Finding the Education in Educational Technology With Early Learners

1. Leah M. Bower EDTF300 Lock Haven University Fall 2013 Finding the Education in Educational TechnologyWith Early Learners

2. Technology’s Potential • Classroom Potential • Criteria for using technology in the classroom • Is the technology developmentally appropriate? • Evaluation tool • How can the technology be effectively implemented? • How can the technology be integrated into the classroom and curriculum? Content

3. Technology’s Potential The Rapid increase in the use of technology as a form of communication has now translated to the the classroom.

4. Technology’s Potential in the Classroom • Research shows that the use of technology can increase student’s skills • Social • Cognitive • Language • Literacy • Writing • Mathematics

5. Criteria Plan Evaluate Use Integrate Is the technology developmentally appropriate? How can the technology be effectively implemented? How can the technology be integrated into the classroom and curriculum?

6. 1.) Is the technology developmentally appropriate? • Technology must be: • Responsive to developmental levels of their students • Address individual needs and interests • Address social and cultural contexts How can you successfully evaluate educational technology? Establish learning goals Identify hardware or devices Consider the content of the software/program (How do we do this?)

7. Is the technology developmentally appropriate?Evaluation Tool • Hatch Early Learning created The Early Childhood Educational Technology Evaluation Toolkit • Elements to consider when evaluating educational technology for early learners. • Ages of the Students • Types of Learners (Special Ed or Dual Language) • Type of Device • http://www.hatchearlychildhood.com/toolkit • This evaluation tool can be used by individual teachers, or a team of educators.

8. Is the technology developmentally appropriate?Evaluation Tool • Educational Value • Is the content based on research/standards? • Does the software follow the correct developmental course? • Engagement • Are the activities presented in a play like fashion? • Are rewards used appropriately • Child-Friendly • Are there multiple opportunities for success? • Can children use the software independently? • Interactivity • Can the program be customized to to the child? • Does the program allow for creation of new activities? • Progress Monitoring • Is there a way to monitor progress? • Are results easily presented?

9. 2.) How can the technology be effectively implemented? One approach to implementation is that of Scaffolding • Cognitive Scaffolding • Developing understanding of concepts • Technical Scaffolding • Problem solving • Affective Scaffolding • Keeping on task • Encouragement

10. 3.) How can the technology be integrated into the classroom and curriculum? “Research shows that technology integration does not happen to the degree it needs to in order to fully realize its potential to support children’s learning.” • Built in Supports • Software supports for teachers • Learning Communities • Teacher collaboration

11. Technology In the Classroom “The teacher plays a crucial role in the full development and use of technology in the early childhood classroom.” Both educators and researchers agree that potential of both existing and new technologies in supporting student learning isn’t in the technologies themselves but the ways they are used as tools for learning.

12. Thank you! “There can be infinite uses of the computer and 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

13. Created By: Leah Bower Special thanks to technology and the guy who made Microsoft! Made Possible By: Dr. PunnipaHossain <3