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Conference Program


Technology Use in Early Childhood Special Education: Teaching The Swipe Generation Archived
Presented by: Beth Poss
Date & Time: Tuesday, May 2, 2017 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM ET
Tuesday, May 2, 2017 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM ET

Technology is omnipresent in the life of young children in the 21st century. Children from all walks of life are growing up with digital tools such as smartphones, tablets, computers and gaming systems and often are experts at navigating these tools well before entering kindergarten. While without a doubt assistive technology is a necessary tool to provide access for many young children with disabilities, the use of technology as a teaching tool for young children needs to be balanced with the need for young children to play and learn through interactions with peers and adults in natural settings. This session, targeted at early childhood educators and parents of young children, examines the current research on the use of technology for children birth to 8 years, including recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics and The NAEYC, and will discuss the implications of technology, including assistive technology, as an early learning tool for young children with disabilities. The session will provide the opportunity to explore developmentally appropriate apps and other technology resources that support the growth of language, play, literacy and early math skills, including assistive technology tools for access and communication. We will identify what a Universally Designed for Learning (UDL) early childhood setting looks like and the role that technology, as well as other tools and resources, has in this setting. Finally we will discuss when and how to include technology in IFSP outcomes and IEP goals and objectives.

By the end of this training session, participants will be able to:

  1. Cite examples of current research on the use of technology for children birth to 8 years
  2. Differentiate the implications of Assistive Technology for young children with disabilities versus the use of technology as an early learning tools
  3. Identify developmentally appropriate apps and other technology resources that support the growth of language, play, literacy and early math skills, including assistive technology tools for access and communication
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