Technology

Developmentally appropriate technology can help young children grow and learn, especially when families and early educators play an active role. Most research on children's media usage shows that children learn more from content when parents or early educators watch and interact with children—encouraging them to make real-world connections to what they are viewing both while and afterward. Early learners can use technology to explore new worlds, make-believe, and engage in fun and challenging activities.

When appropriately used by early learners with guidance and modeling by adults, technology can complement or extend learning in ways not easily achieved otherwise. For example, technology can directly introduce children to cultures and places outside their community. Although children may have access to print resources from libraries, technology can increase the amount of reference information immediately available to them.

Additionally, technology should be culturally responsive, creating learning environments conducive to learning for all students, no matter their ethnic, cultural, or linguistic background.