How Technology Continues to Support Creative Preschool Teachers
Posted On January 24,2023
Quality early childhood education programs include a mix of hands-on and traditional learning experiences that promote cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development under a skilled teacher who holds a degree in early childhood education (ECE). In a technologically advanced world, incorporating technology into the preschool classroom is a powerful tool for enhancing children’s interest in learning and developing foundational skills in several areas.
Technology and Young Learners
Technology and interactive media can promote effective learning and development when used intentionally by early childhood educators within the developmentally appropriate practice guidelines to support the teaching established for each child.
The trick is to pay attention to the quality of media exposure and quantity. The proper use of technology in early childhood education focuses on enriching content that teaches vital skills and concepts and enhances creativity rather than providing mindless entertainment.
Benefits of Technology in Early Childhood Education
Technology can enhance cognitive and social learning by supporting creativity, play, and exploration.
- Teachers can purposely use technology as they do other learning materials, like blocks, art supplies, toys, books, and writing instruments.
- Technology allows children to record, save, revisit, and share what they learn from their daily lessons.
- Digital media can introduce concepts that may not be available in person, like historical events, people, geography, or extinct animals.
- Technology can promote the academic development of children with special needs.
How to Incorporate Technology in the ECE Classroom
There are many creative ways for teachers to incorporate technology into a structured preschool curriculum, including:
Develop Digital Literacy
Help your students take a picture and make a short video, and then post it to a classroom blog.
Explore Their Environment
Your preschoolers can go on an iPad scavenger hunt, using their iPad to take photos as they check items off their list.
Some examples include:
- Children playing leapfrog
- Children smelling flowers
- Children with their left foot in a circle
- Children jumping with their feet off the ground
Learn About Animals
Encourage children to learn about animals by watching educational videos that are developmentally appropriate for their age level. There are so many interactive apps and educational programs to utilize in preschool classrooms.
Teach Letters and Numbers
Several apps and software can help young children with early literacy and math concepts. Examples include ones focusing on letter recognition, letter sounds, counting, sorting, and grouping.
Promote Active Play
Promote active play in your ECE classroom by using software that encourages students’ movement as part of the game. For example, there are games and software programs that require children to sing, dance, and move to achieve specific goals while learning an essential lesson. With the right technology, students can learn as they play. This can be extremely helpful with a classroom full of short attention spans.
Want to Learn More?
Are you thinking of becoming an early childhood educator? Athena Career Academy can help. You can earn a degree in early childhood education, and learn how to educate, encourage, use positive guidance, and inspire. Young teachers fluent in current technology are highly desirable in educating the next generation of early learners. Don’t miss out on your chance to make a difference. Contact Athena Career Academy to learn more about how to get started on your journey to a rewarding and fulfilling career in early childhood education.
