Integrating Technology in Preschool Science and Inquiry

Abstract

Technology has brought about considerable changes in our private, social and professional lives, as well as in our culture and values. Therefore, educational frameworks should make an effort to become more relevant for young students and prepare them for the future in all aspects of career and life, with a focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). This chapter will discuss the opportunities and challenges of integrating technology into preschool classrooms (3-6 years of age). It attempts to determine the essence of judicious, proportionate, and beneficial integration of technology in preschool, with a particular focus on science and inquiry. Consideration is given to maintaining the children's creativity, their joy of play, their concrete and sensory exploration, their unmediated observation of their environment, their social interactions, and their safety. Examples of actual practices from preschool classrooms are presented followed by recommendations for successful technology integration in preschool curriculum.

The Curriculum and Community Environmental Restoration Science (STEM + Computer Science) Project – Attaining a STEM Mindset Through Improved Technological Ability

“…Students' understanding of subject content can be increased with the use of technology (U.S. Department of Education, 2017). Inquiry-based learning involves making predictions, investigating, evaluating, and developing explanations (Spektor-Levy, et al, 2017). A web-based platform can be used to support student inquiry and provide a means for practice investigation and explanations of phenomena while developing an understanding of instructional technology.…”

A Product of the Instructional Design Process Developed According to the Seels and Glasgow Model: Interactive Hologram-Supported Material Set

“…In additio n, technology is important for the improvement of children's social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development (Clements and Sarama, 2003;Plowman and McPake, 2013;Plowman and Stephen, 2003;Yelland, 2011) as well as enriching their educational processes (Blackwell et al, 2014;NAEYC, 2012). Hence, considering the potential benefits of using technology correctly, it is indispensable to integrate technology into the preschool curriculum (NAEYC, 2012;Plowman and Stephen, 2007;Spektor-Levy, Plutov, Israeli and Perry, 2017).…”