Step into an early education classroom and you might see children exploring sensory-focused items (blocks, sand, water), hear singing with repetitive words and lines, and feel the joy and wonder these little ones experience. when they discover something new. . You may also see technology playing a bigger role in your learning environment. From tablets and robotics to interactive displays and 3D printers, educational technology is transforming the way our youngest students learn new skills.
While technology has incredible benefits for young learners, care must be taken with implementation.* The Office of Educational Technology defines four guiding principles for technology use with early learners. They are:
Technology —
- when used appropriately, it can be a tool for learning.
- should be used to increase access to learning opportunities for all children.
- it can be used to strengthen relationships between parents, families, early childhood educators, and young children.
- it is most effective for learning when adults and peers interact or share vision with young children.
Interaction is key and the educational technology it should encourage both exploration and discovery. With younger students, modeling and repetition are essential so that as they work to use technology independently, they can do so with competence and confidence. When teachers intentionally implement technology and use tools that will help young children learn and practice new skills, they can help develop key skills such as collaboration, creative thinking, problem solving, and communication.
we know the why educational technology must be implemented in early education classrooms; Now we are going to explore the What.
Ideas for Incorporating Ed Tech
- start the day – With a flat screen, create an interactive calendar for your morning routine. Young learners can drag a number, write or touch the date on the calendar; identify the day of the week; and track the weather (including website link). This traditional activity will be used in later grades, preparing young students to learn the school routine.
- Use microphones to improve speaking skills – Foster verbal communication skills with a class microphone. For children who have a softer or softer voice, using a microphone to share ideas and participate in class discussions can help build their confidence as a speaker. A teacher microphone also makes it easy for young students to hear the teacher’s voice clearly without straining.
- “Tap” learning games – Many interactive displays come with a selection of learning applications. For example, him MimioPro 4 comes with CleverStore where teachers can select between safety games and activities. After the teacher has introducedAfter a few games, allow small groups to choose an activity or game that they can do together. For free choice time, individual children can belect a game that you want to make on your own.
- tablet time – Most children have experience using a tablet. Carefully select learning games or upload Simple apps that kids can work on independently, in small groups, or with another adult. A drawing tool is a fantastic way to allow young children to flex their creative muscles and see how technology can be used for more than just playing games and watching videosSW.
- Outstanding Student – Interactive screens are being used in more classrooms, including early education programs. With the help of an adult, young learners can share what they have on their web-enabled devices on the screen at the front of the class. This will motivate children to want to share more often, leading them to take ownership of their learning.
- Manufacturer Manipulators – As youth begin to explore different topics, they can brainstorm manipulatives that can be 3D printed in the classroom. Incorporating 3D printing technology in schools increases interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and allows children to see how they can impact their environment, such as their learning environment. A 3D printer it can be part of an age-appropriate makerspace.
- Explore the world virtually – Lack of budget, supervision and/or other resources may limit activities outside of school. Take your little ones on a virtual field trip, which isn’t limited to local attractions. There are videos where young students can experience getting on a plane or taking a walk in the woods and when viewed on a large interactive flat screen, they can feel like they’re really on the ride! Of course, technology for augmented reality experiences is available, but for most schools, this may not be a spending priority.
- author together – Using images of children in the classroom playing and learning and/or images of their work, create digital books that can be shared during class time or special events in the classroom. interactive visualization, or posted on the class/school website. To enhance the books, record audio files of the children describing each image. Their exposure to various types of narrative reading media will help them continue on to formal education.
This list is not intended to be exhaustive; there are more uses and skills that can be introduced and practiced depending on the type of technology. What is important to remember is that the technology used is age-appropriate and provides young learners with opportunities to explore. A careful balance must be made with the use of educational technology so as not to lose children’s interest or frustrate them. The purpose of incorporating technology for young students is to engage them in learning that will boost key skills such as self-expression, creativity, problem solving, and communication. If attention is paid to What, when, why Y what technology is used, young students can enjoy their first experiences with formal education.
* For more information on this topic, read Ed Tech for Young Learners: What are the benefits?
To explore educational technology solutions for all students, including STEM and audio, go to www.boxlight.es.
