How much Technology is too much in the Primary Classroom?

How much technology should you use in the primary classroom? This is the question that has been consistently been popping up in my head throughout this past school year. I love technology. I am a techie in my personal life always wanting the newest phone, gadget, etc..etc.. You get the picture. I guess this question has been puzzling me because I want to make sure that my interests are in the best interests of the children I am shaping. Young children need to have hands on experiences with their world. In my classroom in which I teach 3 year olds, we have 2 tablets, 2 computers, an interactive whiteboard and an iPod at a listening station. Mostly, they use them to sharpen Literacy and math skills with apps that I have downloaded. Recently though, I have been trying to move from only interacting to creating and producing with technology. I have been perplexed has to how to do this with 3 year olds. I brought in an old Smartphone that was not activated to use with the kids. I showed them how to use the camera and then just told them they could take pictures in the classroom. I left it at that, no task to complete or further instruction. It was interesting what followed. First they took pictures of me. (Not a desired outcome!!!) Then they began walking around the room taking pictures of others as they played. Next, I began to hear some of the kids that were playing with unifix cubes ask the person with the phone to take a picture of what they had made. Then the light came on, figuratively speaking. They were motivated to demonstrate their work and proud to share what they had created and they wanted to show others. This is the same motivating factor for older students it’s no different. This seemed to me like a breakthrough for how I could have my students create, collaborate, communicate and think critically. It dawned on me that what we already do in stations could just be enhanced with adding a video component and an audio reflection from the students as they work together in their literacy and math stations. This could be a formative assessment tool and motivator all at the same time! Unfortunately it is the end of the year and no time left to more purposefully plan these experiences with these students, but I am excited about starting a new year incorporating the 4 C's. How much Technology is too much in the Primary classroom? I believe that it is important to keep a good balance between technology use and manipulative, social, physical and imaginative play. It is also important to consider how you are using it. It should enhance curriculum/skill building not replace it. I know many of you are already doing this in your classroom. I would love some feed back as to the tools you are using and other ideas to incorporate these much-needed skills.