUCATION?
R O B E R T H A G A M A N
THE TECHNOLOGY TABOO:

2. “On a typical day, children ages 3–5 spend an
average of four hours with technology, and
technology use is increasing among children of all
ages.” -Rand.org
Since tech developed rapidly, the jury is still out on
how it will impact future generations, but that hasn’t
stopped technology from encroaching on the lives of
youth at school and in the home.

3. USE TECHNOLOGY IN
MODERATION
With televisions in 98% of homes and 72%
of kids also having access to a computer in
their home, parents inevitably, even if
inadvertently, expose their children to
technology at an early age.
The world is immersed in technology. It
doesn’t make sense to completely relegate
it to the back corner of your child’s life. As
a part of preparedness, some level of
introduction is imperative.

4. Every child’s interaction with an iPad isn’t bad. In fact, “The use of
computers and other digital technologies continues to rise in early childhood
programs, and technology is being used as a tool for improving program
quality in many interesting ways.”
The real trick becomes the balance of interpersonal communication parallel
with digital learning.

5. UTILIZE TECHNOLOGY FOR LEARNING
It is important that children learn how to properly use technology, and what better
way to do it by increasing classroom engagement and interaction?
There are a ton of interactive websites for children, such as Starfall and Seussville
(cleverly named after Dr. Seuss) that not only keep them engaged but also reinforces
academic concepts.
Additionally, there are a variety of enriching apps, education video sites, eBooks,
interactive whiteboards, and more that can be used to assist student learning.

6. TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS WHEN IT
COMES TO TECHNOLOGY
A t t h e e n d o f t h e d a y
We must embrace the ever-growing
industry of technology, however, you
know your child and students, and if you
think they’ve had too much screen time,
turn it off. It is up to the adults to
recognize if technology is interfering
with their interaction with other
children.