Flickr/ Tech and Young Children: U.S. Dept. of Ed Elevates Need for Guidance and PD
Now that digital technologies—and touch-screen tablets in particular—are finding their way into preschool and kindergarten classrooms, educators are faced with multiple questions about if, how, and when it is best to introduce them to young children. On September 3rd, the U.S. Department of Education brought together nearly 60 people from across the early childhood field to think through what would be of most help. At least three needs became apparent throughout the day: Educators and parents need succinct, research-based messages about what works best. Teachers and leaders need professional development on how to skillfully integrate technology into their teaching. And the app marketplace needs markers of quality informed by the science of child development. The roundtable strategy session, hosted by the Office of Early Learning and the Office of Educational Technology, drew in experts from across the country, including developmental scientists, family engagement specialists, education school faculty, public media leaders, and philanthropic foundations. It opened with remarks from U.S. Secretary...Read More >
Why We Wrote “Tap, Click, Read”
This book is not about championing technology, nor is it about avoiding it. We envision a future that is human-powered first and tech-assisted second. We see it as a "third way," an approach driven by the urgent need for all children and parents to have access to the same 21st-century literacy opportunities already at the fingertips of today’s affluent families.
Articles from the Seeding Reading Series (2014-15)
More than 20 articles on how technology intersects with early literacy, published in 2014-15 as part of a blog series by New America & JGCC.
Image by Bloomua / Shutterstock.comA New Framework to Identify Educational Apps
A new framework on identifying educational apps uses lessons from the science of Learning.
Integrating Technology in Early Literacy (InTEL) MapA Map in Progress: Integrating Technology in Early Literacy
New America and the Joan Ganz Cooney Center at Sesame Workshop have launched an interactive map showing innovations in early literacy and parent engagement across the country.
Parent Voices: Doubts, Then Excitement on Texts to Promote Literacy
At first, Chicago parent Alexiss Evans wasn’t convinced that texts are a good way to receive parenting information. Participating in the program changed her mind.
Q-and-A with Alexis Lauricella on Parenting Texts and Early Literacy
A Q-and-A with Alexis Lauricella about a study of a text-messaging program called Parent University, administered in partnership with Chicago’s Ounce of Prevention Fund. In this post, Barbara Ray interviews Lauricella to glean insights into what worked
Summer Learning: Meeting Children Where They Are
Numerous organizations and educators are developing affordable tools that have the potential to combat summer learning loss in nontraditional ways.
Introduction to Our Research and Writing Project
Today’s children are surrounded by digital media of all kinds. How will they ever learn to read?