When it comes to using technology with the youngest learners, educators have tried for years to strike a balance between what kinds, if any, and how much.
Now the federal departments of Education and Health and Human Services are throwing in their two cents with the release of a new policy brief on the subject, which advocates active, meaningful, and socially interactive learning for kids up to eight years old.
The brief is intended as a helpful resource for educators and others caring for young children, but is also directed at researchers and technology developers, highlighting topics for further research and encouraging the development of research-based products.…Read More
4 fresh ideas for teaching digital citizenship sooner
Kids are immersed in technology from a very young age. So why do digital citizenship courses focus on middle school and above?
Ed. note: Innovation In Action is a new monthly column from the International Society of Technology in Education focused on exemplary practices in education.
Recently, I was reflecting on how we as parents and teachers account for all of our children when we are in public areas. Be it on a field trip, vacation, or just a trip to the toy store, we count heads to make sure they’re with us and safe. In a digital learning environment, how can educators ensure that students are being safe while they are online?
Throughout my career, I’ve taught the use of technology to elementary students. While at my former school district, I worked with colleagues to create a comprehensive Internet Safety Unit with a specific focus on digital citizenship. In my current job at Lower Moreland Township School District, I still look for opportunities to reinforce digital citizenship skills within my lessons. A key element of this program was to address an ISTE Standard for teachers to “Promote and model digital citizenship and responsibility.”…Read More
How to support young learners with tablets
Tablets target young learners with engaging software
Tablets and other mobile devices are not uncommon in today’s classrooms and in the hands of students. But companies targeting “typical” students sometimes forget an important subset that benefits greatly from access to mobile devices–young learners, especially those in pre-kindergarten and kindergarten.
While schools often make headlines for tablet initiatives involving grades 3-12, young learners do not always have the same access to tablets. Laptops and desktops can be hard for young students to navigate using a mouse, a touch pad, and dealing with large keyboards.
Children are usually familiar with tablets’ touch-screen technology early in their lives, and a growing group of companies and education leaders are creating tablets targeted toward early childhood education in an effort to engage them and form solid base skills that will carry them through elementary school and beyond.…Read More