Create a Do-It-Yourself Professional Development Plan
Background:
According to NAEYC, effective practices involving technology “allow children to explore digital materials in the context of human interactions, with an adult as mediator and co-player†(NAEYC, 2012, p. 1). Technology has changed the socio-cultural environment globally, and we, as educators of young children, need to change how we approach social and emotional support for our children. The perceptions of the effects computers and other technology tools have on social and emotional development of young children may influence the acceptance and use of technology in early care and education settings. This is also true for children with special needs who may benefit from interactive media as well as assistive technologies (AT).
Successful technology integration is more than just having technology available. Your technology integration should reflect effective classroom practices. Once you have examined what level of access you have and what possibilities this access affords you, it is time to address your own comfort level with the technology. You can then begin to seek out professional development opportunities online and outside of your current setting to begin to connect with other educators exploring the same challenges and seeking solutions.
To complete this assignment
Please view the following:
After reviewing the DIY Professional Development page (Links to an external site.):
(This page displays best in Chrome and should appear as seen below)
Your paper must be formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center. In addition to the course text, utilize at least two scholarly sources to support your points.
For more on levels of technology access and what that means for tech integration, read the blog post What Does “Technology Integration” Mean? (Links to an external site.) ( http://www.edutopia.org/blog/meaning-tech-integration-elementary-mary-beth-hertz)
Other resources:
Carefully review the Grading Rubric (Links to an external site.) (Links to an external site.) for the criteria that will be used to evaluate your assignment.