Technology and Digital Media in the Early Years

A Co-Publication of Routledge and NAEYCTechnology and Digital Media in the Early Years offers early childhood teacher educators, professional development providers, and early childhood educators in pre-service, in-service, and continuing education settings a thought-provoking guide to effective, appropriate, and intentional use of technology with young children. This book provides strategies, theoretical frameworks, links to research evidence, descriptions of best practice, and resources to develop essential digital literacy knowledge, skills and experiences for early childhood educators in the digital age.Technology and Digital Media in the Early Years puts educators right at the intersections of child development, early learning, developmentally appropriate practice, early childhood teaching practices, children’s media research, teacher education, and professional development practices. The book is based on current research, promising programs and practices, and a set of best practices for teaching with technology in early childhood education that are based on the NAEYC/FRC Position Statement on Technology and Interactive Media and the Fred Rogers Center Framework for Quality in Children’s Digital Media. Pedagogical principles, classroom practices, and teaching strategies are presented in a practical, straightforward way informed by child development theory, developmentally appropriate practice, and research on effective, appropriate, and intentional use of technology in early childhood settings. A companion website (http://teccenter.erikson.edu/tech-in-the-early-years/) provides additional resources and links to further illustrate principles and best practices for teaching and learning in the digital age.

"This well researched book certainly provides much food for thought for early years educators, and it challenges us all to reflect, question and research the possibilities technology and digital media bring to children’s learning and how they impact on their development." – Barbara Isaacs, Montessori International "Technology and Digital Media in the Early Years is a treasure; the content is grounded in learning theory and covers a wide range of technologies and educational practices. An added benefit is the incredible supply of digital and print resources. This book should be required reading for parents, teachers, media developers, and policy makers who are responsible for the next generation’s education." - Barbara T. Bowman, Irving B. Harris Professor of Child Development, Erikson Institute, USA"At last, a comprehensive, intelligent resource for teachers, teacher educators, and the field in general that discusses both the here and now and the potential of technology and digital media in early childhood education. While offering a snapshot of the ever-changing digital world of devices, software, and websites, Donohue and colleagues have, more importantly, gifted the field with a structured, multidimensional framework that is the clearest path to date for professional decision-making about technology and digital media choices that enhance learning for young children. There are no boogeymen in the closet snatching childhood from the young. It is possible for every child to have access when teachers are supported in their application of developmentally appropriate practices to yet another dynamic educational tool." - Jerlean E. Daniel, Early Childhood Consultant (NAEYC Executive Director from 2010 to 2013)

Chip Donohue, Ph.D., is Dean of Distance Learning and Continuing Education, and Director, TEC Center, Erikson Institute, USA.