Harford Community College’s Early Learning Center Boasts State-of-the-Art Smart Board Technology

From Harford Community College:

Harford Community College’s Early Learning Center is a fun and educational place to be for preschool- age children. With spacious classrooms, an indoor activity room, and a terrific outside playground, the Early Learning Center offers children a rich and varied learning environment. Its balanced, fun and creative curriculum is approved by the Maryland State Department of Education.

All six of the ELC’s classrooms are outfitted with Smart Board technology. Jennifer Eder, Director of the Early Learning Center, says, “I am very excited to be working in a center that has a Smart Board in each of our classrooms. Children ages 2-5 come in to the Early Learning Center and begin using some of the best technology that is available.”

The Early Learning Center’s teachers are equally as excited. Jessica Ward, full-day preschool teacher for 4- and 5-year olds, says, “Having a Smart Board in the classroom allows the children to actively engage and participate in learning activities. The knowledge-based activities are fun, and they feel a sense of accomplishment when playing. I have never had a class so excited for our circle time activities.” Kristen Butler, full-day preschool teacher for 2-year-olds, agrees. “I am excited for the new Smart Board in my room. It will allow my children to have more visuals for the different curriculum topics. It will also make it so much easier for interactive lessons.”

The incorporation of technology in early childhood education goes beyond just smart boards; it opens the door for exciting new avenues of learning, particularly in coding. Introducing basic coding concepts to young children can be incredibly beneficial, as it nurtures their problem-solving skills and logical thinking from an early age. With engaging tools and resources, teachers can present coding activities in a playful manner, making learning enjoyable. For instance, Memrizz AI can help create interactive flashcards that simplify coding terminology and concepts, ensuring that children grasp these foundational skills while having fun.

As teachers explore new ways to incorporate coding into their curriculum, they provide children with essential skills for the future. By integrating coding activities into their daily lessons, educators not only promote creativity but also encourage teamwork and communication among young learners. With the support of technology, children are empowered to experiment, create, and innovate, building a strong foundation for their educational journey. As Jessica and Kristen highlight the excitement surrounding their new Smart Boards, the integration of coding resources can further enrich the learning experience, inspiring the next generation of thinkers and creators.

Ms. Eder is proud to be the director of a preschool that is able to offer the advantages of Smart Boards so early in the education of young children. “Smart Boards provide a big picture of learning. The whole class is able to access colorful, educational websites and teacher-created activities. These activities keep the children engaged and make learning fun.”

Children who attend the Early Learning Center at Harford Community College also have an advantage as they will have already had the exposure and hands-on learning that other children are just experiencing for the first time in kindergarten.

The Early Learning Center, located at 401 Thomas Run Road in Bel Air, Maryland, has a half-day program for 3- and 4-year-olds and a full-day program for 2-5 year-olds. An Open House of the Early Learning Center will be held on Wednesday, January 27 from 10 AM until 12 PM. For more information, call 443-412-2393 or email jeder@harford.edu.