Technology

Using Media-based tools to observe & assess
Using media-based technology can make collecting, documenting, and sharing observation evidence much easier.  By incorporating technology into regular routines, teachers can authentically capture children’s experiences in the moment. This type of documentation can be replayed to look for specific information.
Although there are many advantages to using technology to observe, there are also a few disadvantages to be aware of:

• It can be time consuming to add anecdotal observations and electronic documentation.
• Use of technology requires ample storage space/memory.
• Technology requires a financial investment (laptop, other devices, and systems).
• Teachers often use their personal mobile phones (which engenders concerns over confidentiality and privacy when using photos, audio, or videos).

The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Educational Technology issued four guiding principles for use of technology with early learners:

• Guiding Principle #1: Technology—when used appropriately—can be a tool for learning.
• Guiding Principle #2: Technology should be used to increase access to learning opportunities for all children.
• Guiding Principle #3: Technology may be used to strengthen relationships among parents, families, early educators, and young children.
• Guiding Principle #4: Technology is more effective for learning when adults and peers interact or co-view with young children.

Two documents in particular influenced the development of the Department’s guiding principles: Uses of Technology to Support Early Childhood Practice and the 2016 National Education Technology Plan (NETP).  I encourage you to research these documents to read more.

How to Collect Data

• Use a camera, laptop, tablet, or smartphone to record observations and voices and to take pictures.
• Ask a child to dictate a story, and you can type it up on a computer or record it with an audio recorder.
• Scan or copy children’s work, such as drawings or writing, to create a visual timeline that shows a child’s skill development over time.
•  Use email or a parent communication app to post work samples.
• Use voice-to-text software to document important discussions. For example, children can explain how they created their piece of art. Take pictures of three-dimensional work—for example, woodworking projects, block towers, sandcastles, and culinary creations.
• Film dramatic plays and musical performances that the children produce. 
• Use a video camera to document how children are progressing with their milestones in each of the domains. For example, look at play to track social-emotional development; watch children outside to track physical development; observe how children approach science or math projects to track cognitive development.1

How to Organize & Share Data

Observation information is usually stored on a computer with each child having their own digital portfolio or file folder. For every child, you should include photos of them, photos of their work samples, and any recordings or video clips that you may have collected.
Data from your smartphones can easily be uploaded to a computer or transferred to other devices. Some schools may use a purchased program for assessment while some teachers may use an app to organize observation evidence. Here are a few more ideas on how you can organize, and use stored electronic observation evidence:

• Photos can be scanned, printed, and posted.
• Make a photo slideshow for family nights or as a screen saver.
• Send families regular updates, anecdotes, or photos.
• Children can watch a video montage of themselves doing a themed project or performance.
• Children can look at “old” photos, work samples, or videos to monitor their own progress and can make comments regarding their work, their thought process, and their developmental outcomes.2