What do you remember doing when you were 4 years old? Maybe he was playing with blocks, sorting shapes, coloring the inside Y out of lines, or make mud pies. This was definitely my experience! But for my daughter and many children like her, technology played an influential role in her early development. In fact, it is not uncommon to see young children walking around using smartphones to watch videos or play games. As we go through the 21st century, there is a significant focus on integrating more technology to maximize the teaching and learning experience, even for our youngest students (ie, Pre-K, ages 4 and up). But does the concentrated use of educational technology benefit your learning development?
The Purpose of Incorporating Educational Technology
Research shows that in the first years of life, what children experience can affect how and what they learn. For example, their vocabulary at two years old is a strong predictor of how they will progress academically in kindergarten. This means that exposure to technology for learning must be purposeful with the intention of introducing and incorporating skills that they will use later. As an educator, it’s important to carefully consider the intent behind using technology with your young students. Here are some questions to ask:
- What is the goal of implementing the technology?
- How will this technology support teaching and learning?
- Is this technology appropriate for the students in my class (accessibility, adaptability, quality, etc.)?
- What is the best strategy to integrate this technology?
- There are means available to support my own learning as I integrate this technology?
Remember, the goal of incorporating technology with young students is to help them learn skills that can be applied to later grades, as well as to life outside of the classroom. The new skills are not limited to the functions of digital tools, but include essential skills such as critical thinking, creativity, problem solving, collaboration and persistence. The deliberate use of technology should help young people see how they can be capable and competent contributors to the community.
The benefits of incorporating educational technology
Research has shown that when technology is used with appropriate guidance and modeling, there are clear benefits for our youngest students.
- Start developing 21st century skills
As mentioned, as young students explore technology: smartphones, tablets, interactive displays, microphones, etc.: They will also learn to use problem solving, critical thinking and communication skills to ask questions and express themselves. As students explore, be sure to ask how, what, why questions that are open ended and encourage thoughtful responses.
Play is integral to young learners as they learn to interact with others. Through play, students learn skills such as self-expression, sharing, problem solving, and commitment. For example, when students share a tablet to play a phonics building game, they will learn to take turns and patiently wait their turn without interrupting the other child. Or, if more than one child wants a turn at the interactive visualization, they will have to accept that not everyone will be the first and that not everyone will be able to use the screen. With guidance, they will learn to manage their emotional response to different situations.
- Promote school readiness
For the youngest students, discovery and exploration are at the center of their educational beginnings. They learn how to follow directions, interact with others, and use different materials for different skills. All of these are fundamental skills to prepare them for future learning experiences. As more schools implement educational technology, exposing younger students to the same or similar tools will only help them move smoothly through their next levels of learning.
- Increase motivation to learn
During this critical period in children’s development, breath is essential. As they learn to interact with others, think creatively, and solve problems through the use of technology, encouragement is essential to overcome challenges. Careful guidance and positive feedback will help young people keep trying when they have trouble learning a new skill.
- Prepare for the use of advanced technology
While we may think that most children have experience with technology before entering a pre-K setting, more intentional and planned exposure will open their eyes to new possibilities for how technology can be used. Balanced with other hands-on activities, technology can be an important part of laying the foundation for future learning.
As young learners constantly explore technology in an educational setting, they will not only learn to use devices quickly, but they will do so with confidence and proficiency. Of course, it’s important to remember that pre-K learning isn’t “one size fits all,” so even with technology we can assume kids are comfortable with, it can take time for others to learn. Be consistent and positive with technology Use it for a variety of purposes, such as showing videos, playing learning games, and displaying student work. However you decide to incorporate educational technology, doing so will open your youngest learners to the next levels of learning.
Explore how Boxlight’s award-winning solutions can support early education. Go to www.boxlight.es.
