NAEYC posted, “Meaningful Technology Integration in Early Learning Environments” Beyond the Journal September 2008. In the “Interactive Whiteboard” section we find an introduction to this technology in the early childhood classroom. Recommendations for using digital technologies end the article. One recommendation, 2. The choice of technology deserves extra attention. “The choice of technology should be based on how well the tool serves classroom learning and teaching needs. Technology does not drive purposeful learning; teachers’ intentional instructional planning does.” As I was rereading this article again, the last two statements had great significance to me.

Interactive whiteboards are becoming a part of early childhood classrooms. This technology has been prevalent in K-12 for a number of years. I felt it was germane to bring to your attention some considerations if you are considering a purchase.

1. What is the installation, training, and warranty package?
2. Do shadows show on the screen because of the location of the LCD projector?
3. How durable is the board in an early childhood classroom? (sticky hands, crayon marks etc.)
4. What tools are allowed to support children who lack fine motor development? Some boards require use of a pen only.
5. How do you maintain and clean the board? Does it require special products?
6. Does the board have a research based activity bundle?
7. If teachers do not have access to the internet, how does the board support classroom learning?
8. How long does it a take teacher to create one child’s activity with and without the internet?

As you learned last week from the Sesame Street Workshop’s “Game Changer” investing in digital play to advance children’s learning and health digital technology is here to stay. Let’s be mindful of NAEYC’s guidance. To read the entire NAEYC article, go to www.naeyc.org and go to Beyond the Journal.To locate the Sesame Street Workshop report go to www.joanganzcooneycenter.org.