{"title":"Digitizing Inquiry-Based Science in Early Elementary Grades","authors":"Anne E. Karabon, Chelsi Janicek","doi":"10.4018/978-1-7998-6888-0.ch015","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-7998-6888-0.ch015","url":null,"abstract":"Education was disrupted this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Similar to societal shifts, teachers were nimble to quickly adapt to a distanced or remote context by recreating traditional curriculum as virtual content. By leveraging digital technology to transform learning experiences, early childhood educators may see beneficial results in how children and families embrace science inquiry in a virtual context. This chapter describes how digitized inquiry activities can be developed by early childhood teachers (PreK-3rd grade) in response to teaching and learning in a distance and remote learning context, with an in-depth description of a 3rd grade teachers' experience. The authors, in a scholarly conversational manner, discuss what was learned in the process of creating the virtual science instructional videos and provide ideas for others to engage in the creation of high-quality virtual learning experiences for young children.","PeriodicalId":266919,"journal":{"name":"Handbook of Research on Empowering Early Childhood Educators With Technology","volume":"76 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1900-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"128615163","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Technology Integration in the Early Elementary Classroom","authors":"S. Vogt, Sara A. Westerlin","doi":"10.4018/978-1-7998-6888-0.ch003","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-7998-6888-0.ch003","url":null,"abstract":"This chapter highlights technology integration, particularly its growing popularity in early elementary circles in the United States. Issues and solutions are explored regarding how early elementary (PK-3) teachers can integrate technology into the classroom setting. Topics focus on professional development (PD) in the technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK) and substitution augmentation modification redefinition (SAMR) frameworks. Proper technology integration discussions include content areas like mathematics, literacy, and social-emotional learning. Further research is needed to fully understand effective technology integration in early elementary settings, especially in public school systems in the U.S.","PeriodicalId":266919,"journal":{"name":"Handbook of Research on Empowering Early Childhood Educators With Technology","volume":"706 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1900-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"121994967","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Empowering Early Childhood Teachers for Program Completion Through the Integration of Technology","authors":"Dawn L. Mollenkopf, M. Gaskill","doi":"10.4018/978-1-7998-6888-0.ch010","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-7998-6888-0.ch010","url":null,"abstract":"Political and social pressures, influenced by research on the importance of early learning experiences, are putting pressure on the early childhood workforce to go back to school to complete required certification or degrees. Online programs are effective solutions when they include a multi-layered system of supports. This chapter showcases how one university has built and maintained an early childhood program that allows fully online and face-to-face delivery options for completing bachelor's degrees or certification. Lessons learned will help other early childhood teacher education programs know how to (1) build the technological infrastructure behind successful online programs to ensure student persistence and completion; (2) provide instructor and course supports for successful online course completion, including field-based courses and student teaching; and (3) incorporate student supports that enable early childhood teachers to utilize technology successfully to complete their program. Adjustments and technological supports during the COVID-19 pandemic will also be addressed.","PeriodicalId":266919,"journal":{"name":"Handbook of Research on Empowering Early Childhood Educators With Technology","volume":"66 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1900-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"115812616","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Tracey S. Hodges, Carol A. Donovan, Julianne Coleman
{"title":"Using Technology to Teach Foundational Writing Skills in Early Elementary Grades","authors":"Tracey S. Hodges, Carol A. Donovan, Julianne Coleman","doi":"10.4018/978-1-7998-6888-0.ch017","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-7998-6888-0.ch017","url":null,"abstract":"Many children leave elementary school without either skills or enthusiasm for writing, which may have negative impacts on their future academic achievement and lifelong learning. Due to the sudden impacts of COVID-19, virtual instruction, and inequities in resources, new challenges for writing instruction have emerged, which require educators to develop novel, technologically enhanced strategies for developing young writers' skills. In the present chapter, the authors provide (1) an in-depth review of the developmental trajectories of writing from birth through third-grade; (2) discuss how models of technology pedagogy, including TPACK and SAMR, may be integrated with emergent writing skills; and (3) provide strategies and resources related to technology to empower early childhood and early elementary teachers with effective writing instructional practices and digital tools. Early childhood educators may become empowered with suggestions and guidance for integrating technology with early literacy development.","PeriodicalId":266919,"journal":{"name":"Handbook of Research on Empowering Early Childhood Educators With Technology","volume":"9 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1900-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"117201777","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Lynn C. Hartle, Diane W. Bales, Katherine Gardner, Kelsey MacLeod, Megan DeFluri, Sydney Ehinger
{"title":"Early Childhood Teacher Professional Development on Technologies for Young Children","authors":"Lynn C. Hartle, Diane W. Bales, Katherine Gardner, Kelsey MacLeod, Megan DeFluri, Sydney Ehinger","doi":"10.4018/978-1-7998-6888-0.ch006","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-7998-6888-0.ch006","url":null,"abstract":"Early childhood (EC) teachers need ongoing professional development (PD) to use information and communications technology (ICT) intentionally with young children. This chapter bridges the existing literature on PD best practices with additional interview data from EC teachers and higher education faculty. Three frames of influence on EC teachers' uses of ICT are discussed: personal – beliefs and comfort with technology; institutional – mandated curriculum, affordances of equipment, and ongoing personalized support; and societal – pervasive reliance on technology and influence on young children's future careers. The chapter concludes with PD recommendations for ICT that is content- and pedagogy-focused, based on research and policy, provides options for PD types and timing with follow up supports, and includes EC teachers in shared decision making for appropriate ICT practices in their classrooms.","PeriodicalId":266919,"journal":{"name":"Handbook of Research on Empowering Early Childhood Educators With Technology","volume":"20 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1900-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"126922896","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Application of Playful Robotics to Advance Cognitive Development and Meaningful Learning Among Early Learners","authors":"M. Meadows, B. Rodney","doi":"10.4018/978-1-7998-6888-0.ch014","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-7998-6888-0.ch014","url":null,"abstract":"Purposeful use of interactive media and technologies like robots are effective tools to support learning and development for young learners. Computer-based microworlds promote student agency and can enhance technology learning in early learners. Robotics is an established way to foster cognitive engagement and hands-on exploration that leads to learning. Playful robotics engages computational thinking and problem solving through the application of programmable robots and manipulatives. In this chapter, the authors explore the cognitive implications of playful robotics with kindergarten students. Social and emotional skills are also considered with respect to the value placed on peer collaboration. The study described in this chapter contributes to the understanding of how young children learn computational thinking and subject-area integration with robotics via play and exploration.","PeriodicalId":266919,"journal":{"name":"Handbook of Research on Empowering Early Childhood Educators With Technology","volume":"13 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1900-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"126409923","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}