Digital Tools in Early Learning? What the Research Says About Instructional Practices

• In Event: AERA Poster Session 14
  In Poster Session: Technology and the Early Learner

Abstract

Although digital technologies are increasingly integrated into formal learning across grade levels, much of the research on instructional technology use has overlooked how early learning educators use digital technologies for instruction and the challenges they face in adopting developmentally-sensitive practices. To address this critical gap, this paper: (a) synthesizes existing research on the integration of digital technologies in early learning settings to illustrate current instructional strategies; (b) provides an analytical review of this literature to highlight salient themes that inform current understandings about learning and instruction; and (c) draws directions for future research in areas where systematic gaps impede an understanding of how to support early learning educators who want to use technology to support meaningful student learning.

Authors

• Alexia Raynal, Education Development Center, Inc.

• Heather Sherwood, Education Development Center, Inc.

• Lucy Nelson, Education Development Center