Discussing learning technologies in relation to young children often provokes a wide range of passionate responses, from sceptics to enthusiasts. This text explores the issues in a holistic, pedagogical and research-informed way. It helps professionals unpick the complex issues involved, understand the scope of available technology, examine the interplay between learning and specific technologies, and more broadly create a vision for a technology-enabled learning environment that is child-centred, playful, creative and interactive. Recurring case studies are analysed from a number of theoretical perspectives, and the approach deliberately goes beyond the scope of ‘understanding of the world’ to consider the contribution of technology-enhanced learning to a range of different contexts and subject areas. Throughout there are clear links to professional standards, the Early Years Foundation Stage and the characteristics of effective learning.

Discussing learning technologies in relation to young children often provokes a wide range of passionate responses, from sceptics to enthusiasts. This text explores the issues in a holistic, pedagogical and research-informed way. It helps professionals unpick the complex issues involved, understand the scope of available technology, examine the interplay between learning and specific technologies, and more broadly create a vision for a technology-enabled learning environment that is child-centred, playful, creative and interactive. Recurring case studies are analysed from a number of theoretical perspectives, and the approach deliberately goes beyond the scope of 'understanding of the world' to consider the contribution of technology-enhanced learning to a range of different contexts and subject areas. Throughout there are clear links to professional standards, the Early Years Foundation Stage and the characteristics of effective learning.

Discussing learning technologies in relation to young children often provokes a wide range of passionate responses, from sceptics to enthusiasts. This text explores the issues in a holistic, pedagogical and research-informed way. It helps professionals unpick the complex issues involved, understand the scope of available technology, examine the interplay between learning and specific technologies, and more broadly create a vision for a technology-enabled learning environment that is child-centred, playful, creative and interactive. Recurring case studies are analysed from a number of theoretical perspectives, and the approach deliberately goes beyond the scope of ‘understanding of the world’ to consider the contribution of technology-enhanced learning to a range of different contexts and subject areas. Throughout there are clear links to professional standards, the Early Years Foundation Stage and the characteristics of effective learning.

Young children are born into a digital world and it is not unusual to see preschool children intuitively swiping screens and confidently pressing buttons. There is much debate about the impact of the increased access to technology on young children’s health and wellbeing with claims that it damages their social skills and emotional development. This timely new textbook examines how developments in technology, particularly mobile and touch screen technology, have impacted on children’s lives and how when used appropriately it can support all aspects of their development. Clearly linking theory and research to everyday practice, the book offers guidance on: The role of technology in the early years curriculum Developing young children’s understanding of safe and responsible use of technology The role of the adult within digital play activities Using technology to enhance and develop young children’s creativity Technology and language acquisition Featuring a wide range of case studies and examples to show how the ideas described can be put into practice, this is essential reading for all early years students and practitioners that want to know how they can harness technology in a meaningful way to support young children’s learning and development.

iPads, mobile phones, tablets and many other digital devices feature in the lives of children from the moment they are born, but what is the place of these technologies in children’s early years and learning experiences? In the age of the ‘Techno-Tot’ this edited collection focuses on exploring the potential of what children can do with technologies, rather than what technologies can do for children. With chapters written by a range of international authors, this book: offers an evidence-based discussion of children’s experiences with technologies in early years education broadens our understanding of technologies in early years, beyond the typical focus on screen-based media details the child’s ‘story’ with technology offers a range of case studies from the UK, USA, Australia and Europe. Lorna Arnott will be discussing key ideas from Digital Technologies and Learning in the Early Years in the SAGE Early Years Masterclass, a free professional development experience hosted by Kathy Brodie.

Teaching Science and Technology in the Early Years (3-7) celebrates young children’s amazing capabilities as scientists, designers and technologists. Research-based yet practical and accessible, it demonstrates how scientific, designing and making activities are natural to young children, and have the potential for contributing to all aspects of their learning. By identifying the scientific and design-related concepts, skills and activities being developed, the book enables the reader to make more focused diagnostic observations of young children and plan for how they can help move them forward in their learning. This second edition has been thoroughly updated and features: Six new chapters providing practical advice and examples for enhancing scientific and technological learning through thematic approaches a new chapter focusing on the outdoor learning environment and how this can support science and technology new case studies of successful early years practice, alongside examples of practical planning for learning, and advice on documenting children’s learning stories, guidance on the role of talk, narrative, documentation and planning in relation to early years science and technology Based on the latest research and the first hand experience, this practical and accessible book is essential reading for early years and primary students on undergraduate and Masters level courses.

Inspired by the first-hand experiences of those studying early childhood education and care, this book supports students as they gain advanced knowledge and skills, and embark on the journey from inexperienced student to graduate professional. Bringing together advanced theory, links to research, and illustrative case studies, Advanced Work-based Practice in the Early Years enables students to consolidate learning by applying theory to practice and identifying the skills, knowledge and personal traits which will help them succeed as a graduate practitioner. Chapters address a wealth of topical issues relating to both the development of the child and the student’s own professional development. Areas of focus include ethical practice, safeguarding and child protection, the voice of the child, the role of the mentor, observation, assessment and the social and cultural factors which may impact on a child’s development. Including reflective activities, practical tips, and examples of student experience throughout, this is an essential text for all early years students as they make the transition from academic study to professional practice.