5 steps to better early childhood tech use

Closing the digital divide has been a constant challenge as technology tools and use become more prevalent in schools. Now, research shows that developing early technology skills can help close the digital divide. Though technology use has expanded in schools, students’ at-home technology and Internet access isn’t necessarily reliable. According to a RAND Corporation report, Using Early Childhood Education to Bridge the Digital Divide, this means that children from families without access to digital technology “have fewer opportunities to learn, explore, and communicate digitally, and fewer chances to develop the workforce skills they will need to succeed in later life.”

The report includes five questions that educators should ask when it comes to integrating technology in early education settings:

• What is the goal for information and communication technology in early childhood education?
• How do we define appropriate use of technology in early childhood education?
• Once defined, how do we support effective use through devices, connectivity, software, and other components of ICT infrastructure?
• How do we ensure that ECE providers are prepared to address the digital divide?
• What relationship should parents and families have to the integration of technology into early childhood education?