Connecting with Others

I recently attended a roundtable discussion concerning the NAEYC/Fred Rogers Position Statement on Technology through a professional development event for early childhood instructors. Examining the position statement in depth allowed me to open my eyes to a new perspective. Technology in the early childhood classroom is a tool that has the ability to enhance cognitive and social abilities. Just as the sensory table or the balance beam are tools in the classroom that enhance child development. According to NAEYC (2012), developmentally appropriate practices must guide the decisions we make when integrating technology into the classroom. When experiences with technology are intentional, developmentally appropriate, hands-on and interactive, and educators have ongoing professional development, the possibilities are endless!

Family Engagement

Outside of the classroom, technology can increase family engagement. Just as I am creating this blog, parent blogs can be created to increase parent communication. A fascinating project, “Message from Me,” through the Create Lab at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania created an app where children can take photos, record messages, and email them to their families. The iPad app is now available in the app store. Check out all of the amazing projects going on at the Create Lab! http://www.cmucreatelab.org/projects/Message_from_Me

Food for Thought....    

 

       Do you currently incorporate iPad technology into your classroom? What are the benefits and challenges? How do you view the iPad’s future in our classrooms?

References

NAEYC. 2012. Position statement: Technology and interactive media as tools in early

       childhood programs serving children from birth to age 8. Washington, DC: NAEYC.