Technology Equipment Used in Classroom

• 2 Dell Computers (1 in the classroom & 1 in my office)
• Digital Camera
• Scanner
• Color Printer
• Microsoft Word
• Power Point
• Photo Adobe Deluxe
• Children's Software
• Internet 
• 2 Video Cameras (1 VHS and 1 Digital) 

Professional Background

     My name is Jennifer Bauer, and I teach in a mixed-age pre-k / kindergarten classroom.  I have been teaching in this setting for six years.  I've also taught preschool and worked as an extended substitute teacher for Wayne/Westland Public Schools.  I'm a graduate of the University of Michigan-Dearborn.  I have a MA in Education and a ZA Endorsement.

     I have been using technology with young children since I began teaching in 1995.  Over the years, I have looked for ways to include and expand young children's usage of technolgy to enhance their learning in a developmentally approapriate manner.

Educational Setting 

  The Pre-K / Kindergarten Program is part of the Child Development Center which is located on the University of Michigan-Dearborn campus.  The children's ages range from four to six years.  The mission at the CDC is threefold.  Its purpose is to: 

• Educate the whole child in a developmentally appropriate environment. 
• Serve as a model teacher preparation site to educate university students for positions in the early childhood and elementary teaching profession. 
• Be a research site for studying the development of young children and the best practices for their education and care. 

     The Pre-K / Kindergarten program is designed to educate the whole child physically, intellectually, emotionally, socially, linguistically, and aesthetically.  It is based on the research of leading psychologists and educators such as Piaget, Erikson, and Vygotsky.  The program focuses on children's individual needs, interests, and abilities. Learning is an active process both physically and mentally.  Our classroom will reflect this vigorous activity.  There are many opportunities for children to manipulate a wide variety of materials as they work independently and in groups with their teacher.  Open-ended activities are planned daily in order for children to observe, explore, and investigate their surrounding environment.

 The Pre-K / Kindergarten program utilizes long-term arts based projects following the Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education.  Curriculum goals and objectives are developed through children's interests to make learning more fun and meaningful.  Many long term projects begin with one child's interest.  The teacher collaborates with the children to answer any questions, dispel misconceptions, and gather information on a given topic.  Focusing on individual and small group interests fosters not only healthy self-images but also nurtures a lifelong love for learning.  Each child's learning styles are valued and respected.