As you plan experiences with technology in your classroom, consider what is a “must-do” activity and what is a “can-do” activity. Use the following questions as a guide to determine if you are incorporating technology in developmentally appropriate ways.

“Must-Do” activity: one that is designed for participation from every child in the class and incorporates learning goals.

“Can-Do” activity: one that each child has the option to participate in during open-ended play time. These activities are available to extend children’s learning once they know how to use a tool or device.

• Do the children understand how to care for the technology?
• Has each child had the opportunity to work with the device in a supervised setting?
• Do I have a plan for providing extra support to children who may need it?
• Have I planned a “must do” activity for the technology?
• What is the goal of my “must-do” activity?
• What are some “can do” activities that meet the same goal?
• How will the “must do” activity support the children in understanding how the device or app works?
• How will the “can do” activities help children create their own projects?
• How will I encourage children to engage in “can do” experiences?
• Have I built time into the day for children to share “can-do” projects and activities with peers?
• Do I have a plan for sharing “must do” and “can do” experiences with families?