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Young Children and Families in the Information Age pp 43–60Cite as

Technology-based Literacies for Young Children: Digital Literacy through Learning to Code

Part of the Educating the Young Child book series (EDYC,volume 10)

Abstract

Most research on literacies afforded by new technologies focuses primarily on older children and adolescents. However, developmentally-appropriate technologies exist for young children, and some technologies designed for older children may be used with a younger age group through adapted learning expectations and curricular supports. This chapter focuses on an area of technology education traditionally seen as academically advanced—learning to code—and describes how learning to code in early childhood can provide a pathway for young children to express themselves creatively as well as gain problem-solving and critical thinking skills through using technological tools added to existing classroom curricula. Innovative technologies used with age-appropriate curricula can teach children about the digital elements of our world along with skills that are beneficial beyond the computer screen.

Keywords

  • Early childhood
  • Computer programming
  • Digital literacy
  • Literacy
  • Storytelling
  • Technology
  • Learning to code

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA

    Elizabeth R. Kazakoff

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  1. Elizabeth R. Kazakoff
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Correspondence to Elizabeth R. Kazakoff .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Indiana, Pennsylvania, USA

    Kelly L. Heider

  2. Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Indiana, Pennsylvania, USA

    Mary Renck Jalongo

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Kazakoff, E. (2015). Technology-based Literacies for Young Children: Digital Literacy through Learning to Code. In: Heider, K., Renck Jalongo, M. (eds) Young Children and Families in the Information Age. Educating the Young Child, vol 10. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-9184-7_3

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