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Hello and Welcome to CHDV C149
Hello and Welcome to CHDV C149
Welcome! Consider this page an early jumpstart to your semester, providing a preview of the class and expectations.
I'm looking forward to spending this semester with you! I started in the field as a student worker in a Child Development lab school, and worked my way through being an Assistant, Teacher, and eventually Site Supervisor with a short stint as Program Director. I'm honored to play a role in your journey as an Early Childhood Educator!
About the Course
About the Course
In this class, we will explore the critical role of play in children's learning and development through the lens of major developmental theorists and early childhood educators. We will examine how play serves as an effective instructional strategy, how teachers create developmentally appropriate environments and curricula, and how observation and assessment inform teaching practices. Students will also consider the influence of culture, diversity, and family contexts on play, while exploring contemporary and sometimes controversial topics related to children's play experiences.
Week 1: We will become acquainted with the Canvas classroom and complete a variety of tasks. Each task connects to your success in the course.
How this Course Works
How this Course Works
Course Model
Course Model
This is a fully online course.
We have no regularly scheduled meeting times (we will not meet in Zoom). All of your work is completed asynchronously (on your own time) within the weekly modules in Canvas.
This is not a self-paced course. You will learn in a community with your classmates and me. We are in this together.
The course is organized into weekly modules, which will open on Friday afternoon and discussions on Sunday.
Each module contains learning resources, discussion, and assignments.
First night of class - You will have access to Canvas the Friday before class starts. Please remember to login before 8pm on the first night to avoid being dropped. I don't want that to happen to you!
Contact Me
Contact Me
You are welcome to contact me in the following ways:
Message in Canvas and Email – This is the quickest way to reach me!
Email:Vbaker@cerrocoso.edu
I will respond within 24 hours, generally much sooner. *Holidays and weekends may be 48 hours
Office – I am available to meet with you virtually, during my online office hours. I welcome you to message/email me to arrange a meeting time in Zoom or via phone that accommodates both of our schedules.
Questions
Questions
I welcome and encourage you to ask questions!
If you are puzzled by something, ask! Use the Q&A forum in Canvas, send me a message, or email me.
I believe questions are an important part of the learning process! If you want to clarify an expectation, or ask about an assignment, do so! I expect you to question ideas, concepts, and practices; to critically reflect and ask questions about why, when, and how.
Questions are your learning partner, so embrace and use them!
Teaching Philosophy
Teaching Philosophy
I believe teaching is dynamic and true learning comes from discovery by the learner. My course design is constructivist, with the goal of encouraging and empowering students to be active participants in their learning. I welcome and encourage students to ask questions; they are integral to the learning process.
Learning happens when the individual is interested in the information, when it is presented in a manner that is complementary of their learning style, and when there is a direct connection between information and application.
I don't believe in busy work; all reading and assignments have been carefully crafted to provide a meaningful learning experience. The course materials and learning activities are designed to offer multiple and varied opportunities to engage a variety of learning styles. I strive to provide a variety of materials and assignments, embracing learning styles and opportunities to explore concepts in various ways.
You bring life and work experiences and knowledge into the classroom. This creates an invaluable foundation upon which we will collectively build. If you're new to the field, you'll benefit from seasoned counterparts, and those with experience benefit further in practicing the concepts through mentorship.
“Education is about opening doors, opening minds, opening possibilities.” - William Ayers
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