Article Link: http://stage.exchangepress.com/article/whats-in-your-toolbox/5019382/
Since the early 1980s when the first Apple II® computer went into a preschool classroom in Madison, Wisconsin, I have been interested in how technology tools could be used to improve early childhood teaching practices and the preparation of professionals. During my (almost) 30-year quest I’ve played with just about every “can’t miss” distance learning technology from paper and pencil correspondence courses to satellite broadcasts to video conferencing to online learning, and everything in between. Lately I’ve been spending a lot of time playing with the newest digital tools and Web 2.0 applications and imagining the possibilities for early childhood professionals.This is the first in a two-part series on new technology tools you can use in your personal and professional lives. In this article, I’ll identify new and emerging technologies and Web 2.0 tools that offer great promise for: enhancing communication; exchanging ideas and information; sharing resources; accessing training, education, and professional development; improving practice; building a community of professionals; and strengthening advocacy efforts. In part two, I’ll identify some of the most promising digital tools and applications and share ways you can use them �" there really is “an app for that.” But before you can take advantage of these ...