This document outlines the schedule and assignments for a course on integrating information and communication technology (ICT) into early childhood education (ECE). It includes topics like evaluating educational software, planning ICT use, and emerging technologies. Assignments involve evaluating and demonstrating educational software, creating an e-portfolio, and tests on cyber ethics and ICT. Discussion questions address using ICT in ECE, connecting learning through social media, and selecting developmentally appropriate software.

1. Class 6 ICT and ECE ICT and ECE Calendar Adjustments. Toobtastic: Story Boarding for children

2. Week Module Date Topic Assignments 6 3 Oct 10-14 ICT and ECE Integration of ICT in ECE 7 3 Oct 17-21 ICT and ECE Evaluating Educational Software Test #2 ICT, ECE & Learning (10%) Oct 24-28 Reading Week: No Classes Recommended Completion of Portfolio Entry #2 8 4 Oct 31-Nov 4 ICT and ECE: Evaluating Educational Software (cont’d) 9 4 Nov 7-11 Software Evaluation Presentations Presentations and Reports Due 10 5 Nov 14-18 Software Evaluation Presentations Presentations and Reports Due 11 6 Nov 21-25 ICT and Management: Planning, Communication and Organization Recommended Completion of Portfolio Entry #3 12 Nov 28-Dec 2 Etiquette and Cyber Ethics 13 Dec 5-9 Emerging Technologies E-Portfolios Due (35%) 14 Dec 12-16 Last Week of Classes Test #3: Cyber Ethics and Emerging ICT

3. Review: Is a learning network like a pile of leaves or a tree? Why? How do wikis support the goals of a learning network? Provide one example. How does Ken Robinson’s comment about the learning revolution relate to digital media?

4. Connectivism through social networking... Connecting Mass Media and Social Media

5. Technology in ECE? Using the reading: Role of Technology in ECE programs consider the following: Do you feel that computers are developmentally appropriate for ECE? Why or why not? Prove it. What are the key issues associated with the integration of ICT into ECE environments? What are the steps that educators must consider? How do they relate to the points in the Evaluating Educational Software Reading?

6. Evaluating Educational Software: Going Beyond Fun!!! How does one go about selecting software? What makes one educational software better than another? Is the software consistent with the curriculum and learning outcomes? Does the software offer the learner choices and control? (HYPERMEDIA & HYPERTEXT) Does the software provide positive, formative feedback and achievement measures? Is the software appropriately challenging? Does the software provide a variety of appropriate media and activities? Does the software have high quality technical components? Does the software provide opportunities for practice and review? Does the software present material in an enjoyable interesting manner? Is the software interactive? Vs transmissive ? Will the software allow for social interaction? Will the software foster learning in an authentic and relevant context? Will the software be accessible to students? Evaluate the software by answering TWO of the following questions (From Goyne et al, 2000)

7. Toontastic Demo

8. Assignment #2: Software Evaluation Assignment You are the supervisor of a childcare center and have been given the task of finding a educational software to support learning and development of the children in your care. In order to do this you are asked to find a piece of educational software that would be appropriate for use in ECE. Component Submission Weight Part 1: Review Report (Submitted as a pdf through Slate) 10% Part 2: Software demonstration Presented to the class 15% Part 3: Demonstration Screencaste Conducted using Camstudio and posted to blogs as part of e-portfolio 10%

9. Activity: Educational Software Consider: What is the purpose of the software and how does it achieve this? What age level is the software appropriate for? What prior knowledge is assumed in using the software? What developmental domains are engaged? How? Working in Pairs Find a software to could be used to develop skills in the following areas: 1. Literacy 2. Numeracy 3. Science

10. Tech of the Week Tutorial: WordPress Cont’d WordPress: Uploading images, files, videos Adding Widgets Creating categories and Managing Posts How to create a contact forum Informal Referencing: Adding hyperlinks to a posting

11. Next Week: Reading Week Read : Applying Technology to Inquiry-Based Learning in Early Childhood Education & Technology and Early Childhood Education: A Technology Integration Model for Practicing Teachers Consider: What are the dominant themes/issues in the academic discussion on the use of technology and learning in ECE? How can ICT engage the various domains of learning/development in ECE? (Provide examples). What are the key challenges of ICT integration in ECE environments? What are the recommended strategies and supports for ICT integration in ECE environments? PICK: A web based software that your group will evaluate for the purpose of your presentation. Review: Participate in the Review Document for Test #2