First Product Launch as a Product Manager Picture

My first year not taking a "first day of school" picture for as long as I can remember so instead I took a "first product launch as a product manager" picture!

As a teacher, I would research and implement ways to use technology to help my students. This led me to my next position as a Technology Integrationist where I would often reach out to EdTech companies and researchers to share my thoughts and provide feedback for the tools I was using in hopes to make them better. Which led me to my next position as a Program Manager at a University where I was able to teach educators about early childhood technology and work with a research group focused in this area. This led me to my current position where I get to create the EdTech tools that are used in classrooms by students and teachers.

It has been an amazing adventure and I look forward to continuing to learn, share, and create!

Robotics and Values

While at Tufts, I was grateful to participate in a research study around robotics and values. 

Learn more about the research on DevTech's website https://sites.tufts.edu/devtech/research/robotics-values/  and read about my experience working with a teacher at the Eliot Pearson Children's School https://www.csteachers.org/Stories/fostering-creativity-curiosity-and-generosity-through-robotics

CSTA Blog Post Series

Amanda Strawhacker and I are excited to share our thoughts around the Positive Technological Decelopment (PTD) framework and hybrid learning in a series of blog posts with Computer Science Teachers Association while keeping playground learning in mind. 

At this point in time, we have shared two posts:

• Hybrid Learning to Support Children's Positive Technological Development: Introduction
• Hybrid Learning to Support Children’s Positive Technological Development: Community Building

Free Computer Science (CS) Fundamentals Virtual Workshops in Minnesota - Are you intersted?

I am trying to gauge interest in free Code.org Computer Science (CS) Fundamentals workshops for elementary teachers if I would offer them virtually in MN.

Could you complete this form and share with friends?

http://bit.ly/virtualcsfinmnfeedback

Product Manager at Capstone!

I am thrilled to share that I have joined Capstone as the Product Manager for Curriculum and Instruction and have moved back to Minnesota. I look forward to sharing the wonderful learning resources that Capstone has created to make fun learning experiences to support literacy through digital, print, and blended media formats for school libraries, classrooms, and homes. I love that I get to work at a company that values curiosity and let's it lead the way!

I greatly enjoyed my time at Tufts with the Early Childhood Technology Graduate Certificate. It was a dream come true for me to work with the people I did over the past year in the early childhood technology world of education and research. I am honored to have worked at Tufts. If you are interested in learning more, I am happy to tell you about the program and connect you with the new program manager. I will continue to be the biggest evangelist for the program and am so proud to have worked at Tufts University.

If you would like to learn more about Capstone, visit https://lnkd.in/db4uX4Y

Tufts Early Childhood Technology (ECT) Graduate Certificate

My first post letting you know more about my new position, how exciting! Below is information I have been trying to share with people I think would be intersted in learning more. Please help me! Let me know if you think there is a place I should post or send anyone my way with questions! 

The ECT Program: 

Are you interested in learning about using new technologies with young children in playful ways? Consider joining the Tufts Early Childhood Technology (ECT) certificate program, directed by Prof. Marina Umaschi Bers!

The Tufts Early Childhood Technology (ECT) certificate program is designed for educators and practitioners working with young children in pre-kindergarten through second grade in diverse educational settings such as schools, museums, libraries, and daycares. The program will develop students' knowledge and skills in technology and engineering with a focus on early childhood. Our online classes make learning flexible for busy professionals and parents. To join ECT this September, apply by August, 1st, 2019. All students receive a KIBO robotics kit!

Early Application Promotion: Submit your completed application for ECT by July 26th and receive a FREE copyof Dr. Amanda Sullivan's new book Breaking the STEM Stereotype: Reaching Girls in Early Childhood. In the book, you'll learn how to boost girls confidence & interest in STEM with hands-on activities and developmentally appropriate technologies. 

Questions? Contact Angie Kalthoff (ME!!!), the ECT Program Manager at: angela.kalthoff@tufts.edu

New adventure at Tufts!

(Images found on Pinterest) 

Too many quotes to pick just one so why not share them all!

I am excited to share that I have started a new position at Tufts University as a Program Manager for the Early Childhood Technology (ECT) Certificate Program. I have learned a lot over the past 10 years at an educator in the St.Cloud Area School District 742 and am grateful for the opportunity to continue learning while at Tufts!

I have been following the work of the DevTech Research group for years. The research that has come out of the lab has changed the way I think about learning and teaching. I found the ECT program a year ago and would have applied to the program had I not been offered this position! I have been thinking a lot about Positive Technological Development (PTD) which provides children with the idea that technology can be used to make a better world, learning by doing, and powerful ideas. All of these are included in the certificate and I look forward to connecting with others looking to dig deeper. 

Dr. Amanda Sullivan worked hard to create the ECT program and I am honored to take on the role of the program manager. I have followed Amanda's work  with her focus on girls in STEM and I am looking forward to her book coming out this fall Breaking the STEM Stereotype: Reaching Girls in Early Childhood. 

Interested in learning more about what I will be doing? Keep reading!

See a more detailed history of my work experience on LinkedIn

What will you be doing?:
My new position is the Program Manager for the Early Childhood Technology (ECT) Graduate Certificate Program in the Eliot- Pearson Dept. of Child Study & Human Development at Tufts University

ECT is a blended-learning (online and in-person) program that introduces students to best practices teaching with technology in early childhood in a developmentally appropriate way that focuses on playful learning. Additionally, this program develops students’ pedagogical approaches and their understanding of student learning through integrated curricula that includes the arts and literacy as well as STEM.

Learn more about it here  http://go.tufts.edu/ECT 

Do you want to signup for the program!? Applications are open until August 1, 2019!

See what it looks like by following the ECT Twitter account.

Prof. Marina Umaschi Bers, is my boss. You may know her work, here are a few things we have probably talked about in the past:

• Book: Coding as a Playground
• Co-devloper of the programming language Scratch JR
• Developer of the Kibo robot 
• Director of the DevTech Research Group 
• TedX "Young Programmers, think Playgrounds not Playpens"

Where will you be working?:
The Eliot-Pearson Department of Child Study and Human Development is one of the country's leading departments serving children, youth, and families. E-P faculty and students use a strengths-based approach in their research, practice and teaching. We value diversity and are committed to building equity, inclusivity and pursuing justice in schools, services, communities and the world.


Tufts, isn't that in Boston?:
Yes, it is in Boston! Are you planning a trip to the area or do you know someone who lives there? I am new to the area and living about a mile from campus. I don't know a lot of people and would love to meet you or your friends! Whose up for lunch today?! Dinner tomorrow?

I am excited for this next chapter of life! If you have any advice for me, I am all ears! I will continue to share projects I work on through this blog, my personal Twitter and the ECT Twitter account!