A personal learning network (PLN) is a group of people that an educator can connect with to share ideas. Technology makes it easy for teachers to connect and communicate. There is a lot that can be learned from PLNs.
A few professional organizations that are related to early childhood education include:
–Zero to Three– This is an organization that is dedicated to ensuring that all babies and toddlers are well cared for. Zero to Three supports the adults who care for these young children in hopes to give the children a bright future.
–Pre-K Now– This organization stresses the idea that vital learning occurs before the age of five. They use researched-based approaches to create solutions to today’s problems.
–Division for Early Childhood– The Division for Early Childhood supports families of young children who have developmental delays or disabilities. They strive to create an inclusive environment for everyone.
–Childcare Aware of America– With a goal to create high-quality, affordable childcare, Childcare Aware of America supports all children and families. They have resource centers located in every state to help families and childcare providers.
–Child Education International– This organization is dedicating to helping over 75 nations. They help by providing training, technical assistance, and consultation services to educators around the world.
Besides professional organizations, other websites and blogs can also be helpful to educators. Here are some websites and blogs that share information on incorporating technology into an early childhood classroom:
-“Educator Use of Technology in the Preschool Classroom“- This is a blog that suggests ideas on how to successfully incorporate technology into a preschool classroom. One of their suggestions is to use an app that allows parents and teachers to communicate.
-“The Benefits of Technology in Early Education“- This blog post addresses parents concerns on their child receiving too much media exposure and states the benefits of using technology in the classroom. This blog suggests that deliberate use of technology can benefit a child.
-“Technology Integration in the Preschool Classroom“- This is a blog post that includes research on the inclusion of technology in the classroom. The blog also includes many sites that teachers can use in their preschool classroom.
-“How to Integrate Technology into Your Preschool Classroom“- This website includes ways that technology can be used in a preschool classroom. A few ways that are suggested include through the use of iPads and tablets, interactive whiteboards, and digital storytelling.
-“Preschool Technology: Do’s and Don’ts of Devices in the Classroom“- This blog post lists ways that technology can be used in the classroom as well as ways that technology should not be used in the classroom. The blog suggests that teachers should monitor the use of technology and should not use screen time to replace personal interaction.
Here are a few organizations that offer professional development workshops around the South Jersey area:
-“New Jersey Educational Computing Cooperative (NJECC)“- This organization encourages the use of technology in the classroom. They help teachers in grades from kindergarten through 12th grade. They support an appropriate integration of technology in the classroom.
-“Southern Regional Institute (SRI) and Eduation Technology Training Center (ETTC)“- These organizations offer technology training for educators from preschool to 12th grade. This training is offered at Stockton University. Their goal is to improve student academic performance as well as employee performance.
-“Center for Mathematics, Science, and Computer Education“- This organization offers professional development for educators in grades kindergarten through 12th. Their goal is help science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in the classroom. They offer workshops, mentoring, and coaching.
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