The role, and use, of technology in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) has always been a topic of great discussion between Educators and Families.

Whilst the debate over screen time, role of wild play and the importance of balance in early childhood will continue on, we no longer live in a world where it’s practical to disregard or avoid the use of technology in ECEC. 

So, with this in mind, our team discuss why technology matters and how best to balance the inclusion of technology in ECEC whilst still honouring the magical period that is early childhood.

Why does technology in Early Childhood Education (ECEC) matter?

Over the last 12 months, due to COVID-19, the role of technology, and its importance has been brought to the forefront. This unprecedented event has changed the world and brought with it a new set of technological shifts that will be more powerful and more prevalent than any we have seen before.

As a result, we can no longer look at technology as simply watching an iPad screen. Online learning, digital classrooms and educational apps are now common place across the educational spectrum – with the last few years seeing us move into more tangible interfaces, such as robotics, STEM learning and coding.

“There are now a number of tools where children can create and design their own technologies or create new ways of interfacing with the technology,” says childhood education researcher at Charles Sturt University, specialising in technology, Dr Kate Highfield.

“Of course, the use of technology should always be integrated within a holistic learning experience’ she continues, ‘but in order to succeed in our digital information age, childcare professionals of today need access to technology that supports children’s individual learning goals and brings their daily program to life.”

So, what are the benefits of technology in early learning?

As a tool, the benefits of technology are far reaching when combined with an early learning curriculum focused on nurturing each child’s development physically, emotionally and socially.

We know this is a question that many Educators get asked frequently by Families, so our team have laid out the 5 top benefits of technology use in ECEC to help support these conversations.

Environmental exposure

Children are already being exposed to technological learning tools and as a result, it already has an effect on them and on the environment and people that surround them. These Information and Communication Tools, such as iPads, smart phones, digital whiteboards and the like, are becoming an ever-present component in their physical and social world so it’s imperative that they understand how to use and utilise them. 

By integrating the use of technology into their daily program in a fun and engaging way, it enables children to better understand the technological surroundings in their lives, how to use them and importantly also how to balance their use with outdoor and non-technological learning.

It aids School Readiness

Many Primary and Secondary curriculums are now supporting the integration of technological tools. In order to effectively transition to Primary School, children need to be able to successfully master the learning tools they will be required to use. It’s important that children understand and develop a notion of technology as a tool that is designed for a specific purpose.

Similarly, through the use of technology, Educators have access to more innovative and improved teaching methods that allow them to promote learning and create an active learning environment for children. Technology gives Educators the ability to design unique learning environments for children that are engaging and interactive. It allows teachers to bring new resources into the classroom and provides children with a much more cooperative experience by using apps or quizzes online.

It supports a well-rounded curriculum

When used as part of a holistic learning curriculum, and in the right environment, technology can enhance learning and play experiences. Digital whiteboards, researching using the internet, and specific innovative apps can support many opportunities for creative development, enhanced imaginative thinking, and importantly the development of language and literacy skills. For instance, using a digital tool (such as a word processor) to aid language allows children to easily edit and change their writing whilst developing their language and literacy skills.

“We’re not talking about overuse of the device; we’re talking about using it in balance. It’s the same as the idea of a healthy diet, where we just use a little bit of digital play, and a lot of physical play,” says Dr Kate Highfield.

It’s important to remember that children will be engaged in a future that is technologically heavy – in jobs that have yet to even be created, so it’s important to provide them will the skills to flourish in this environment.

It inspires collaboration

One of the many benefits that has and will continue to come with the use of technology in early childhood education is that of collaboration. This alone helps to build language with children in addition to developing their social skills.

It encourages connectedness and education

Children can collaborate on digital projects, research a topic on the internet together as part of a larger discussion or create new code using products such as Cubetto. Whilst some Families have concerns about children developing health issues from inactivity when it comes to technology use, Dr Donohue believes the uptake of technology is not to blame. “I would prefer to think about how we use these technological tools to encourage kids to go outside – to use an app that takes them out for a scavenger hunt around their neighbourhood to find things, and identify things and learn about things,” he said.

Technology also has the power to support Educator work processes, offer online learning and professional development opportunities, and provide the ability to connect and network with Families, staff and other professional peers. 

Childcare software and apps have enabled Families to be even more connected to their child’s learning and development on a daily basis through the sharing of photos and activity rationales. Families and Educators can easily collaborate on a child’s learning program and continue their education even when not in care. “Ultimately, childcare software isn’t just intended to make jobs easier, but to provide improved learning and development outcomes for children in care” says Mark Woodward – founder and chief executive of Xplor.

Technology in Early Childhood Education is here to stay

It’s clear that technology is here to stay so it’s time to look beyond the phrase ‘screen time’ and look at the content children are learning from on the device, what the context in which they’re using it is and whether they have the opportunity to interact with others.

We can all agree that the world we live in is a result of constant technological change, constant development and constant movement forward – when used correctly, technology can be a very powerful tool.

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