MakingConnections

variety of early childhood resources

"This workshop defines technology integration as it related to emergent literacy. It provides examples of ways software can be used to assist children in developing early literacy skills and behaviors. Several integrated curriculum activities are included in the workshop. Information and activities using adaptations are also provided. "

PrimaryWall is a web-based sticky note tool designed for schools that allows pupils and teachers to work together in real-time

AT for early childhood modules from Frank POrter Graham Center

literature search

"My First AAC is an affordable augmentative and alternative communication application for the iPad that is specifically designed for toddlers and preschoolers with delayed speech or severe speech disorders. Intuitive and child-friendly, My First AAC helps young children to communicate with family, caregivers, teachers and other people they meet in everyday life."

"iLoveSchools.com is a nonprofit online donation center that connects new, used and in-kind resources with our nation's schools all year long."

Our students have been studying the books by author/illustrator Peter H. Reynolds. For this project, the students made a video that reinterpreted the books, using greenscreen technology to insert photos of themselves as the characters in the stories. The kids made their own artworks, selected their own props, posed themselves based on the artwork in the book, took their pictures with a digital camera, and recorded themselves reading the text! On Thursday, May 12th, 2011, our entire school participated in a Skype video chat with Mr. Reynolds, and got to interact with him and ask him questions. Mr. Reynolds share some of his personal stories with our kids and encouraged them to continue to foloow their own creative endeavors.

"There has been an explosion of interest in using the iPhone, IPad or IPod for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders. The news media has certainly helped by generating lots of stories about students with ASD who have "dramatic success" when they acquired one. "

The topic of the IPad has emerged in every workshop that I do. People are so excited about the possibilities with the equipment. And what is more important, they share some great stories about the social and communication benefits for their students with Autism Spectrum Disorders. "

"This week is Children's Book Week. In honor of the event, I thought that I'd highlight 21 interesting e-books for kids. Collectively, these give us a glimpse into what the future of children's publishing is going to look like. As I compiled this list, I was struck by how quickly the field of interactive e-books is moving. The iPad has been around just over a year…"

"The electronic book is a rapidly growing alternative to the conventional book even for very young children; however, empirical studies on e-books as curricular tools in early literacy development and instruction are rare. Few instructional designs have been developed and tested. This formative study investigates the potential functionality and usability of a prototype 4-component e-book instructional model in a small sample of preschool classrooms."

"So, then what does this mean in regards to e-Book reading from the perspective of e-Book pedagogy in early childhood classrooms? What do we know about the quality of current e-Books that many children are reading? During this presentation, we will briefly explain an e-Book instructional model in early literacy, and then we will focus on the issue of developing an e-Book quality-rating tool."

Scoop it page on tech for young kids

"VINCI - A New Class of Early Learning Systems VINCI Tab VINCI is a new class in early learning systems exclusively designed for children 4 years and under. VINCI sets the standard by converging developmental science, cutting edge technology and early childhood education to offer safe, fun and inspirational learning."

"This site is an educational song resource for parents, teachers, and therapists."

Amazon.com listing for the Franklin AnyBook Reader. Lets you record your voice reading any book that child activates by touching the sticker with the pen

Tony Vincent's Learning in Hand - Blog - "I have the pleasure of working with educators who get to use iPads and iPod touches with students. Wherever I facilitate workshops, I find there are some myths floating around about Apple's iOS devices, and I'd like to clear up some of the misinformation."

"The company has recently released Splashtop Whiteboard for $9.99 on the App Store, which has all of the functions of Splashtop Remote with the additional ability to turn your iPad into an interactive whiteboard. "

online storybook about going to the doctor