Tablets In Early Childhood

The Effective Uses of Tablet Computers in the Early Childhood

Classroom
Melissa Wolfrey
University of Maryland University College

Tablets In Early Childhood

Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to explore how tablets can be used
effectively in an early childhood setting. With the rapid advancement of
technology and tablet computers becoming more popular in education,
specifically the early childhood classroom, it is important to know how these
devices can be used in an effective manner. Any form of technology should
be used with a purpose in education. After doing research the author found
that tablets can be effectively used in an early childhood classroom for
assisting teachers in building early literacy skills, providing students with
opportunities to learn early social skills, allowing students to use different
forms of multimedia to engage them as well as reinforce problem solving and
fine motor skills and lastly giving teachers a more efficient means of
documentation. Although there are many different ways that tablet
computers can be used effectively in the early childhood classroom it is
important to remember that the devices should not be substitutes for
traditional learning and that all concepts should be introduced first. Tablets
should be used to supplement and reinforce what is already being taught in
the classroom in order to be used to their full potential.

Tablets In Early Childhood

Introduction
Tablet computers are becoming increasingly popular in classrooms
across the world. According to Blackwell (2013), 4.5 million iPads were being
used in schools across the country in 2013. This number does not reflect
other types of tablets that are on the market and there has most likely been
an increase in the use of these devices since this data was taken, therefore it
is evident that tablet computers are being utilized more in classrooms.
Tablet computers can be used for various purposes across all grade levels
however this paper will focus on the effective uses of these devices in the
early childhood classroom. Tablets are a great tool to utilize with early
learners because touchscreen devices are easier for them to use. In a study
done by Blackwell (2013) on iPad use with early learners many teachers
found that many students had difficulty manipulating a mouse on a
traditional computer but were effortlessly able to navigate the touchscreen
on the iPads. Furthermore, research has shown that tablet computers can
assist early childhood students learning. Geist (2014) states Tablets can
offer young children valuable, authentic learning experiences that
supplement traditional developmentally appropriate practices (p. 59).
When using tablets with early learners, it is essential that educators know
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Tablets In Early Childhood

how to use them effectively. Tablet computers can be effectively used in the
early childhood classroom to reinforce early literacy skills, allow students to
learn early social skills, give students the opportunity to use various forms of
multimedia to enhance problem solving and fine motor skills as well as
engage them and provide teachers with more efficient means of
documenting student progress.
Early Literacy Skills
Tablets are effectively used to reinforce early literacy skills in the early
childhood education classroom. Authors Northrop & Killeen (2013) state
The rapid adoption of iPads and other tablets devices by schools creates a
new opportunity to use the technology in early literacy skill development (p.
531). Another author, Hernandez (2014) declares identifying and
manipulating letter sounds, learning phonics and completing other word
work will naturally drift to tablets (p. 95). However as Northrop and Killeen
(2013) also note it is vital when using these apps to make sure they are
used to enhance curricular integration and support identified learning goals
and is not simply used for technical integration or as an instructional add-on
(Harris & Hofer, 2009; Hutchinson et al., 2012) (p. 532). In order to
guarantee that the literacy apps are being used appropriately and not just as
an addition, educators should follow specific steps outlined by Northrop &
Killeen (2013) when teaching the literacy skill. The teacher should first teach
the skill before introducing the app. As noted by Northrop & Killeen

Tablets In Early Childhood

(2013),Apps provide plenty of time for practicing literacy concepts, but

should not be substitutes for directly teaching concepts (p. 533). After
teaching the concept and ascertaining that students have a good
understanding of the concept the app can then be introduced and modeled
by the teacher. Students should then participate in directed practice with
the teacher and then move on to using the app independently (Northrop &
Killeen, 2013). By following these steps, educators should be able to
effectively use the early literacy apps to help reinforce the reading skills that
they have been learning in class.
Tablet computers can also be used to help build early literacy skills by
providing students and teachers access to e-readers and interactive story
books. While it is always important for students to be exposed to traditional
story books, utilizing e-readers can give students a more enriching story
experience because they often include multimodal features such as sounds,
animations, videos and narrations (Schugar, Smith & Schugar, 2013, p.
615). The combination of these e-reader traits can actually help to promote
early reading skills such as language, literacy and comprehension (Roskos
& Burstein, 2012, p. 29). A study done by Roskos & Burstein (2012) on the
effectiveness of e-readers in an early childhood classroom shows that
teachers should use e-readers in a similar way to traditional books by
incorporating strategies that engage children before, during and after
reading and that support essential literacy skills (p. 38). The study also
found that teachers should adapt their instruction to capitalize on the
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Tablets In Early Childhood

unique media qualities of ebooks (e.g. music; illustrations; animations; hot

spots) (Roskos & Burstein, 2012, p. 46). It is important for educators to take
advantage of the multimedia features as a learning tool when using ereaders because that is what makes them stand out from traditional books
and enhance students comprehension and other literacy skills. The
multimedia features give students the ability to use sound and animations
to help them determine the meaning of the word (Schugar et al., 2013, p.
619). Another great benefit of utilizing tablets to access e-books is that
students and teachers have easy access to many books that are all stored in
one place (Schugar et al., 2013, p. 619). Using tablet computers to access ereaders can help reinforce early literacy when introduced appropriately by
the teacher.
Another way that tablet computers can be used to reinforce early
literacy skills is through the use of drawing apps and programs. Drawing is a
common and important activity in the early childhood classroom. According
to Couse & Chen (2010), Drawing and painting, precursors to formal writing,
are representational forms of communication (p. 77). Utilizing drawing apps
on a tablet computer can give students a different, yet effective method of
drawing. Also, it has been found that when young students use technology
to create drawings they are more engaged and motivated (Couse & Chen,
2010). Furthermore, Couse & Chen (2010) state, Trepanier-Street, Hong
and Bauer (2001) reported that childrens self -portrait drawings were
sometimes more detailed than and had a higher level of representation when
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Tablets In Early Childhood

constructed on the computer (p. 77). A study done by Couse & Chen (2010)
on 41 students introduced to a drawing app on a tablet computer found that
most of the students were able to easily learn how to use the app, draw a
self-portrait on their own by the second session and liked using the tablet to
draw better than traditional methods. Tablet computers can be effectively
used as drawing tools for early childhood students. They should not replace
traditional methods, but should be offered as another tool for the students to
draw. It is evident that tablet computers can provide students with
reinforcement of early literacy skills by offering apps that assist in phonics
practice, e-books that allow students an interactive approach to picture
books and drawing apps that give students a different method of drawing.
Social Skills
Tablet computers not only assist in reinforcing early literacy skills but
they can also be used to allow students to learn essential social skills. Social
skills are an important part of any early childhood curriculum. During this
time, it is important for students to learn skills such as cooperation and
collaboration. Providing early learners with opportunities to cooperate and
collaborate can be a hard task but these are important skills that all students
need to learn and should be introduced as early as possible. Tablet
computers can provide early childhood students with the opportunity to both
cooperate and collaborate when creating artwork. Shifflet, Toledo and
Mattoon (2012) state Children who use computers more frequently and at a

Tablets In Early Childhood

more proficient level demonstrated more social skill gains and fewer problem
behaviors in kindergarten (p. 38). In the article by Shifflet et al. (2012) an
experienced early childhood educator describes her students social
encounters when using tablet computers. The teacher found that the
students began using the tablets cooperatively almost immediately and she
discovered that the children rarely used the touch tablets in isolation
(Shifflet et al., 2012, p. 38). Not only did the students use the tablet
computers to work cooperatively but they also used them to collaborate
together. Shiflett et al. (2012) state In traditional art centers, children rarely
work on one piece of art together- each child walks away with his or her own
piece of art. With the touch tablet, the children fed off of one anothers
suggestions and created art together (p. 38). Getting early childhood
students to cooperate and work together is an important as well as difficult
task however tablet computers can easily assist in providing students with
these essential social skills that they will use for the rest of their lives.
Learning through Multimedia
Not only do tablet computers promote early literacy and social skills in
young learners, but they also give students access to multiple forms of
multimedia, including educational game and video apps, that can help to
promote problem solving skills, provide students with fine motor skill
development and engage students in learning. Computer games have been
used in classrooms for years and have evolved from CD-ROMs, to online

Tablets In Early Childhood

games and now to the numerous apps that are being offered on tablet
computers. According to Blackwell (2013) more than 72% of the educational
apps that are offered for iPads by Apple are aimed toward early childhood
students. Educational game apps are usually used to reinforce concepts that
have already been taught in class, such as number and letter recognition,
counting, patterning, as well as other math concepts. In fact, Lieberman,
Bates & Jiyeon (2009) mention that studies have shown that using electronic
media to reinforce math concepts may have benefits over traditional handson methods. Many educators are finding that the educational apps that are
being offered are actually benefitting the students learning. Geist (2012)
describes a study done on app use with early learners by Chiong & Schuler
(2010). Geist (2012) states that, the researchers found evidence that the
children were learning while playing the apps on a mobile device. Using
Martha Speaks application by PBS KIDS, the study found that 3 year olds
made the most gain on the other age group (17%) on vocabulary and word
usage (p. 29). While it is important to use game apps that correlate with
concepts that are being taught, these apps are also giving students practice
with problem solving. Ryokai, Farzin, Kaltman & Niemeyer (2013) state
computer game play can enhance spatial reasoning skills in children and
that such skills can extend to the real world (p. 157). Furthermore, the
study done by Geist (2012) on tablet use with preschoolers found that
educational game apps helped to improve the students problem solving
skills. Geist (2012) states The iPad devices enhance the preschool teachers
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Tablets In Early Childhood

and children ability to conduct investigative projects in classrooms with 2

year olds in ways that would not be possible without the devices or with
traditional computers (p. 32). This evidence shows that game apps can
help build problem solving skills in early learners.
Utilizing game apps in the early childhood classroom can also provide
students with essential fine motor skill development. It is very important
that students develop their fine motor skills at an early age so that they are
able to write as they get older. Students have to use their hands and fingers
to move objects across the screen, touch moving objects, use different tools
to draw, etc. According to a study done by Lee & Wei (2013) one of the
advantages of iPad use with early learners was It helps children to practice
and develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination (p. 16). Getting
extra fine motor practice through the use of game apps on tablet computers
is definitely an added bonus for early childhood students.
Another form of multimedia that students have access to on tablet
computers is video. Educational videos are tools that many teachers use in
the classroom. Videos can be especially convenient to use with early
learners who cannot yet read and the sound and animation engage many
young children. In his study on preschooler use and iPads, Geist (2012)
found that The experience of watching the video on the iPad is different
from watching as a group on a large screen TV or even on a computer
because of the control the children have over the experience (p. 32).

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Tablets In Early Childhood

Students using the tablet computers to view educational videos were given
the opportunity to watch the videos that interested them. This in itself can
help to engage early learners. It is apparent that using multimedia, such as
game and video apps, on tablet computers can help to promote problem
solving skills, provide opportunities for fine motor development and engage
students in what they are learning.
Teacher Documentation
Tablet computers are not only useful for reinforcing student learning in
the early childhood classroom but they are also effective in providing
teachers with easy and convenient methods to document student work.
Documentation of student work is an important aspect of early childhood and
is needed for many reasons. Teachers use documentation to assess student
progress and meet the perceived needs of individual children (Lindgren,
2012, p. 329). Documentation is also crucial in that it emphasizes the
importance of ensuring childrens participation, making sure that each child
is seen and heard in every day practice at each preschool (Lindgren, 2012,
p. 329). Traditional methods of documentation that are used by teachers in
early childhood classrooms include portfolios of student work; photographs of
students working, playing and interacting; and written observations of things
students say and do in the class on a day to day basis. Documentation can
take up quite a bit of a teachers time, however the use of tablets can help to
make the documentation process a lot more efficient.

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Tablets In Early Childhood

Tablet computers provide teachers with many different types of

technology that allow them to effectively document student work and
progress without taking up the time traditional methods would. According to
Parnell & Bartlett (2012) Teachers can use smart phones and tablets every
day to take photos, record video and audio, and make notes, then integrate
them into daily blogs and online portfolios that parents can access (p. 51).
The technology that tablets contain, allow teachers to instantly upload
photos and videos as well as post these documents for parents to see on the
same day. This gives parents the opportunity to discuss with their students
what they learned in class that day, which is a really big advantage with
young students. Furthermore the blog can also serve as a daily or weekly
form of communication that allows parents, students and teachers to interact
with each other (Parnell & Bartlett, 2012). Educators can also take
photographs of student work and create online portfolios, which is a much
easier and convenient approach than creating traditional portfolios. Parnell
& Bartlett (2012) declare Mobile devices and the documentation that they
enable have the potential to change the way we assess students of all ages
(p. 56). Tablet computers provide teachers with a simple and immediate way
to record student work; take pictures and videos; as well as store everything
in one place. Therefore, tablet computers can offer educators innovative
options for student documentation in early childhood.
Conclusion

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Tablets In Early Childhood

It is apparent that there are many ways that tablet computers can be
effectively used in the early childhood classroom. Tablet computers offer a
variety of options that allow for learning. Chou & Lee (2012) state With the
touchable PC and internet-based iPad learning and exercise, childrens
learning are substantially changing because of the multiple and various kinds
of education content, the broadening teaching methods and skills, the
elevation of education quality, and the efficiency for teaching and learning
for different age learners (p. 296). It is true that tablet computers can be a
great educational tool but they must be used appropriately. Tablets can be
used effectively to supplement early literacy through the use of apps that
help students with phonics skills as well as through interactive e-books.
Social concepts such as cooperation and collaboration can also be learned
through the use of tablet devices. Studies have shown that young students
are more willing and able to work together when they are using a tablet. The
various forms of multimedia apps such as educational games and videos that
tablets offer promote problem solving and fine motor skills as well as engage
students in learning. When using these types of programs, however, it is
important that the teacher continue to teach concepts using traditional
methods before introducing tablet computers. It is also essential that the
students understand the concepts as well as know how to use the programs.
Tablet computers should not be used as a substitute for teaching but should
be used to reinforce what is being taught. Using the tablets in this way will
effectively reinforce early literacy, social, problem solving and fine motor
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Tablets In Early Childhood

skills. Finally, tablet computers can effectively be used by teachers to

document student work. Documentation is a crucial part of early childhood
assessment and tablets can make documentation a much more convenient
and less time consuming alternative to traditional methods.

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