Information and Communication Technologies

(ICT) in Early Education

Why ?

• ICT is part of a child’s life in the 21st century – early years education should reflect this

• ICT can enhance learning in imaginative ways – it is fun

• ICT can be used to deliver many aspects of curriculum in an integrated way

This is their world

• find out about and identify the uses of technology in their everyday lives

• use computers to support their learning

• use programmable toys to support their learning

From the National Early Learning Goals

From the National Early Learning Goals (from EYFS framework 2012)

Understandingthe World: • Technology: children recognise that a range of

technology is used in places such as homes and schools.  They select and use technology for particular purposes.

The ICT curriculum should have three separate

strands 1. To develop an ‘emergent

technological literacy’ and children’s understanding of the uses of ICT

2. To develop children’s practical capability with the tools that ICT offers

3. To integrate ICT fully into a range of teaching topics

What does ICT offer ?

Appropriate ICT can engage children in purposeful and exploratory play. It can encourage :

Discussion Creativity Problem solving Risk taking Flexible thinking

Factors to consider

• ICT does not have to be computer-based in the early years

• More effective practice is achieved if all staff are involved and so professional development is important

Emergent ICTEducation:...just as advocates of emergent literacy have encouraged ‘mark making’ as a natural prelude to writing, so we encourage children to apply ICT tools for their own purposes in their play as a natural prelude to formal Information and communications technology education in the school.

Guidance for Appropriate Technology Education in Early Childhood

Identifying good ICT practice:

•Applications should be educational•Encouraging collaboration• Integration and play through ICT•The child should be in control•Applications should be transparent and intuitive•Applications should not contain violence or stereotyping•Awareness of health and safety issues•Educational involvement of parents