NAEYC’s 17th National Institute for Early Childhood Professional Development

“Technology and Early Childhood Education”

Sunday, June 8 – Wednesday, June 11, 2008
New Orleans, Louisiana

Sessions will be held at New Orleans Marriott, Sheraton New Orleans, Renaissance Pere Marquette

Participation in NAEYC’s National Institute will deepen your understanding of the expanding early childhood knowledge base, develop skills that improve professional preparation and practice, and sharpen your ability to use effective, active learning approaches for adults.

Why Technology in Early Childhood Education? Technology has been a learning and teaching tool in programs for children for many years. Teachers and family child care providers use “human-powered” tools, cameras, videocameras, microscopes, and other forms of technology to enhance learning. We’ve seen phonograph players give way to cassette players and now CD and DVD players—and still see the former two in many places.  Many preschool and primary grade children are using computers at home and in their other environments. Early childhood program administrators use technology in many aspects of management. And, in addition to computer- and Web-based professional development experiences, technology has a long history of augmenting face-to-face and self-paced programs as well.

Some of the areas that the Institute will address are:

Influence of the Media on Children

• Support for children’s skills in analyzing and evaluating media-based information
• Appropriate media content for young children
• The effect of violent media on children’s development

Technology in the Classroom and Family Child Care Home

• Computer-based technology to extend learning
• Computer-based technology and children’s social and emotional development
• Using technology as a creative tool for expression
• Equitable access to technology for all children
• Technology in the classroom and family child care home - beyond the computer
• Assistive technology to support the participation of children with disabilities

Technology for Teacher Preparation and Ongoing Professional Development

• Distance learning for teacher and provider preparation
• Distance learning for inservice teachers and family child care providers
• Technology in face-to-face learning programs
• Technology-based self-paced learning programs
• Support for online communities of practice
• Equitable access to technology for all students and inservice staff

Technology for Program Management

• Technology-based information and management systems
• Guidance for staff in collecting and analyzing data
• Technology-based recordkeeping for children’s developmental assessments
• Technology-based systems for human resources management
• Equitable access to technology for all community-based and other early childhood programs

And More…

Institute sessions will address important areas in addition to those that are technology related. Participants will learn about current research and topics in higher education, inservice training programs, program administration, linguistic and cultural diversity, public policy advocacy, developmentally appropriate practice, literacy, math, science, social and emotional development, and more!

Service Day

NAEYC Service Day-Rebuilding child care in New Orleans - NAEYC is looking for a few good women and men!

Help child care centers in New Orleans rebuild so that they can continue to provide high-quality services to young children and families! On Saturday, June 7, volunteer to paint, rake, and perform other tasks in one of three centers affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Check the appropriate box on the Registration Form to receive more information about this volunteer opportunity.

NAEYC’s National Institute is designed for leaders who prepare and mentor early childhood professionals.  Read more

Thanks to our following Institute Sponsors.