Re: Kids and computers
Barbara J Smith (bjsmith who-is-at oise.on.ca)
Mon, 1 Apr 1996 08:29:31 -0500 (EST)
Dear Pentii,
When I taught grade 1 I was given a computer in the latter part of the
school year. I was scrambling to find ways to get all the kids to
experience it. I had a two level licensing system already established in
my class for using the overhead, playing videotapes, taking out library
books, writing thank you notes, introducing guest readers.... At the
first level the license required the students to show me how they could do
the 'skill' on their own. The second level of licensing was the 'helper'
licenses. Students who had received their license for "booting up a
computer" which I added to the list - could get their 'helping license'
by helping another student learn how to boot up the computer. So at most
activity centres where students worked towards their licenses there were
two students working together. Their goals were different. One student was
trying to learn the skill well enough to demonstrate it on his/her own -
while the goal for the other student was to find a way to help the person
get there on his/her own. I would have liked to have had more time to
actual develop licenses for computer programs - but time ran out. I was
impressed with their conversations once they got in. In many cases they
were two novices exploring word processing at the same time.
Not sure if this process could be helpful - but it was a way "in" for me
at the time.
Barb Smith
OISE/U. of T.