Finding the Education in Educational Technology With Early Learners

Finding the Education in Educational TechnologyWith Early Learners

Leah M. Bower

EDTF300Lock Haven UniversityFall 2013

This presentation will be about using technology in the classroom, specifically towards early learners. 1

Content

Technologys 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?

Today we will talk about technologys huge potential in the classroom and what all it has to offer. We will then look at a special evaluation tool and use criteria to decide if the technology is developmentally appropriate, effective, and how it can be integrated.2Technologys PotentialThe Rapid increase in the use of technology as a form of communication has now translated to the the classroom.

Over the years, technology has expanded to much more than a simple pencil or pen. As technology increases, so do the resources in the classroom.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJjvsGBjy2U

3Technologys Potentialin the ClassroomResearch shows that the use of technology can increase students skills

Social

Cognitive

Language Literacy

Writing

Mathematics

Technology has HUGE potential in every classroom. Research proves this in many areas of student skills. 4 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?

There are three main criteria needed in order to evaluate technology in the classroom. When discovering a piece of tech to use in the classroom, teachers must ask these questions. 51.) Is the technology developmentally appropriate?

Technology must be:Responsive to developmental levels of their studentsAddress individual needs and interests Address social and cultural contexts How can you successfully evaluate educational technology?Establish learning goalsIdentify hardware or devices Consider the content of the software/program(How do we do this?)

In order to check if the technology is developmentally appropriate teachers must decide if it is responsive to the levels their students are at, if it addresses individuals needs and social/cultural contexts. 6Is the technology developmentally appropriate?Evaluation ToolHatch Early Learning created The Early Childhood Educational Technology Evaluation Toolkit Elements to consider when evaluating educational technology for early learners. Ages of the StudentsTypes 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.

Hatch Early learning has created a great tool for evaluating the technology in a systematic way. Its important for a team of educators to thoroughly look at the technology.7

Is the technology developmentally appropriate?Evaluation ToolEducational Value Is the content based on research/standards?Does the software follow the correct developmental course?

EngagementAre the activities presented in a play like fashion?Are rewards used appropriately

Child-FriendlyAre 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?

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2.) How can the technology be effectively implemented?

One approach to implementation is that of Scaffolding Cognitive ScaffoldingDeveloping understanding of concepts Technical ScaffoldingProblem solving Affective Scaffolding Keeping on taskEncouragement Secondly, teachers must decide if the technology has the ability to be implemented successfully. Scaffolding is a great way to approach this criteria. 93.) How can the technology be integrated into the classroom and curriculum?

Built in Supports Software supports for teachers

Learning CommunitiesTeacher collaboration

Research shows that technology integration does not happen to the degree it needs to in order to fully realize its potential to support childrens learning.

Integration is the last part of criteria. This aspect make it easier for educators of every level to integrate technology and use it in their classroom. Teacher collaboration is a huge part of this step. 10

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 isnt in the technologies themselves but the ways they are used as tools for learning. Technology In the Classroom

Teachers play a HUGE role in the implementation of technology into the classroom. The potential of new technologies isnt in the technologies themselves, but in the way they are used for learning. 11There 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 KassebaumThank you!

12Created By: Leah Bower

Special thanks to technology and the guy who made Microsoft!

Made Possible By: Dr. Punnipa Hossain