Using the Latest Technology in Early Childhood

"If we teach today as we taught yesterday, we rob our children of tomorrow." - John Dewey

NAEYC Technology Position Statement

     Gail Laubenthal, Pre-K Sanchez Elementary                          laubenthalladybugs.pbworks.com

              glaubent@austinisd.org

                                                                                                          Laubenthal Ladybug website for 2012-13

       Robbie Polan, NBCT, Early Childhood Childcare Liaison       kinderpandas.pbworks.com

              rpolan@austinisd.org

Gail participates in BLOCKS (Base Line Objectives for Children's Knowledge and Skills) for Science. BLOCKS is a 3 year project funded through a grant to the University of Texas Center for Science and Mathematics Education from the National Science Foundation. The first years focus was on physical science. The children explored force and motion and properties of matter and change. The 2nd years focus was on life science, with the children experiencing growth and change in both plants and animals. Last years focus was on earth science. 25 prekindergarten teachers in the Austin area are participating in this research based project. Guidance and support comes from the following mentors: Dr. Mary Hobbs, Dr. Elizabeth Sherwood, Dr. Aida Alanis, Dr. Brian Anderson, and Dr. Bob Williams.

TechnoScientists: Techno 5: The Process - Engaging, Empowering, Enriching, Enabling

TechnoScientists is a project that provides hands-on opportunities to learn a variety of skills, strategies, and best practices that improves teaching and learning for both teachers and students.  The goals are to promote essential 21st century skills and NETS while enhancing effective technology integration in the classroom.  TechnoScientists is now in its fourth year with over 100 participating teachers in Austin ISD.  This is the fifth year that Gail and Robbie have participated in this program.  It is the brainchild of Vanessa Jones (vanessa. jones@austinisd. org), AISD technology trainer and technology support for the district.