Article Link: http://stage.exchangepress.com/article/teaching-with-technology/5023740/
Bridging Research and Practice
The Bridging Research and Practice feature in each issue includes an article on an aspect of early childhood research plus links to the original published research with a companion article full of practical strategies for how to implement the research in your practice.
We encourage you to nominate research for review by the Research Advisory Team by email: [email protected]
To learn more about the Advisory Team, visit www.ChildCareExchange.com/research
Teaching with Technology?
Examining Whether, How, and for Whom Technology Can Enhance Early Learning
by Heather L. Kirkorian
The use of technology (e.g. digital games, touchscreen apps) in early child care and education settings is a complex and controversial topic with wide-ranging opinions from early adopters and skeptics alike. On the one hand, technology can empower children to explore new ideas, test hypotheses, and curate their own learning experiences. On the other hand, many parents and educators are concerned about technology's displacement of traditionally valuable experiences (e.g. outdoor play and social interactions) and overstimulation. To complicate matters further, research on the impact of technology on early learning and development is only beginning to emerge, and few (if any) purportedly 'educational' digital games and apps are empirically grounded and tested. As a result, teachers are faced with literally thousands ...