Technology and Language Development in ECE

Meaningful technology integration in early childhood education involves developing purposeful language preschool activities. In this section, I will discuss the role of technology in language

How does Technology play a role in Literacy Development?

Emergent literacy is one area of learning that the use of ICT can greatly enhance. In a digital society, the development of digital technologies has changed the nature of print-based literacy. This means that ICT can be integrated into teaching and learning to transform literacy development in early childhood education.

Digital play opportunities can strengthen everyday literacy teaching and learning in early childhood classrooms by promoting engagement with ideas in new and dynamic ways. However, for this to occur you as the early childhood teacher need to be aware of the potential of such environments as contexts for play.

How does Technology help with Language Development?

Technology and language learning in early childhood education is not the future, but the present in education. This is because communication and language are one of the prime areas of learning and development. The use of new digital technology in early childhood education has become the perfect complement to mastering or gaining a command of a language.

The vast range of digital resources has brought with it the benefits of technology in education. However, as an educator, it is important that you mine these ICT tools for early childhood education to support children’s language and literacy development, and to ensure that all children have access to digital as well as paper texts.

Did you notice I switched to ICT?

That is because ‘communication technology’ is the CT in ICT. It is “an umbrella term that includes any communication device or application, encompassing: radio, television, cellular phones, computer and network hardware and software, satellite systems and so on…” (Rouse, 2016, as cited in Savage and Barnett, 2017, p. 59). Thus, enabling experiences of a rich language environment across a range of situations.

As mentioned, there is a plethora of ICT tools for early childhood education, so what are the benefits of technology in education in relation to the following areas?

• Language acquisition
• Language acquisition (speaking and listening);
• Reading development;
• Mark-making development.

Language Acquisition

• Taped stories and headphones – the opportunity for children to listen in a quiet, intimate way. It is important that young children can play and explore digital technology in early childhood education as it gives them a sense of empowerment. By providing multilink headphones you are enabling them to work together.
• Digital recorders, microphones, talking photo albums – as above but more personalised. Also, they allow for careful listening without visual cues. Such devices enable them to practice giving instructions, expressing their ideas and feelings, and giving them the opportunity to listen back and critique their own language. In addition to this, when they record it allows them to erase and re-record if they feel dissatisfied with their first attempt.
• Walkie-talkies, two-way radios, mobile phones – children practice making themselves understood when not face to face. This encourages children to communicate with someone who they can’t see which is a skill many young children find challenging.
• Recordable binoculars – children can use descriptive language.
• Talking clipboard – combine mark-making and communication.
• Interactive Whiteboard – it brings topics into the setting that would only otherwise be accessible in book form. Young children are encouraged to use a range of communicative language skills and vocabulary, stimulating debate and verbal negotiation among the children.
• Videos – children can discuss and anticipate the action.
• Slideshows – The children can discuss/narrate the slideshow.
• PC/tablet computers and games – the children’s learning is supported by visual clues. Most PCs also support voice recognition is fantastic for those with visual impairment.

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