How to use digital technology creatively in early learning

How to use digital technology creatively in early learning

We approached with caution when introducing digital technology into our early childhood learning programmes.

We were concerned that our children may already be over exposed to digital technology and that adding more to our early childhood spaces might not enhance the learning programme. As we undertook an action research project with Presbyterian Ladies’ College, our view shifted, and we recognised the opportunity for children to use digital technology as a form of creative expression rather than passive consumption. Through Project Pink – a project that aims to develop the digital pedagogy and policy within our early year programmes – we saw the potential to embrace digital technology as one of our children’s many languages.

In Kindergarten, we explored ways to empower children to tell their own stories through iPads. We set about honouring an image of a strong, capable and empowered child, handing over an unlocked iPad and tripod stand to three- and four-year-olds. Throughout the year, we joyously supported the children in their journey to explore and create with timelapse videos, ChatterPix Kids, iMotion, mTiny and Draw and Tell apps. We empowered them to capture their own learning journey through their lens and not the educator’s lens.

Left to right: Joseph Edwards, Stewart Palassis, Zachary Lee exploring the mTiny coding robot with Mrs Olivia Harnwell in Kindergarten, 2021, photograph: Susie Blatchford; Chase Young (Pre-Primary)

When creating, children were charged with the responsibility of starting and stopping the timelapse video. It was a beautiful celebration of the process. A moment in time, captured by each child to showcase their thinking, their pencil grip and the way they meticulously added each stroke or dot with a pen when mark making. When using an iPad as a documentation tool, we discovered that our youngest learners are far more capable of leading learning experiences and capturing their own learning journey than we ever thought possible. We can proudly say that our image of strong, capable and empowered children is truly visible in our classroom.

“We discovered that our youngest learners are far more capable of leading learning experiences than we ever thought possible.”

In Pre-Primary, we began our iPad learning with how to take a photograph. Together we developed an understanding of consent and the importance of asking before taking a photo. Children explored form and perspective and how to define a subject clearly. Together we investigated how the iPad functions and how to use the home button to return to a safe and familiar page when navigating apps and the internet. The class quickly became skilled at independently using two creative apps, Keynote and Draw and Tell.

Throughout the year, we progressed to more complex creative apps such as iMovie and Do Ink using green screen technology. We created learning spaces where children could play and explore technology with their friends and call on adult support when needed. Using these apps, our Pre-Primary children could represent their ideas and learning with growing independence. It was such a pleasure to see control of the iPad move from the adult to the child’s hands and, as a result, to witness children develop agency over their learning.

Mrs Racquel Cumming and Mrs Olivia Harnwell

Kindergarten and Pre-Primary Teachers