"Technology is just a tool. In terms of getting the kids working together and motivating them, the teacher is most important"
- Bill Gates
I've had the opportunity over the past 4 months to explore the role of technology in the lives of young children. What I have found most thought-provoking is that there simply isn't enough research out there to determine how much of an impact technology can have on early childhood programs. Current research has challenged my thinking to become cautious about what software and programs are being used with technology. This has inspired me to educate families on the importance of really knowing exactly what we are exposing our children to. Just because technology is marketed as educational, does not mean that it actually provides positive developmental benefits for children. What the field would truly benefit from is more research, and additional professional development for early childhood educators. I believe that technology should be used as a tool in the early childhood setting, but not as a replacement for interactions. Just as with any activity, technology must be developmentally appropriate, intentional, and interactive.
"There can be infinite uses of new age technology, but if teachers themselves are not able to bring it into the classroom and make it work, then it fails."
- Nancy Kassebaum
For additional reading, check out the links below!
"Facing the Screen Dilemma: Young Children, Technology, and Education" @ http://www.allianceforchildhood.org
The Create Lab at CMU @ http://www.cmucreatelab.org
Advice for Parents in the Digital Age @ http://www.fredrogerscenter.org/media/resources/Elearticle_041712.pdf
Ele Early Learning Environment @
http://ele.fredrogerscenter.org
Tech For a Global Early Childhood @
http://globalearlyed.wordpress.com
