A Guide to Developing the ICT Curriculum for Early Childhood Education

This is a book about ICT (Information and Computer Technology) in its broadest sense. The authors show how ICT can contribute to children’s learning; how it can be integrated into a play based curriculum and how it relates to key areas of learning such as collaboration, communication, exploration and socio-dramatic play. The text provides an introduction to the ICT requirements in the UK Foundation Stage Curriculum Guidance, and it also discusses in detail the international relevance and implications of ICT for young children.
The book provides a critical account of the ‘digital divide’ and suggests practical strategies for all the individuals and institutions who are working towards the achievement of social justice. It offers concrete guidance for the development of center based practice, and on curriculum integration and the selection of developmentally appropriate educational software. It also explores ergonomic issues, as revealed by research: how should children sit at the computer, for how long and what are the risks?
Emphasis is placed on the processes of policy development and the realization of change and there is guidance on the use of development plans and evaluation tools. Using the example of the practice and policy development of one model Early Excellence Centre, the authors map the development of good practice in staff development, children’s learning and their use of ICT, and in working with parents. A wealth of information and resources are provided.
The book draws on two major European research projects that generated rich examples of good practice: curriculum guidance materials developed as part of the EU funded Developmentally Appropriate Technology in Early Childhood (DATEC) project and the authors’ evaluation of the IBM KidSmart initiative.
The book will be essential to all those working in elementary education and to teacher educators and policy and curriculum developers in primary schools.