My Story Core

The purpose of my research will be to analyze the effect of an interactive whiteboard and software system introduced into a preschool classroom.  I hope to identify whether or not this technology increases school readiness skills or elevates assessment scores for early learners.

Preliminary industry research supports the need for technology integration in early educational settings and my project will track and compare assessment scores and developmental markers between two groups of 3-4 year olds.  Group A will be introduced to and be working with IWB in addition to their regular curriculum and activities.  Group B will not.   

Because the ‘story’ of our CE proposals is still very much in progress, I chose a map that seemed designed for open ends.    

For my Story Map I chose: Kieran Egan's story form framework

1.   Identifying importance

·         Demonstration of effective school readiness is one of the determining conditions for continued Head Start funding.  In 2011 The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) established the Designation Renewal System. “This regulation specifies seven conditions that HHS will consider when determining whether a grantee is delivering a high-quality and comprehensive program and, thus, whether the grantee may be renewed without having to compete for continued funding.” 

·         The 2010/2011 Sacramento County Head Start/Early Head Start Annual Report states “Across all areas of development Head Start children reached developmental milestones seven to 12 months earlier than children without preschool experience.”   This statement is based on county averages and is inclusive of a wide range of scores.   An investigation of these variances is essential in providing early educators with information on effective teaching tools and how best to improve education out comes consistently for all preschool children. 

2.   Finding binary opposites

•      Preliminary industry research supports the need for technology integration in early educational settings. NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) stated in their latest Technology Position Statement that: “the application of technology tools and materials can enhance children’s learning and development, interactions, communication, and collaboration.”

•      Many researchers and educators believe (strongly) that .

-      early childhood educators are not ready for these types of technologies and tools.

-      young children are not capable of using these tools.

-      technology is not developmentally appropriate for these young children.

-      technology is too difficult to for these teachers to handle.

3. Organizing the content into a story form

Starting Points:

   Children are exposed to technology daily- it is part of their world

   Technology is used in primary education

   Children learn through their senses and interaction

   If not now, when??

       

Structuring the story:

           Demonstrate both sides through interviews, video clips and work  

           samples.   

4. Story Conclusion

Questions to resolve conflict presented by opposites

·         Does the use of an IWB and supporting software improve assessment scores in early learning classrooms?

·         Does the use of an IWB and supporting software enhance the development of the critical skills preschoolers need to master to be successful in kindergarten?

·         Does the use of an IWB and supporting software support or enhance teacher effectiveness in early childhood education settings?

Present mediating factors (middle ground) 

5. Evaluation of Story

It is anticipated that the investigation results will show the use of an IWB and supporting software result in positive impact for assessment scores, learning outcomes and teacher satisfaction. 

Video #4 - Story Board: