Children explore technology through play in digital learning program

Early childhood education and care (ECEC) services are sharpening their focus on digital literacy, with play-based programs emerging as a key pathway to support confident and creative technology use in the early years.

Children attending 67 G8 Education centres in New South Wales, and Victoria are engaging with digital tools as part of a nationally scaled initiative that links creativity, communication and critical thinking to technology-rich experiences.

The Digital Literacies @ Play program was first introduced in 37 centres and has recently expanded to include an additional 30, with the next phase launching this month.

Developed with support from Apple Professional Learning Specialists, the program introduces children aged four to five to selected apps and iPads, supporting digital exploration through storytelling, problem-solving and design. Importantly, the approach is guided by educators and grounded in the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), which positions technology as a tool to foster agency, connection and learning.

Supporting creativity and communication

Educators guide children in using selected apps such as AR Makr, Chatterpix and WWF Forests to tell stories, explore environments and experiment with visual representation. The tools are not used for content consumption but as creative extensions of the curriculum.

“Purposeful integration of technology in early education bridges traditional learning with modern innovations, sparking curiosity and engagement in young minds,” said Apple Professional Learning Specialist Terese Griffith.

“It’s not the technology or the environment that’s crucial,” she added. “It’s the teacher’s presence and actions that make the difference.”

To build confidence in digital pedagogies, G8 centre-based educators received targeted professional learning focused on using the tools intentionally and developmentally.

Building access and confidence from the start

The program also responds to wider conversations in the sector around digital equity and access. By embedding digital tools in preschool environments, the initiative aims to build foundational digital literacies for all children, regardless of their background.

“Giving children the chance to explore digital tools early helps ensure all learners, no matter their background, are supported to thrive,” Ms Griffith said.

Feedback from families has reinforced the program’s value. A G8 Education survey found that more than 70 per cent of families involved in the pilot believe these experiences will help their child feel more prepared for school.

Real-world impact and family engagement

At Community Kids Ingleburn, in Sydney’s south-west, Assistant Centre Manager Kylie Stephens said families had noticed a shift in how children were using technology at home.

“Children are now using personal devices for learning and exploration, not just entertainment,” she said.

“One family even asked about digital literacy offerings during a local school tour. That shows just how significant the impact has been.”

Continuing the learning at home

Families interested in building on these experiences can access many of the apps used in the program via iPad. These include Draw & Tell, Kaleidacam, Sketches School and WWF Forests, all designed to promote creativity and problem-solving.

As digital tools become increasingly embedded in children’s worlds, the early years sector is exploring how best to use them with intention and care.

Already active in 67 centres and continuing to grow, Digital Literacies @ Play offers one approach. It is grounded in play and pedagogy, and introduces technology in ways that support learning, expression and connection from the earliest years.