Technology in Early Years – More Than Just Screen Time
As a tech company in the early years sector, we often talk about the role of technology in nursery management. But this time, we want to explore its impact on early childhood education. Recently, I’ve seen many discussions on social media and early years platforms about screen time and its impact on children’s learning and development, particularly regarding fine motor skills in early childhood. Understandably, educators worry about implementing technology in their settings without relying on screens or overusing digital devices.
Our recent blog on Working Together to Support Children’s School Readiness highlighted this concern. The Kindred² survey found that 54% of teachers and 43% of parents identified excessive screen time as a key factor in children not being school-ready. These figures underline why the debate around technology in early years education is so important.
Rethinking technology in early years
When we talk about technology in early years education, the conversation often focuses on screen time on devices such as phones, tablets, and computers. As an adult, I know how distracting these devices can be, even when I’m trying to focus. But technology in early years settings is about much more than screens. It includes toys and tools like torches, instant recording devices, and push-button toys.
Toys with simple press-button mechanisms are often a child’s first introduction to technology. They help children grasp cause and effect—press a button, and something happens.
Technology in playful learning
When I worked in early years settings, I followed Birth to Five Matters, where Understanding the World: Technology was a key area of learning and development. At first, I focused heavily on tablets and interactive whiteboards, planning activities that felt repetitive and, honestly, a bit dull for the children. As a young apprentice, I was guilty of just ticking off technology milestones.
But when I noticed how disengaged the children were, I started to rethink how technology could create more engaging learning experiences. One of my favourite discoveries was torch play. A simple torch and a few objects opened up a world of learning. Children experimented with light and shadows, created hand puppets, and even used coloured tissue paper to see how light changed. These activities sparked their curiosity, leading to storytelling, creative play, and even science discussions about light and reflection.
Another fantastic tool was the digital camera. We made cameras available for children to use freely, allowing them to document their world through their own eyes. They quickly figured out how to use them, with gentle adult guidance through open-ended questions like, “What happens when you press this button?” or “How do you see the picture you just took?” This simple use of technology supported their language development, observation skills, and confidence in using tools independently.
Technology is here to stay
Children today are growing up in a technological world. Whether or not we introduce technology in early years settings, they will encounter it in their daily lives. That’s why it’s so important to introduce technology in a way that is playful, exploratory, and developmentally appropriate.
Screen time often gets a bad reputation for interfering with natural play. However, technology itself isn’t the issue, it’s how we use it. Poor learning outcomes often result from a lack of clear intent, weak implementation, and minimal impact. When used thoughtfully, technology can enhance children’s learning experiences rather than hinder them.
Whether children are pressing buttons, exploring light and shadows, or engaging with a screen, technology can be a valuable tool for learning. The key is to integrate it in a way that supports curiosity, creativity, and developmentally appropriate play.
How do you use technology in your nursery setting? We’d love to hear your thoughts!
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About the Author
Content Marketing Executive at Connect Childcare