Introduction

Retrieved from source: http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/experts-warn-schools-to-brace-for-next-generation-of-tech-savvy-children/story-e6frf7kx-1226448337277

As stated in the title of this blog i have chosen to explore the political issue of technology in early childhood education. I am personally interested in this as technology is becoming an increasingly huge part of everyday life for not only adults but also for our children. It has been introduced to tertiary, secondary, primary schools and now is being introduced to early childcare settings.

I was raised without technology until my early teenage years and am therefore naturally curious as to how technology can be used effectively within early childcare settings. I work in an early child care Center where there is still no technology available for children to use, therefore I have very little knowledge about this issue. I recently spent some time in a Center that had tablets and cell phones and computers that the children used everyday, and this fuelled my interest. 

I am left wondering how much is appropriate in early childcare settings? Is it beneficial for children's learning and development? How is it being introduced and used within settings? What guidelines are being put in place by the Ministry of  Education and educators? Is there any research to support the use of technology for young children? Is early childhood too young to be exposed to ICT technology?

This blog will explore the issue of ICT Technology in early childhood education and seeks to answer the above questions. This blog will discuss the pedagogical implications of technology in early childcare settings and will explore both sides of how technology can benefit or disadvantage children in early childcare settings.