Learning Objectives

• Identify benefits of using technology with children ages 3-5.
• Create media-rich environments that help children become accustomed to and proficient with various types of media.
• Find community resources to aid in the intentional use of technology for teaching and learning.

It Takes a Village

There is some debate about the true origins of this saying. It is widely believed to be an ancient African proverb, "It takes a village to raise a child." Whether or not that is true, most people in many cultures will agree that the best way to help a child grow, develop, and learn is through a variety of mediums supported by a collaboration of caring adults. 

In the 21st Century, children have their own schedules, are increasingly more independent due to mobile technology, and can find the answer to almost any question in just a few minutes. However, the safety and health of children in the 21st Century still rely on the support of a caring and knowledgeable network of adults - parents, family members, teachers, business owners, policy makers, medical providers, librarians, and neighbors who live and work within a community. The use of media in a century where we hold the very answers in the palms of our hands can be precarious without preparation and training. There are traps, lures, and obstacles that children cannot and will not recognize. They are still children. The term digital native is a misnomer in many ways for our early learners. Many can tap a screen, push play or pause, or search for information. Without guidance and support from their knowledgeable network of adults, children may not be successful, safe, or better off from having done so. 

Learning to use media and technology in safe and smart ways is important for early learners for many reasons. Here are a few:

• Developing foundational cognitive skills, including problem solving and literacy and numeracy
• Developing social and emotional skills, including empathy and awareness of others
• Developing media and information literacy, including awareness of fact and fiction and bias

At an early age, learners need to understand that social media is a network of people with feelings and thoughts. They should be aware of the presence of false information on the internet - in videos, websites, and sharing sites. Early learners can begin to determine what website is better than another based on criteria and using evaluation. The beginnings of their education of the world around them should include media, but communities can and should participate in the ways that children interact with that content.

Networking Your Village

There are guides and templates available to help communities as they begin to support early learners in their use of technology. The Joan Ganz Cooney Center and New America created an action agenda for city and community leaders titled How to Bring Early Learning and Family Engagement into the Digital Age.

Use this guide to create your own plan for your community. 

Tap Click Read also has a condensed plan for states and communities. Use this as a guide or supplement to your community support for the use of technology in early learners. 

Family engagement is key for community engagement. Use the resources from the Ohio Statewide Family Engagement Center to help build your community network.

Reflecting on Your Learning

1. What is a community to you? Is it your town, school district, or neighborhood? Based on where you live, who should be included in the dicsussoin about early learners and technology? What are the needs in your community for technology use?
2. Make a list of all the places in your community where technology/media is used or supports the work done there. Share the list with someone else and compare your findings. What skills should humans have to use that technology/media? How can your community help children with these skills?