This site contains online workshops that focus on the use of technology to promote emergent literacy. ITLC stands for "Interactive Technology Literacy Curriculum," a product of two projects, model demonstration and research, at the Center for Best Practices in Early Childhood.
Center staff developed and tested a technology literacy curriculum with children, three to five years of age with disabilities. Content for the online workshops is based on the curriculum, supporting materials, and research results obtained over the past ten years. The workshops are intended for early childhood staff and families interested in learning how technology can be used to help young children develop early literacy skills. Adaptations to ensure all children's participation in literacy activities are addressed throughout the website. Technology activities, resources, and articles can be printed and used at school or home.
There is no charge for participation in the workshops.
ITLC Online is the product of the Interactive Technology Literacy Curriculum Online Project (PR#H327A030048), funded through the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education & Rehabilitative Services, Office of Special Education Programs, Technology and Media Services for Individuals with Disabilities, Steppingstones of Technology Innovation for Students with Disabilities.
Opinions expressed within this site are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the position of the U. S. Department of Education, and no official endorsement of these materials should be inferred. Reference to commercial products, trade names, or manufacturers do not constitute endorsement by the U.S. Department of Education.
The Center for Best Practices in Early Childhood, directed by Dr. Patricia Hutinger, is part of the College of Education and Human Services at Western Illinois University. The Center is comprised of state- and federally-funded model projects concerning development, outreach, research, product development, and technical assistance. The mission of the Center is to develop and promote practices designed to improve educational opportunities for all young children.
Established in August of 1999, the Center replaces "Macomb Projects," which began in 1975 with Dr. Hutinger's first federally funded project. Since 1982 the Center has implemented 25 technology-related projects funded through the U.S. Office of Special Education and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Center projects have resulted in tested, effective products, including software, curricula, training manuals, websites, satellite broadcasts, and videotapes. Current Center projects are funded through the U.S. Department of Education, the Illinois State Board of Education, and the Illinois Department of Human Services.
This project is supported by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP). Opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the position of the U.S. Department of Education.
Linda Robinson, Director
Carol Schneider, Coordinator/Content Specialist
Heather McMeekan, Web Site Designer/Architect
Scott Hutinger, Web Site Developer
Amy Betz, Research Associate/Content Specialist
Kathy Strange, Materials Specialist
Joyce Johanson, Resources Manager
Kathy Barclay, Ed.D.
Cecelia Benelli, Ph.D.
ITLC Online -- -- http://www.wiu.edu/itlc/
Copyright 2005. All Rights Reserved. Center for Best Practices in Early Childhood Education at Western Illinois University.