SmartStart: Creating new contexts for learning in the 21st century.

This report presents the findings from the second phase of a project that was designed to explore the ways in which tablet technologies can be used to extend learning in early childhood settings. In the first report (Yelland & Gilbert, 2013) it was indicated that the project was designed to build on the successful IBM KidSmart Early Learning Program by exploring the potential of tablet technologies for knowledge building, meaning making and learning in the early years. Reconceptualising the impact of KidSmart for the 21st century requires not only going beyond updating the technology and using new tablet technologies in innovative ways, it also necessitates rethinking learning and the skills that are essential to live and be productive in this new era. This was the goal of phase two of the project. Here, it is advocated that educators should be aware of the wider range of uses of tablets that enable learners to become creators, innovators and support them in their reflections about whatever they encounter. This resonates with the demand for students to be fluent in 21st century skills (Partnerships for the 21st century, 2008). This project was designed to explore and extend discussion of these issues and build new relationships between preservice teachers and practising teachers. We were particularly interested in creating partnerships between schools and universities to promote 21st century learning.