TECHNOLOGIES IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
TECHNOLOGIES IN FACILITATING CREATIVITY
Since early childhood education encourages creativity through technology, it is vital to have some technological means in the educational atmosphere. Digital tools and interactive platforms allow children to explore new ideas and express themselves with innovative and interactive means while engaging in problem-solving. Methodologies offered by technology allow personalized learning. This personalized learning can allow a child to set his own learning path, enjoying the use of different ways of expression, such as digital art, storytelling, or music composition. Given that early exposure to technology develops the expertise required to navigate and create in a digital world, it also fosters critical thinking, cooperation, and creativity (Mayesky, 2015).
CREATIVITY THEORIES AND PERSPECTIVES IN TECHNOLOGIES
Vygotsky theorized socio-cultural context of Child Development which emphasizes importance on social interaction and collaborative activities enhanced through technology. Conversely, Piaget theorized that learning occurs with hands-on experience, thereby corroborating the same function of technology. Gardner's multiple intelligence theory basically espouses the fact that different learning styles are catered for through technology, thereby enhancing creativity and cognitive development through interactive digital tools applied in early childhood education (Stonehouse, 2012).
RESOURCES, MATERIALS, AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES
Other uses of digital tools such as interactive whiteboards, tablets or even applications for storytelling, drawing or music have become some of the innovative ways teachers can engage students creatively. Similarly, sites providing digital art or offering coding games and virtual tours also cater to the engagement process. The programming of simple toys, websites, and educational videos encourage problem-solving and creative thinking while providing a balanced learning approach both digitally and through hands-on experience (Australian Government Department of Education [AGDE], 2022).
LEARNING EXPERIENCES IN TECHNOLOGIES FOR DIFFERENT AGE GROUPS
0-2 Years: Touchscreen Exploration with Simple Apps
Learning Opportunity: At the age 0-2, infants can interact with illuminated, sound and shape rich, colorful apps on touchscreens. These applications open pathways to the basic concepts such as shapes, colors, or even animals while enhancing the child's exposure and cognitive building. Materials for the Exercise: Tablet computers implementing interactive applications for infants (Mayesky, 2015).
2-3 Years: Digital Storytelling with Interactive Books
Learning Opportunity: Interactive digital storytelling apps for toddlers encourage tapping and playing with characters and scenes in stories that can develop their own language and discover sound effects, actions of characters, and story selection in the toddler's exploration of creativity (Boyd, & Cutch, 2015). Required material: Tablets or e-readers to be installed with these interactive storybooks or apps.
3-5 Years: Coding with Simple Robots
Learning Opportunity: Children aged 3-5 can now be introduced to basic coding when they use easy programmable robots or interactive toys. To be able to program a robot to go, children build logical thinking and problem-solving abilities while creatively experimenting with its movement. To enjoy: simple coding toys or robots, like Bee-Bots or Code-a-pillar (Stonehouse, 2012).
6-8 Years: Creating Digital Art or Music
Learning Opportunity: Mature children can indulge in digital art or music creation using applications that help children learn. It is all about encouraging children to play with design, color, patterns and sound to develop their creativity, enhancing creativity as well as skills with digital media. Materials: Tablets or computers with applications for digital art or music creation (e.g. Tux Paint, GarageBand).
CRITICALLY REFLECTING ON MY CREATIVE TEACHING CHARACTERISTICS
Due to my technology and creativity, I could incorporate digital tools into the curriculum, encouraging innovative thinking among very young children. I work toward establishing engaging learning experiences that foster exploration and self-expression through digital art, digital music, and digital storytelling. By being adaptable to the needs of my students, I will inspire their creativity and problem-solving skills, while providing a base for digital literacy and stimulating their imaginative capabilities through meaningful technology integration (Harrison, & McCormack, 2019).
