Real Object Along with Pictures

Section Two of the DAP online course has a wonderful videoclip of a teacher describing the advantages of using real starfish and shells along with magnifying glasses and a microscope with pictures. Children are also shown using the real objects and tools. This videoclip is an excellent way to illustrate the importance of using real objects or three dimensional representations when real is not possible as opposed to using two-dimensional pictures alone.

Real Time Interactions

An interesting component of the DAP online training is what NAEYC calls "Webseminars". This provides participants in the training program to hear the voices of staff from the training department and invited presenters in real time, have the opportunity to ask questions via an email like format and share information with the presentors and other listeners by voting with multiple choice options. The seminars are focused on three groups within the field: Teachers and Child Care Providers, Program Administrators and Faculty and Trainers.

The seminar I participated in provided some new perspectives and thought provoking examples to the ideas presented. A PowerPoint presentation print out is available for each seminar. Unfortunately, there was a mix up in the one for our group and I'm still hoping to get the correct print out soon.

The seminar lasts 45 minutes is user friendly and defintely worth your time!