Technology in Early Childhood Education

Early childhood centres has been transformed by technology in recent years. It is another change to curriculum and is widely accepted as providing exciting opportunities to 21st century teaching and learning. ICT is now a reality and “no institution whether private or public will be immune from technological change,” (Gibbons, 2006, p.8).

Contemporary government policies in Aoteroa New Zealand support children being adequately prepared from an early age, for the technological society that we live in (Gibbons, 2006). One such project by Comet (City of Manukau Education Trust) donated a Smart Centre, Computer, to our pre-school. The project aimed to develop ICT plans to foster the use of technology as beneficial learning tools in children’s learning and development.

The children at our centre are so excited and are making the most of the Young Explorer Programme. They look forward to their fun, yet educational session with the computer. Children develop their confidence in using the computer, interacting with technology while playing and learning. The “Young Explorer” incorporates maths, reading, science, language, arts and creativity. The children are confident in using the mouse and are developing a higher level of thinking and problem solving skills by attempting the different programmes available. We have been exploring maths in Millie’s Math House and alphabets in Bailey’s Book House. Te Whariki states “Equipment should be provided for scientific, mathematical and technological learning.” (Ministry of Education, 1996, p.83).