Digital play in the classroom: A twenty-first century pedagogy?

This chapter will critically appraise perspectives on the function and role of digital technology in early years pedagogy, with particular reference to children’s play experiences both inside and outside the setting. A range of recent international studies will be drawn upon to analyse the growing appreciation of the impact of digital technology on childhood, children’s lives and children’s play and communicative practices. However, many children still do not have access to modern technology and the chapter also acknowledges the range of digital divides and the implications for children who are excluded from modern communicative practices.