Fall 2001

E335 Introduction to Early Childhood Education

Distance Education Delivery (IUPUI & Richmond)

Jacqueline Blackwell, Ph.D.
Indiana University School of Education
Room 3155
902 West New York Street
Indianapolis, Indiana 46202-5155
Telephone: (317) 274-6830 (Voice Mail)
FAX: (317) 274-6864
E-mail: jblackwe@iupui.edu
URL: http://www.iupui.edu/~earlyed

Office Hours:

Mon. 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.**
Mon. and Wed. 11a.m. - 12 p.m.
Thurs. 10 a.m.- 12 p.m. ** 
Other hours by appointment only

** e-mail Office hours

 

The potential possibilities of any child are the most intriguing and stimulating in all creation.

Ray L. Wilbur

 

 

 

 

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION

E335 Introduction to Early Childhood Education (P: Educ. P249 or P251).

This course has a dual focus. First focus is an overview of the field including an historic perspective, program models, goals of early childhood education, and professional organizations. The second focus emphasizes learning observation skills, understanding the characteristics of young children, teacher-child interaction, and classroom management skills.

 

OVERVIEW

In this course, the students will be introduced to the field of Early Childhood Education. Specifically, the students will examine the historical roots, current issues, program models, and goals of Early Childhood Education. The meaning and connection of "developmentally appropriate practices" in quality and effective Early Childhood Programs will be explored. At the same time, the students will evaluate their interest in Early Childhood Education as a professional career option.

DELIVERY APPROACH

As an experiment and new approach to providing instruction for Early Childhood Education classes, the IUPUI campus of Indiana University will link with other Indiana University campuses via distance learning (two-way interactive video and audio). This technology will allow associate degree and kindergarten endorsement students from many campuses to share common experiences and become a part of the new type of classroom. Furthermore, this experience should expose and prepare the undergraduate students for future changes in the learning environments for themselves and their future students, enrolled in Early Childhood programs (i.e., preschool, child care, kindergarten or primary classes).

SLICES OF LIFE -- Professional and Personal Experiences (highlights)

SHARING TIME

In order that we can become better acquainted as a group, each class session will begin with a sharing time. Students may share hopes, desires, thoughts, ambitions, concerns, and anxieties during this time. The professor, also, will participate in this segment of the class.

 

WRITING EXERCISES (REFLECTIONS)

Part I

After each class and before the next class, using e-mail as the tool for journal writing, the students will highlight the

  1. impact of class,
  2. discoveries about teaching and young children,
  3. changes in their thinking, and/ or
  4. any unanswered questions.

These electronic highlights will be saved in diskette format (journal) as a start of the reflective process of becoming a teacher of young children. Electronic journal writing reduces the amount of paper and provides opportunities for students to share privately and freely their inner thoughts, concerns, joys, and anxieties with the instructor. Confidentiality is the motto.

The diskettes will be collected at midterm exam, after the field experience, and at the final class meeting for review. Save your journal entries and my comments as Microsoft Word for Windows 98 or 2000 or a text (ASCII) file. You must use at least Word 97.

Part II

Starting today and continuing each week until the last week of this class, collect and read newspaper articles in paper or electronic format that address issues pertaining to political arena, children, families, education, or health. Orally report your reactions as a part of the class sharing time. Sign up for one reporting time during this semester. Identify questions or concerns raised by your selected articles. Any Personal Meaning? You may access any of these newspapers via the Internet:

New York Times http://www.nytimes.com (excellent free subscription)
Washington Post http://www.washingtonpost.com
Christian Science Monitor http://www.csmonitor.com (favorite source)
Indianapolis Star http://www.starnews.com
Baltimore Sun http://www.sunspot.net
USA Today http://www.usatoday.com
Other favorite papers? Share the Internet addresses with the class

 

OBJECTIVES

As a result of active participation in E335 Introduction to Early Childhood Education, the student will be able to:

  1. develop and/or clarify his/her philosophy for teaching young children and working with their families,
  2. acquire knowledge of and understanding of developmental characteristics of young children,
  3. develop skill in observing and recording the behavior of young children,
  4. define a realistic and comprehensive conception of a teacher for young children,
  5. develop a positive attitude toward and awareness of a nonsexist approach to working with all young children,
  6. keep abreast of current issues pertaining to Early Childhood Education,
  7. expand his/her knowledge of and understanding of the role(s) of Early Educators and Early Childhood Education in the broader educational context, and
  8. participate in a new form of course delivery -- distance learning (distributed education)-- interactive two-way audio and video.

REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS

Bredekamp, Sue and Copple, Carol (Editors) (1997). Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood Programs (Revised Edition). Washington: National Association for the Education of Young Children, 1997 (ISBN: 0-9355989-79-X). This book has been placed with the books for E335, E330, and E506. Look for it on these shelves.

Jalongo, Mary Renck and Isenberg, Joan (2000). Exploring Your Role: A Practitioner's Introduction to Early Childhood Education. New York: Merrill/ Prentice Hall (ISBN: 0-13-526915-6)

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

  1. Read the required textbooks and supplement with outside readings and the Internet.
  2. Actively participate in class discussions and share your readings.
  3. Regularly attend class. Deduct 10 points from final grade for more than three unexcused absences.
  4. Take the midterm examination.
  5. Complete and deliver assignments by due dates.** There is a 10 point penalty for late assignments. After two weeks, the penalty increases to 20 points.

    6. **Assignments must be postmarked by due date for non-IUPUI students.

  6. Become acquainted with resources of the university library and your local public library.
  7. Interact with the instructor via e-mail for journal entries.
  8. Explore the new uses of technology for professional and personal development.

Assignments

Schedule

Bibliography

Internet Resources

 


**TO FIT THIS DOCUMENT TO THE WIDTH OF YOUR SCREEN CLICK THE MAXIMIZE TOOL IN THE UPPER RIGHT CORNER OF YOUR BROWSER WINDOW (IT IS THE MIDDLE BUTTON!).**

SPECIAL COMMENTS

In this course, the major responsibility for learning will be placed upon the students. However, the instructor is a resource available to all students. Take advantage of the regular office hours or e-mail access. Schedule appointments for other hours in person or via e-mail. Remember what you gain for this course depends upon your willingness to explore options and to share responsibility for the success of the course. You can make significant contributions to the course. START today planning for a growing and learning experience. Your ultimate goal is to become a qualified, competent, and caring teacher.

Mailing Instructions: For students enrolled through campuses outside of Indianapolis, please provide a stamped, self-addressed brown envelope with each assignment so that I can return your papers.

 

Distance Learning Room Education/Social Work Building Room ES2101

DURING CLASS TIME ONLY FOR INCOMING CALLS INTO THE CLASS, USE THE FAX NUMBER BELOW FOR BOTH FAXES AND TELEPHONE CALLS.

Telephone Number and FAX Machine Number
8-1- (317) 278-3132 ( IUPUI)

Before class fax to (317) 274-6864.

Extra Credit Points

You can earn 5 extra points for any assignment when you use a diskette plus hard copy for your assignment when you turn it in to me. I use Microsoft Word for Windows 98 or 2000. If you use any other word processing application, please convert your program to a text file or ASCII file so that I will be able to read your paper. Smile !!