This document discusses research on using instructional technology in early childhood education. It notes that technology can supplement human interactions by supporting development in social/emotional, language, physical, cognitive, and learning approach areas. While very young children may not benefit, developmentally appropriate technologies integrated into the classroom curriculum can provide valuable learning experiences for students. Examples discussed include the Stellarium program for viewing celestial objects and the National Library of Virtual Manipulatives website for practicing math concepts through virtual manipulatives across various grade levels.

1. Amy Hiatt
IP&T 287, Section 4
Week 11

2. Research Findings about
Instructional Technology
 “Technology in Early Childhood Education: Finding
the Balance”
 There are 5 essential Areas of Development
 Social and Emotional
 Language
 Physical and Motor
 Cognitive/General Knowledge
 Approaches toward Learning

3. Technology and Child Development
 While technology cannot replace human interactions,
it can be a wonderful supplemental tool, providing
opportunities for development in all 5 areas
 Developmentally appropriate technologies used in
such a manner that the child benefits in some way
 Very young children probably would not benefit- too
hard for them
 Computers can and should be integrated into the
classroom curriculum and will provide students with
valuable learning experiences

4. Stellarium
 Good for letting students view the sky (day or night) at
any given time and place. Students who live within city
limits who normally can't see the stars very well will
especially benefit from using this resource.
 Teachers can use this to help students track the moon’s
phases or the changes that occur over time in the night
sky as the Earth revolves around the Sun.

6. National Library of Virtual
Manipulatives
 http://nlvm.usu.edu/en/nav/category_g_1_t_1.
html
This website provides virtual manipulatives that all
ages can use to practice and experience math concepts
like addition, multiplication, and even up to 12th grade
level math. It includes such topics as basic
calculations, algebra, geometry, measurements, and
data analysis and probability.
 Teachers can use this to give students extra practice
with concepts discussed in class, especially those who
need more concrete experiences.