Welcome!

     My name is Johanna Hoyt, and I am excited to begin my first blog! I have been in the early childhood field for ten years, and I am currently pursuing my Ed.D. in Early Childhood Education from Walden University. I am a learner and achiever who thrives off input from others, responsibility, and competition (Rath, 2007).

     The most rewarding aspect of the ECE field is being an advocate for young children and their families by being an active participant as an agent of positive social change. The relationships that form over time with both children and families are most dear to me. I am passionate about technology, family engagement, high-quality educational experiences, professional development, and parent education.

     I would like to share a photo with you that relates to child development. This is a photo of me asserting my newfound independence at 15 months. Around this age, mobile infants become investigators and discover feelings of confidence when they accomplish new tasks like putting a sock on for the first time (Bredekamp & Copple, 2009).

     Over the next several weeks, I will share what technology means to me, as well as my values and beliefs concerning the integration of technology into the early childhood classroom. I look forward to examining research that both supports and challenges the use of technology and interactive media in early childhood programs.

     Before my next post, take a moment to think about what technology means to you. What picture forms in your mind when you think about children interacting with technology? I believe the broad differences in responses will surprise you!

References

Bredekamp, S., & Copple, C. (2009). Developmentally appropriate practice in early childhood

     programs: Serving children from birth through age 8. Washington, DC: National Association for

     the Education of Young Children.

Rath, T. (2007). Strengths Finder 2.0. New York: Gallup Press.