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
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
the Education of Young Children.
Rath, T. (2007). Strengths Finder 2.0. New York : Gallup
Johanna,
ReplyDeleteThe picture that forms in my mind when I think about children interacting with technology is twofold. Kindergarten students using a desk top computer and interacting with Waterford Reading, Math, Science curriculum. Second, is kindergarten students asking to use my IPad. They can manipulate it better than me.
Sharon Lloyd
Sharon,
DeleteI believe that many early childhood educators picture children interacting with technology within the classroom through computers. Mainly because from my experience, children are limited to available technology. Being that computers have been around longer than iPads and interactive whiteboards, they are more readily available and also more cost effective.
Johanna,
ReplyDeleteWhen I think about technology, I think of change, ways to advance, and extending learning. Technology has increased greatly since the time most of us in this class were children. In our classrooms today, children have access to technology that did not exist when we were children. The world of technology changes so fast that it is amazing to think of where we will be in the next 10 - 15 years.
There are two issues I have discussed with my administrative colleagues concerning the use of technology in the early learning environment. First, there is always the problem of those who do not want to use advanced technology because of the fear of change. However, we live in a world where technology is all around us and is used in every aspect of our lives. As educators we are failing miserably if we do not keep up with changing times and take advantage of advanced technology. This is where our world is and how children and youth today are learning.
The second issue or great concern I have is with the lack of funds that many schools struggle with in order to provide the use of technology in their classes. Schools in poverty stricken areas are not able to provide advanced technology. The teachers are buying their own supplies and the thought of iPads or interactive whiteboards are not even a consideration. Because some schools cannot afford these types of technology, does that mean they receive an inferior education compared to those who attend schools where technology is available? In these situations it seems teachers and administrators need to find creatve ways in which to bring technology into the classroom so that the children in these schools can benefit from the use of technology.
Darla Tucker