Updated Jan 2019

Using ICT in early childhood education

• Analysis: computers benefit children (October 2010) by John Siraj-Blatchford in Nursery World
• Technology in early childhood education: tools and languages blog by Debi Keyte-Hartland, January 2016

The other side: a toxic childhood

• Why is an iPad like a cooker? (And why do all parents need to know the answer?) (February 2016) Sue Palmer, Internet Matters
• Toxic childhood (2015) by Sue Palmer
• Toxic Childhood - How The Modern World Is Damaging Our Children And What We Can Do About It video by Sue Palmer (2009)

Justifications for using technology in early childhood education

• Aesthetics of the digital landscapes: emergent lands of digital transformation blog by Debi Kayte-Hartland, December 2014
• Analysis: computers benefit children John Siraj Blatchford in Nursery World, October 2010

Useful links and materials for using ipads, tablets and apps with young children and in EYFS

• Tots, meet tablets - how to make effective use of ipads in early years Teachwire
• iPad apps for early years: a few ideas to get you started (March 2012) Enabling Environments website
• Recommended apps Enabling Environments website
• Technology and play: exploring play and creativity in preschoolers' use of apps
• How technology is changing childhood (December 2013) Telegraph 
• More than ICT (2015) EE publication
• Toddlers and tablets: ten first steps CBeebies website
• Study finds iPads benefit children's learning (May 2017) Nursery World
• Research papers about iPads and early years (references not links)

Research papers about ICT in early years

These have been found using the Chartered College of Teaching Research Database. For full access to these papers you need to be a member of the CCoT. This is free to students and further details to join can be found on their website. Once you are a member (as we are), you will be sent a personal log in to access all academic papers free of charge. I find this resource invaluable in the work we do. 

Here are the titles of papers that you can access with your membership. If you put them in your search you will be able to access them. 

• The complexity of teaching internet inquiry with iPads in the early years by Julianne Lynch, Deakin University
• iPads as a Literacy Teaching Tool in Early Childhood by Beth Beschorner and Amy Hutchison, Drake University, Iowa State University

Safety

• Child online safety: addressing top parental concerns Internet Matters

Safety advice 

• limit ipad and screen time in classrooms and settings
• teach constructive and safe use of iCT
• use ICT as a tool IF it is the BEST and most effective way for children to learn that specific concept or experience
• try to restrict or limit
• balance with majority of time physically active and in relationship with others
• celebrate and promote first hand experiential experiences in the real world not virtual world
• ensure that you are NOT using ICT or screens as a distraction or a time filler
• teach about the dangers of ICT and online worlds and how to keep yourself safe

More useful links to support technology in EYFS

Understanding the world ICT from Lancashire grid for learning