Emerging Technologies In Preschool Education an overview of educational technology available to early childhood students

Computer Software Programs There are many software programs that have been developed to target early childhood development. Listed below are some popular options: Sesame Street First Steps Jump Start Preschool Programs Adventure Workshop Reader Rabbit

Web Sites for Preschool Kids Below are websites geared for development in the early years and kindergarten readiness: Kiddyhouse.com Starfall.com Everythingpreschool.com Apples4theteacher.com Funschool.kaboose.com Sproutonline.com

Tag Reading Systems The Tag Reading System by LeapFrog is an optical pen that can read to children aloud from specially designed story books. The children are able to follow the words on the page and the pen will read to them. You can also touch the pictures within the book and it will label the pictures. This is an excellent tool for emerging reading skills.

BeeBots Bee Bots are a programmable robot for preschool children. Children learn pre-math skills such as sequencing, estimation, problem-solving, graphing skills and number awareness. Bee Bots come in a variety of color and are made with a sturdy, child-friendly design

Leapsters A handheld educational video game for early childhood aged children Games can be purchased to target specific ages of children from preschool through age 8 Children can practice school-readiness skills and hand-eye coordination as they play

LeapPad Learning Books LeapPad Learning books teach fundamental reading skills to young children in a way that keeps the child’s interest. LeapPad books teach vocabulary, music, math, science, and reading skills. Use of magic pen that follows along in the story.

Ipod Touch Ipod touch can be loaded with preschool learning applications. Many preschool applications are free at the iTunes store Applications are available for reading, vocabulary, math, science, visual motor coordination, and more. Can be used with children as young as two years old with adult supervision.

Flip Camcorders The ease of use of the Flip Camcorder makes this video-making technology perfect for children in the early childhood years. The one push button allows children to control video footage. Flip Camcorders allow classrooms to make videos within their curriculum.

Digital Cameras The uses of a digital camera in an early childhood classroom are endless. Cameras can be used to make real-life sequencing cards, puzzles, and flash cards. Cameras can build self-concept by utilizing classroom children in families throughout the classroom. Digital cameras can document a child’s experiences and development through pictures of art, drawings, block building, and social interactions. The use of digital cameras in an early childhood classroom is only limited by the teacher’s amount of creativity.

eBooks Recently, eBooks have been marketed to gear towards young children. Some manufactures of children’s eBooks include TumbleBooks, RippleReader, Vtech, and Apple (iPod and iPad). eBooks are available through websites, or through eBook readers that are similar to a Kindle (adult eBook reader).

Presentation presented by: Cecelia Courter Emerging Technology Overview of technology available in early childhood Dr. Pownell October 11, 2010