This resource list contains a
collection of resource materials to support Australian preschool teachers in
selecting and using information and communication technologies (ICT) in the
classroom.
The resources included have been selected because they are current and immediately applicable to Australian preschool classrooms. They include theoretical and practical information, multi-media material, case studies and research papers. The resources have been sorted into the following topics:
The resources included have been selected because they are current and immediately applicable to Australian preschool classrooms. They include theoretical and practical information, multi-media material, case studies and research papers. The resources have been sorted into the following topics:
- Real life examples of ICT in the classroom
- Selecting ICT resources
- Using ICT
- Software resources
- Current research
Australian preschool teachers, teaching
children one or two years before their first year of primary schooling, work
within the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) for Australia. The EYLF
outcomes 4 and 5 make specific reference to children’s access to and use of
technology, however many of the other outcomes, such as “children learn to
interact in relation to others with care, empathy and respect” can be supported
through the use of information and communication technologies within the
classroom.
In addition, many preschool
teachers are mindful of the opportunity to be conscious of the standards
contained within the National Curriculum as they relate to technologies in
Foundation – year 2.
Most of these resources are available in full text online and some are collected on this Pinterest board.
Real life examples of ICT in the classroom
Mrs Davison's Kindergarten blog
shows ICT being embedded in a kindergarten classroom and contains videos and photos
as well as narrative.
Hint: Use the menu options at the
top of the page to see the use of specific technologies such as iPads or interactive whiteboards (IWB).
A Preschool Teacher's Story is
a beautifully illustrated recount of introducing tablets to a preschool
classroom. The focus is on intentional technology in the classroom.
iDocument: How smartphones and tablets are changing documentation in preschool and primary classrooms.
This article documents the
impact of introducing smartphones and other tablets into the classroom to
record then interpret classroom activities. The effects of documenting
children’s experiences in the classroom on their learning are discussed and
there are plenty of handy hints.
Selecting ICT resources
Digital decisions: Choosing the right technology tools for early childhood education is a hands-on guide for how and why to introduce technology into
the preschool classroom. This guide contains real life examples of different technologies in the classroom and covers a wide range of topics from selection of technologies to continuing professional
development.
Hint: The ePub version may be
available free from your local library.
Using ICT in the early years: parents and practitioners in partnership is a very short guide, adapted to
the Australian environment, to using ICT
with young children in a classroom setting. Covers a variety of technology
options available including digital cameras, robotics and whiteboards.
The Fred Rogers Centre have produced a checklist to help educators assess the value of technological tools
in the classroom.
Hint: The Fred Rogers Centre position statement on technology and interactive media can provide valuable background to the checklist.
Hint: The Fred Rogers Centre position statement on technology and interactive media can provide valuable background to the checklist.
A downloadable checklist from Hatch for consideration before installing
tablets in the classroom. Aimed at making you buy Hatch, the points are still
all worth thinking about!
Computer trouble shooting for students and teachers. A handy resource for troubleshooting technology in the classroom.
Hint: The helpful links on the right hand side of
each page really are helpful!
Using ICT
This video, produced by Eastern
Connecticut State University, discusses preschoolers using ICT to bridge the
gap from concrete to abstract learning, and how classroom teachers can support
them.
Here's how a great integrated ICT system in the classroom can support learning
and reporting. This is a commercial system but the possibilities are worth
enjoying.
This blog, written by a teacher
and technology enthusiast, has tutorials, software and hardware reviews, links
to further ICT training, and examples of ICT in classrooms.
Software Resources
Aussie Educator has put together a collection of online teaching
resources with the ability to restrict the resources to Australian web sites
only.
A downloadable checklist for consideration before installing
tablets in the classroom. Aimed at making you buy Hatch, the points are still
all worth thinking about!
Commonsense Media have a reputation for sensible unbiased reviews.
This is their list of the top reviewed preschool apps.
Topmarks provides links to free UK interactive whiteboard resources.
Preschool resources are only available in the maths and literacy subjects.
This is a large collection of free interactive whiteboard
resources. Be mindful of the USAmerican spelling.
Current Research
The EdITLib is a digital
library containing thousands of articles and abstracts relating to education and information
technology.
ICT in the preschool classroom
makes differentiation of learning options possible to cater for the wide spread
of abilities across preschool students, discouraging a pattern of
underachievement in gifted pupils.
Young Children's Engagement With E-Books at School. Does Device Matter?
Different ICT devices effect
early literacy outcomes. Considerations when selecting preschool classroom
devices include listening options, size, mobility, and haptic perception.
Couse, L. J., & Chen, D. W.(2010). A Tablet Computer for Young Children? Exploring Its Viability for EarlyChildhood Education. Journal OfResearch On Technology In Education (International Society For Technology InEducation), 43(1), 75.
In this study, tablet computers with a stylus are used enthusiastically by young children and are compared with pen and paper to allow children to draw more sophisticated self-portraits.
In this study, tablet computers with a stylus are used enthusiastically by young children and are compared with pen and paper to allow children to draw more sophisticated self-portraits.
A case study indicating that using photobooks to create an early childhood identity can encourage young children to identify themselves as scientists. Contains photos and an extensive literature review.
This research, utilising detailed case studies with over fifty preschool aged children and their families conducted over a year, looks at some common myths relating to young children and technology.
A research project across eight
preschool settings in Scotland identifies the specific guided interaction
styles that best support ICT based learning in the preschool age group.
There isn't a lot of Australian
research into the use of tablets for young children, but what there is suggests
tablet technologies aren't inherently harmful. Note: This is not a peer-reviewed journal article.
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