Evaluating Technology for Early Learners

Why and How to EvaluateTechnology for Early Learners

September 22, 2011

Stick Around for Your Chance to Win!

Early Learning Technology | www.HatchEarlyLearning.com #hatchinars | Copyright 2011 Hatch Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Also find out how to receive yourTechnology Evaluation Toolkit!


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Jenne Parks, M.S.Early Learning Content

Specialist, Hatch

Today’s Speakers

Dale McManis, Ph.DDirector of Research

Hatch


Why & How toEvaluate Technology

for Early Learners

Let’s Get Started!

Presented by:Dr. Dale McManis & Jenne Parks

Early Learning Technology | www.HatchEarlyLearning.com #hatchexperts | Copyright 2011 Hatch Inc. All Rights Reserved.

• What is educational technology?

• What does the research say?• How do we integrate it into the

classroom?• How can we evaluate it?• What does a typical

technology- enriched day look like?

Road Map


What is Educational Technology?


From an Adult Expert

Educational technology is the study & ethical practice of facilitating learning & improving performance by creating, using & managing appropriate technological processes & resources.

Association for Educational Communications and Technology, 2008


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I like computers because they teach me so much and if I had a friend who didn’t have a computer, I would tell him the cat and cow story is my favorite because it is so funny! They go to another country with the cat on the cow!

Sebastian, 5 yearsMudpies Child Development Center Winston-Salem, NC

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From an Child Expert

Groups Making Guidelines


NAEYC Draft Position Statement“Technology in Early Childhood Programs”2011

What is developmentally appropriate practice for technology?

• Age & developmental status• Promote progress• Maintain interest


The question now is how can we best use technology for education?

The question is no longer should we have educational technology?

Outcomes-Based Research



Why has the Question Changed?• 30 years of Research• Positive Outcomes for

Early Learners

Cognitive Development

Foster et al., 1994; Muhlstein & Croft, 1986; Riding & Tite, 1985; Shapira, 1995


• Language

• Literacy

Cognitive Development

Bangert-Drowns, 1993; Holmes & Godlewski, 1995; Jones & Pellegrini, 1996; Moxley et al., 1997Brinkley & Watson, 1987 & 1988; Clements & Natasi, 1993; Wright, 1994


• Writing

• Math


Social-Emotional Development

• Encouragement• Cooperation• Collaboration

King & Alloway, 1992; Klinzing & Hall, 1985; Muller & Perlmutter, 1985; Rhee & Chavnagri, 1991

AdvancedSkills• Motivation• Higher-Order

Thinking• Meta-Cognition

Escobedo, 1992; Goodwin et al., 1986; Nastasi et al., 1990; Shade, 1994


Special Needs


• Social-Emotional• Fine Motor• Gross Motor• Communication• Cognition• Self-Help

Hutinger & Johanson, 2000

Where are we going?


• Teachers want them

• Concerned about lack of appropriate content

Interactive Whiteboards

Grunwald & PBS, 2009, 2011


• children spend more time engaged

Wood, 2001

Children spend more time engaged

Wood, 2001


Children collaborate more

Wood, 2001



School readiness improves

McManis et al., 2010

82% Ready to Read & 92% School Ready in Math

Mobile Technologies


• Children learn to use them quickly

• Encourages independence

ProjectLAMP, 2011


• Enhances mastery of concepts

• Explore more complex and abstract concepts

ProjectLAMP, 2011

How can

YOU integrate educational technology into the classroom?


Target the results you want



Make it about connectingwith the children

Integration is Essential

Educator Support

Sufficient Interaction Time

Sustained Staff Development


Sheingold & Hadley, 1990

Takes time to fully support children’s learning


Sustained Staff Development:Bringing It All Together

Mishra & Koehler, 2006; Haugland, 1998


Teacher Training =

1) Interactions2) Constructivist Ideas3) Scaffolding

Shute & Miksad, 1997


Increased

• What is educational technology?

• What does the research say?• How do we integrate it into the

classroom?• How can we evaluate it?• What does a typical

technology- enriched day look like?

Road Map


Selecting Appropriate Educational Technology


• Goals• Technology• Content

Clements & Sarama, 2003

Learning Goals


• Approaches to Learning

• Cognitive• Social-Emotional

Interactive Technology


WhiteboardsDesktops

Multi-touch Tables

Mobile Devices

Is this content…


• Worthwhile?• Appropriate?• Relevant?

Educational Value• Focus• Standards• Feedback



Age-Appropriate• Subject Matter• Skill Level• Interest & Appeal• Free of Bias


Child Friendly• Clear & Simple

Choices

• Opportunities for Success

• Independent Learning

Captures Engagement• Variety• Rewards• Graphics• Audio


Assessment & Progress Monitoring



AdditionalFeatures• Customization• Create Activities

Integration into the Classroom


A Day in the Life…


A Look at the Lesson Plan

1) Vocabulary & Phonological Awareness

2) Counting & Patterning3) Living & Non-Living4) Leadership &

Cooperation


This Week’s Goals:

One Day,EndlessChances forIntegration• Arrival• Transitions• Circle Time• Learning

Centers



FlexibilityTo MeetIndividual& GroupNeeds• Differing Group

Sizes• Variance of

Skills & Goals• Capture &

Keep

For your viewing pleasure…


Closing Thought

Just spending money on computers without a plan will have a low probability of increasing achievement…


Clements & Sarama, 2003

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#hatchinars | Copyright 2011 Hatch Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Jenne Parks, M.S.Early Learning Content

Specialist, Hatch

Speaker Contact Information

Dale McManis, Ph.D.Director of Research

Hatch

Early Learning Technology | www.HatchEarlyLearning.com

[email protected] [email protected]


Interactive Technology & Learning Activities

Brought to you by The Early Learning Experts


Touchscreen Solutions+ Research-Based Activities

= Better Student Results

RECENT STUDY of Hatch TeachSmart Learning System:

82% “ready to read” & 92% “school ready” in math

http://www.hatchearlychildhood.com/webinars


Research-Based Claims–Can You Trust What Businesses Say?

NEXT SESSION: October 6th @ 2PM EST

Dr. Kyle Snow Director of the Center for Applied Research

NAEYC

Supporting Early Learners with TechnologyOctober 13th @ 2PM EST

Susan Gunnewig Director of Product Development, Hatch

5 Big Ideas for The Future of Early ChildhoodOctober 25th @ 2PM EST

David Kirp Author of “KIDS FIRST”

How “Screen Time” Impacts Toddlers & PreschoolersNovember 15th @ 2PM EST

Lisa Guernsey Director of the Early Education Initiativeat New America Foundation

#hatchinars | Copyright 2011 Hatch Inc. All Rights Reserved.Early Learning Technology | www.HatchEarlyLearning.com

And the Winner Is…


You will receive your Technology Evaluation Toolkit & eBook from Hatch by email in the next week!