MakingConnections

Abstract Toward the goal of better e-book design to support early literacy learning, this study investigates analytic tools for examining design qualities of e-books for young children. Three research-based analytic tools related to e-book design were applied to a mixed genre collection of 50 e-books from popular online sites. Tool performance varied across design categories (e.g., multimedia) and administration revealing comparative strengths and weaknesses. Results inform researchers and educators who are engaged in designing and evaluating e-books as material resources in early literacy teaching and learning.

"The following articles and links are listed here to help early childhood educators learn how to find and use technology to support their work. "

"The sites below feature pictures of story characters or sequencing cards for the story. They are listed in alphabetical order. There are two sections: Book Sites and Nursery Rhyme Sites." Links for props for a large number of stories

free downloads of story props

From the Virginia Commonwealth University Training and Technical Assistance Center Newsletter

"Play and learn with your child online! Our online games and learning activities are a great way to spend quality time with your child. Have fun with these online activities, and remember: whether your child is an infant, toddler or preschooler, it's important to let him learn at his own pace!"

"Communication Assessment for Parents & Professionals An easy to use assessment instrument designed for individuals of all ages who function at the earliest stages of communication and who use any form of communication."

"This site was designed by a mom & educator to help other parents choose the best e-storybook apps for the iPad & iPhone/iPod. * Unbiased e-storybook app reviews for parents by a parent. * Information on length, age level, sound, languages, and much more! * Useful, detailed information & individual ratings for animation, audio, interactivity and more. * Brief, thoughtful reviews, plus "Feature" reviews for the most popular books on the market * Information on options, including games, coloring pages, puzzles and more * Crossover hits from Android market: Coming soon! * Price information, including buy button and price history range. * New reviews added weekly!"

So if you are thinking of getting an iPad or if you have already made the life-changing move, here is my list of top apps, some free, some paid for, especially for children with special needs:"

video of a preschooler teaching another 3 year old to use an ipad then teaching her teacher

"In our last post we described how theories of creativity and learning should be integrated with creative problem solving approaches to address our nation's creativity crisis. Recent advances in technology are enabling creators of children's digital media to design more experiences that foster children's creativity and learning. Although children's digital media producers are beginning to create products for children that are marketed as creative tools, there is still a lack of mechanisms that have fully captured the type of open-ended, imaginative play that is proven to foster the roots of creativity in children."

article from Scholastic

Janice Light "What is the purpose of this website? This website provides guidelines for early intervention to maximize the language and communication development of young children with special needs including: * Infants * Toddlers * Preschoolers The website provides guidelines for early intervention specifically designed for children with complex communication needs, including children with: * Autism spectrum disorders * Cerebral palsy * Down syndrome * Multiple disabilities The website provides: * Step-by-step guidelines for early intervention to build language and communication skills * Photographs and videotaped examples of intervention with young children with special needs"

Great resources for AT and curriculum adaptations

Not sure how to start? Our StoryStarter makes telling stories easy. We'll help you write a story in just 7 steps. Use our art or your own drawings & photos to illustrate your story"

" Adaptation Station - Augmentative/Alternative Communication (AAC) Strategies No AAC device or picture board stands alone. Just as children need interaction and reinforcement from adults to learn to speak, they will need the same attention to learn to use AAC. It is helpful to think of learning to use AAC as learning a new language. YOUR ROLE as an adult in the child's life is VITAL to success! The following strategies describe YOUR ROLE in detail. Often, a good teacher uses a combination of the following strategies throughout a single interaction. It must be said one more time - if you think that having pictures and voice output available in your class is all there is to providing AAC to your students, you have missed the boat! "

Video Chat with up to 20 people for free. TokBox requires no download, only an internet connection and a webcam. Sign up is free and takes just seconds.

"Browse our activity exchange to find a variety of activities you can download and use with your students free. Contribute your own activities to our website and share your expertise and creativity with other professionals around the state!"

There has been a wealth of research in recent years into the current provision, benefits and potential dangers of using ICT in Early Years settings. It is widely accepted that appropriate use of ICT in settings, where there are skilled practitioners and quality ICT resources, has the potential to greatly enhance and support learning and development of young children.

"This collaborative space was created to celebrate the many Apps and Extensions made by developers which serve the accessibility needs of individuals with disabilities.  To this end, we have developed this searchable resource to locate tools that serve the particular challenges anyone might face while working in Chrome. On the right, you will find more information about this site, including definitions of terms and more information about the Chrome browser and assistive technology."