photo credit: Laurie Sullivan
With all of the conflicting studies on screen time limits and which apps are best for supplementing early learning, it’s hard for parents to disseminate the information coming at them from all angles. The Fred Rogers Center works to help nurture the relationship between children and media, and provides on their website some wonderful resources on how to build an app library that will benefit young players and enhance early learning.
Just yesterday the center’s site published a great post giving readers some wonderful examples of how three different apps enhanced early learning. The post’s author Susan Friedman cited a study from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) that looked at how teachers choose to use technology. The Fred Rogers Center and the NAEYC also released a joint position statement as a guideline for educators who want to introduce technology to kiddos under the age of 8.
Some highlights of the study and position statement:
- When used intentionally and appropriately, technology and interactive media are effective tools to support learning and development.
- Intentional use requires early childhood teachers and administrators to have information and resources regarding the nature of these tools and the implications of their use with children.
- Limitations on the use of technology and media are important.
- Special considerations must be given to the use of technology with infants and toddlers.
- Attention to digital citizenship and equitable access is essential.
- Ongoing research and professional development are needed.
Are you an educator? How do you decide when to use technology in a learning environment?
