The opening session for NAEYC PDI promised a re-introduction to DAP–that is, Developmentally Appropriate Practice. Defined
as “a dynamic phenomenon, fueled by ongoing research and its thoughtful application in practice”, this theme made for a conference with these same qualities. The Professional Development Institute (PDI) was held June 9-June 12 this year in San Francisco. I had the pleasure of joining my Hatch colleagues, presenting a session, and attending several events and sessions as well.
My session “Learn to Fish: Evaluate APPS Yourself!” was framed around sharing the Early Childhood Educational Technology Evaluation Toolkit developed by myself and Jenne Parks and published by NAEYC in an article written by myself and Susan Gunnewig in the May 2012 issue of Young Children and included in the NAEYC 2012 book Young Children and Technology.
After going over the rationale and areas covered in the Toolkit, we took time to do a hands-on activity where we evaluated several games. This process highlights for people areas that they often don’t realize are important and when they do have the opportunity to delve in, it does become clear that many one-shot apps fall short compared to more robust and expert-developed learning systems. The attendees were very thoughtful and excellent critical thinkers!
If you’re interested in using this Toolkit yourself, you can access it through our eBook, Evaluating Technology for Early Learners. For even more information, I invite you to view the archived webinar on evaluating educational technology as well. 
A very memorable event was held as a tribute to the parting NAEYC Executive Director, Jerlean Daniel. A scholarship was established in her name, and presented. Our own Ginny Norton, President of Hatch, represented our company as one of the sponsors of the scholarship.
Ginny Norton (2nd from right) helping present the newly established scholarship in honor of Jerlean Daniel.
Oftentimes, the last day at a conference is very sparse, but the last morning brought a wonderful experience seeing a full house for co-presenters Chip Donohue, Ph.D. and Karen Nemeth, Ed.M. in the featured session introduced by Sharon Ritchie, Ph.D. titled Preparing Teachers to Use Technology “DAP Style”: What Teacher Educators and Professional Development Providers Need to Know. Sometimes articles or blogs from the popular media appear that paint the picture that technology and young children do not mix. However, when I see so many people come together for the purpose of constructively learning more about the potential of technology in educational settings and how they are so committed to providing the best experiences for young children as they engage with technology, my concerns that they may be swayed by headlines designed to incite controversy are calmed.
My next stop is the ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education) 2013 Conference which is being held in San Antonio TX this year. I look forward to sharing another Eyes and Ears on Early Learning blog with you soon!
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