Rec center representative says Computer Explorers makes a big impact on children’s educations

Computer Explorers teaches children how to use technology as a tool to further their education. (photo courtesy of Storye book, via Wikimedia Commons)

As Assistant to the Director of the East Windsor Recreational Center for the city of East Windsor, NJ, Barbara Vinch understands the powerful role Computer Explorers programs play in a child’s life. She spoke with us about the many ways she sees children benefitting from having Computer Explorers in her center.

How did you come to incorporate Computer Explorers into your center?
Our center has been using Computer Explorers programs for the last 5 to 6 years. Our former director made the initial pitch to get Computer Explorers’ curriculum into our center.

How do Computer Explorers programs foster learning?
At the end of each program, we do a review with parents and get great reviews for Computer Explorers programs. Parents praise the positive reinforcement our programs provide. They also like how their children are able to take the knowledge they learn at our center and bring it home to continue using it on their own computer. Every eight weeks, the Computer Explorers instructor changes program formats, which enables children to continue building on their knowledge.

What do you like about offering these programs?
Students can build on their skills — it’s a learning experience for them. Some children have never had previous exposure to a computer. We have children between kindergarten and fifth-grade who are now using laptops.

Can you describe a typical class?
Currently, we are offering an eight-week computer-based technology class. On one project, students get to build a comic strip using the computer. They develop original ideas for stories using their own imaginations. They use their own verbal knowledge to develop the script. This is a lot different than a basic arts and crafts class.

How does Computer Explorers affect the way children use technology?
It all depends on what knowledge level a student is at. Computer Explorers instructors have to work with all ages and skill levels in one classroom. Children may not even know how to use a keyboard before entering a Computer Explorers program. They may not even have a computer in their home, meaning we may be literally taking them from nothing. The great thing about the Computer Explorers programs is that each class has only around 10 to 12 students, which offers a lot of one-on-one interaction between student and teacher.

How important are the classes for children?
Computer Explorers courses are very important. If parents don’t have the time to teach, these programs give our kids a start so they won’t get behind.

Do you have any examples of it making a big difference in a child’s life?
I don’t have a specific direct example because I only get feedback from our parent reviews. However, last year we almost had to cancel a Computer Explorers course because there weren’t enough students enrolled. One of the fathers, who understood the value of the program, asked how many students were needed to fill the class and he offered to pay for their enrollment so his child could attend. I think that shows how much these programs matter to parents who understand what Computer Explorers has to offer children.

East Windsor Recreational Center is served by Computer Explorers of Mercer & Hunterdon Counties. Owner Jenifer Morack can be contacted at 609-751-6870 or director@computerexplorersnj.com. Founded in 1983, Computer Explorers is the original child technology education franchise. The company broadened its scope to provide innovative STEM-based programs for schoolagers in after school and summer camps, and to teach Microsoft ® applications to students in elementary schools. The company is expanding its offerings in 2012 to include professional development for educators and technology teachers in schools. For more information about Computer Explorers programs, visit www.computerexplorers.com.

Parent of two talks about benefits of tech programs, raves about Computer Explorers

Nicole Scimeca learned computer basics thanks to a ComputerTots class. (Photo courtesy of Gail Scimeca)

Gail Scimeca knows the benefit of introducing children to technology education at an early age. A former technology education teacher for gifted children, Scimeca enrolled her daughters in the Computer Explorers programs in Park Ridge, IL, years ago and has watched as her daughter’s interests in math, science and technology have increased.

What initially attracted you to Computer Explorers and their programs?
I really liked the fact that they bring a lot of expertise to the program. You don’t get that kind of expertise in schools. Computer Explorers incorporates more problem solving, and more technology — things that aren’t offered in a normal school curriculum. I really liked that they were learning to cooperate with others in a group and problem solve together.

What programs have they taken? What are some of their favorites?
My older daughter has taken a lot of the animation classes, the CSI digital microscope and the LEGO engineering classes. She has taken the LEGO engineering class over and over again. They are always completing new projects or simple machines, and building innovative things with the LEGOS. Lately she has imagined her projects in 3-D, which is an exciting architectural aspect for her to get into.

My younger daughter has done ComputerTots. The program has really given her a familiarity with the computer and working in small groups. She is so proficient with the computer, probably because she learned the basics when she was 3!

Have you seen their technology skills, or comfort with technology, grow since taking these programs?
Absolutely. My older daughter is very interested in the animation programs and has gone on to do some very advanced stuff. Computer Explorers is a great way for children to find what interests them early on. Children need to be given more opportunities to experiment with the technology and things that are out there. This is a higher level of thinking than it seems, and it’s really amazing what they can do. My daughters are getting a strong educational basis and having fun doing it.

How are you hoping this impacts your daughters’ futures?

Danielle Scimeca has taken several LEGO engineering classes offered by Computer Explorers. (Photo courtesy of Gail Scimeca)

I think it’s certainly the beginning of engineering and architecture principles. Computer Explorers breaks it down to what kids understand and then builds on that. It has definitely spurred an interest in math and science for the girls.

How has it been working with the CE teachers and directors?
They are just great with the kids. The girls love the teachers — they are able to give direction and also give them freedom to work on what they are doing. They don’t show them what to do, they guide them and let them feel their way. They are also great at suggesting programs and other things we can do from home. We have a digital microscope and other technology at home now for the girls.

I am a stay at home mom and was a gifted education teacher for 13 years in accelerated classes for math and reading. I have actually taught similar programs and think that what they do is very valuable.

For more information about Computer Explorers or to find a location near you, visit www.computerexplorers.com.

The Apple iPad has quickly become a classroom fixture. For Computer Explorers, it’s a stepping stone

The Apple iPad is a powerful way to introduce children to computing. Photo courtesy of RichN, via Wikimedia Commons.

Young children discover the world through touch. Anybody who has young kids, or teaches them, knows how much curious toddlers love to reach out for anything that interests them.

That’s why, when 2- and 3-year-olds play for the first time with a Computer Explorers Apple iPad, the result can be magical.

Since young students can swipe the screen on an iPad, they can start using technology immediately — even before they develop the keyboarding and mouse skills they’ll need to master other computers.

“Young children seem to intuit how to use the iPad, because they explore their world primarily by seeing, reaching and touching ,” says Cyndee Perkins, the director of curriculum and program development for Computer Explorers. “The trick is turning iPads into a learning tool and not just a toy.”

Thousands of educational apps make the iPad a powerful learning tool. But with the right courses and instruction, Computer Explorers students can learn a lot more than how to use an app — they learn how to build one.

Computer Explorers’ youngest students learn computer basics — such as the difference among monitor, keyboard and CPU — in ComputerTots, Computer Explorers’ program for preschoolers. In ComputerTots, classes of three and four students collaborate as they work with computers and iPads.

As students’ skills advance, they can tackle robotics, video game animation and REALbasic computing. Eventually, children learn how to use the Android operating system to create their own apps.

“Technology like the Apple iPad fires children’s imaginations, and we keep that fire burning,” says Computer Explorers president Carol Hadley. “We show children how they can use math and science to turn their ideas into reality.”

Computer Explorers offers a range of courses that teach science, math, engineering and technology concepts to children in preschool through elementary school. To find a location near you, go to www.computerexplorers.com/locations.

Lego Robotics competition challenges kids to work together as a team while also applying their math and science skills. 

Kids demonstrating their Lego Robotics.

NBC News recently featured Computer Explorer’s Colorado franchise owner, Ross Parrent, in a segment on Lego Robotics Leagues. The Leagues are quickly becoming a popular way to teach children about science, mathematics and engineering.

Parrent facilitates the First Lego League competition in Windsor, Colorado. Computer Explorers students make up most of the team members on the current Windsor championship team.

“Lego Robotics are a lot more than playing with toys and computers,” said Parrent, who owns and operates his franchise with wife Rebecca. “They not only teach kids critical math, science and technology skills, but also allow them to work together as a team while having fun.”

The competition challenges the students to collaborate in designing, building and programming Lego robots to perform specific tasks, but operating within the confines of a 4 x 8 foot table. Over 3,000 kids are involved in Lego Robotics in Colorado this year and 279 teams, with students ranging in age from 9-14, compete in the league.

View the two minute NBC 9 video here.

Computer Explorers franchise owners are involved with Lego robotics in most areas and it has become one of the most popular technology classes for children. Computer Explorer often offers Lego Robotics class in school and at recreational centers, after-care programs and summer camp sessions.

For more information on Computer Explorers, visit www.computerexplorers.com.

Computer Explorers teacher Christine Summa teaches close to 100 preschoolers each week at schools in the Fort Myers, Fla., area. She spoke with us about her experience as a technology education teacher for young students and how ComputerTots, Computer Explorers preschool program, benefits their futures.

Christine Summa

Computer Explorers: How long have you been working for Computer Explorers? How did you come to work for the local franchise?
Christine Summa: I’ve been with Computer Explorers for eight years. Prior to CE I worked as a supervisor at an insurance company, as a bank teller and as a stay-at-home mom. When my kids started school, I began teaching preschool but was looking for other employment. Being a Computer Explorers teacher enables me to work while my children are in school, spend time with them and do what I love all the same.

CE: What is your educational and professional background?
CS: I went to the University of Connecticut and studied English and psychology. When I heard about Computer Explorers, I knew they were looking for someone who was good with the little ones, organized and technology-savvy. It was a perfect fit. I have learned so much from teaching these programs, and my director is great about having training sessions to keep everyone up to speed on the latest technology.

CE: What do you like best about teaching these programs?
CS: There are many wonderful things about these programs. The children are always happy to see me, and they enjoy what they’re learning very much. I usually only teach three children at a time — all very well-behaved — which enables me to spend a lot of one-on-one time with the kids. My director, Michelle Hershey, is great to work with. Overall, teaching for Computer Explorers is just a happy experience.

CE: Can you describe a typical ComputerTots class?
CS: ComputerTots classes are 30 minutes long. We have a puppet whose name is CT, for “ComputerTots.” I always hide something inside of CT’s shell that pertains to our lesson. Next week we’ll be learning about digital microscopes. In CT, I’ll have magnifying glasses and will ask the students what magnifying glasses do, and we’ll talk about how they make things look bigger. I give them a chance to think and let them come up with the answer. Then I say, “That’s what the microscope does, too!”

I also start each class with a little educational song: I’m a little computer, just for you. Here is my monitor, and my CPU. Can you find my keyboard and CD-Rom? Just click the mouse to start the fun. I’m a high achiever, and I expect my children to be, too. We’ll use the computer to show languages – we’ve done Spanish, French and Mandarin. We use the computer to teach sciences. This week we’re doing a magnets game on computers, and we also did a static electricity experiment. I always write a note to parents to let them know what their child is learning and what they were able to do. Positive reinforcement goes a long way with the kids!

CE: How do children react to your class?
CS: Kids love coming to class. I’ve had a lot of parents tell me that kids aren’t always happy to go to school, but they’re thrilled to go to school on Tuesdays because they get to go to ComputerTots. They like what they are learning, and it makes them happy.

CE: How tech-savvy are the students you work with? Have you noticed a real change over time as new ones start?
CS: I have found that parents don’t spend time teaching their children about computers at home. So some of the children are tech-savvy and some not at all. It’s amazing to see how the children grow over a two-year period. A lot of them will come to me without knowing how to use a mouse, and by the time they leave the program, they are comfortable with the language and know how to confidently use the computer and navigate through the programs on their own.

CE: People say that these programs help build problem-solving skills among young learners. Do you have some examples?
CS: I think that’s true. They enjoy solving puzzles and are proud of themselves and their peers when they do. I like to give each child their own time to figure out the problem. It’s amazing what the other children learn just by watching others take turns. We were building machines on the computer yesterday. Some things worked, some did not, some children I had to give some hints to. But they all figured it out, and they were proud of themselves. They got a real sense of accomplishment.

CE: How do Computer Explorers programs foster collaborative learning?
CS: With ComputerTots, it’s more about one-on-one interaction and giving children a chance to do things directly. However, the children learn to take turns, watch and listen while others are participating. It teaches them to be patient and to collaborate.

CE: Are there any instances that are especially memorable?
CS: I spend a lot of time getting to know these kids over a year or two, and I’m proud of seeing them improve. That’s what I like. I like seeing them go from not very skilled or very confident, and four months later they’re amazing. And they know it. That’s the moment that I enjoy.

CE: How important is it that youngsters get this type of training early?
CS: I think its very, very, very important. School is getting harder and harder every single year. It was harder for my daughter who is in college than it was for me, and it’s tougher now for my high school freshman than it was for my college sophomore. They have to be good at everything. In kindergarten, they’re expected to read a book and take an online test to answer 10 questions. Then in second grade they’re expected to type a page for a report, and in fourth grade, they have to do PowerPoints. It’s the new way of the world, and I enjoy helping prepare these students for the rest of their lives.

For more information about Computer Explorers programs, visit www.computerexplorers.com.

Computer Explorers provides childcare centers with essential training, tools and software

Robin's inspiration, Computer Explorers franchisee Hans Wagner.

Robin Rohrbach, a former Kindergarten teacher and veteran childcare center owner, loves introducing fun and engaging technology programs to the young students at her childcare center through Computer Explorers. For over 15 years Robin has offered programs that give young children confidence to explore technology and collaborative skills to succeed in the future. Here is her story:

CE: How did you come to incorporate Computer Explorers into your childcare center?
Robin: I met the owner of our local Computer Explorers, Hans Wagner, at an early childhood event booth over 15 years ago. I really liked the idea of the ComputerTots program, and more so the fact that instructors came into the center and brought the equipment with them. The instructors brought in Macintosh computers and introduced the children to up-to-date technology that we didn’t have.

CE: What is it like working with the Computer Explorers instructor?
RR: The instructor that comes to our school, Miss Cindy, keeps close communication with our staff and takes notice of what concepts they are working on with the children. She will tweak her program to complement our program which helps the children further understand what they are learning. But we aren’t the only ones who love Miss Cindy, the kids are so excited when she is here. Some of them recognize her car as she pulls into the parking lot and alert the others that, “Miss Cindy is here!”. We have offered the program for more than 15 years and have only had two teachers in all those years.

CE: How do Computer Explorers programs foster collaborative learning?
RR: Along with working on number concepts, spacial relations, numeric concepts and more, the children are learning to work together. They are learning how to cooperate – they have to wait their turn and learn how to take turns.

Miss Cindy is always praising and encouraging the children, so even if they are not making the correct choice the first time she fosters the confidence that helps them get it the next time around. She is always letting the kids try again, and the students cheer for one another. It’s a very positive, proactive experience.

CE: How has Computer Explorers benefited the children so far?
RR: The ComputerTots program has provided them access to much more software and technology than we could ever afford. And the children are not just playing games. They are learning how to use a computer – learning the elements of a computer and how it functions. My grandson has been introduced to these programs and at 2 1/2 years was able to navigate an iPad or iPhone.

CE: What is your educational and professional background?
RR: I have a Bachelor’s degree in elementary education with a concentration in early childhood. I was a Kindergarten teacher until I became owner and director at the childcare in 1987. This is my 25th year here!

CE:How important is it that youngsters get this type of training early?
RR: I think this type of training is crucial for young ones. As soon as they enter public schools, or “the big school” as we call it, there are computers everywhere and they are expected to know how to perform fundamental computer tasks. Computer Explorers gives them a concrete basis for the rest of their education, and that is what we are here for: to build a foundation.

For more information about Computer Explorers programs, visit www.computerexplorers.com

CE brings technology into classrooms — for both students and teachers

CE provides tools for teachers to excel at teaching.

Technology is evolving at a rapid pace, making it difficult at times for teachers to keep up. But with Computer Explorers’ professional development program, teachers can easily stay current on technology trends and pass the knowledge along to their students.

Our veteran educators work with experts at MIT and other universities to create programs that make it fun for children to learn science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) concepts. Whether Computer Explorers is teaching robotics, computer programming, video production or rocket science, children get to experience the wonders of technology hands-on.

Computer Explorers takes pride and pleasure in passing tech knowledge and skills to teachers as well as students. That’s why we emphasize professional development and share our knowledge.

First, CE professional development courses give teachers constant access to a technology expert. Computer Explorers instructors are experienced educators who coach teachers through the latest advancements and, better yet, how to use them in the classroom. Our program guides teachers through the use of technologies such as iPads, interactive whiteboards and wikis.

“Professional development programs can give you better teaching tools, broaden your scope of thinking and create a richer learning environment,” says Cyndee Perkins, director of curriculum and program development at Computer Explorers. “By helping teach other teachers, Computer Explorers instructors can help keep an entire faculty on the cutting edge of technology education.”

Second, on-site professional development programs save money otherwise spent on travel and lodging for out-of-town conferences. Budgets are tight, and our program ensures that schools make use of every penny available for teacher education by bringing the learning to them.

Technological change creates big challenges and big opportunities, which is why more schools are turning to Computer Explorers to give their classrooms a boost. Give us a call at 1-800-531-5053 and check out www.computerexplorers.com/educators to find out how we can help yours.

Photo courtesy of FreshFiber on Flickr.

This year was already shaping up to be the year when swiping replaced typing, as iPads, smartphones and other digital tablets entered classrooms in greater numbers, replacing laptops and netbooks. The news that Apple is entering the textbook market will accelerate that trend — and give teachers and students another incredible tool.

Touchscreen devices like the iPad have already proven to be incredibly popular with children and have allowed them to start interacting with technology at younger ages. With the right guidance, this early interaction should help children embrace technology and the learning opportunities that come with having access to a powerful device.

The iPad and other devices have already become a great resource for children, thanks to thousands of educational apps that make learning interactive. The tools are similar to the ones that Computer Explorers uses to help guide students through lessons. But it’s important to pick the best ones, so if you have an iPad, you might want to check out our recommendations for great free educational apps.

Apple’s latest game-changer — and the reason that iPads are likely to appear in even more classrooms in the future — is the iBooks textbook. The new device will include multimedia content; make it easy for students to look up confusing words; and allow students to highlight key concepts, make notes, run a search for content and create digital study cards.

Along the way, students will be able to tap the screen to rotate 3-D images, slide their fingers to see slideshows and zoom in on illustrations to see greater levels of detail.
An iBooks author tool will also allow teachers with Macs to create their own interactive textbooks that students can use — assuming the teacher knows how to leverage the new tools at their disposal.

Computer Explorers works hard to incorporate new technologies into classrooms in order to help teachers keep up with the pace of change and help their students stay on the cutting edge of technology. Our courses are designed to be both educational and fun. We love watching students open up to new possibilities. As they learn, they become eager to learn more.

Computer Explorers looks forward to putting these new tools into children’s hands. In Walter Isaacson’s biography of Steve Jobs, Jobs tells the story of an illiterate 6-year-old in Bogotá, Colombia, who had never seen a computer before. The child was intrigued by a journalist’s iPad. Handed the device, the child instinctively swiped the screen to unlock it and began to explore.

We think that instinctive connection speaks to the power of touchscreen devices, and to children’s innate curiosity. With the right guidance, we can’t wait to see what that child and others will do next. Want to see how Computer Explorers is guiding the next generation of students through technology? See www.computerexplorers.com.

By Cyndee Perkins

Dying from dysentery as a pioneer on the westward march was a threat in real life, but only a stumbling block in Oregon Trail, one of the first computer simulation games. You died? Start over! But swiping a finger across a touch screen today is a far cry from using arrow keys and c> to command the game forty years ago! (Does anyone even know what a “c prompt” is any more?)

Checking out future education technology is my key reason to attend “Dust or Magic,” an annual conference hosted by Warren Buckleitner; I listened to fifty tech developers who met and shared products, experiences and future plans, and the results are in: 

• Learning games like Oregon Trail once boasted a balance of 4o% content, 40% logic and 20% arcade. Unfortunately, arcade “gamification” is supplanting the emphasis on content and logic; winning the prize is becoming the goal instead of learning and using critical thinking.
• Teachers need to become more digitally literate in order to use today’s technology effectively. Knowing how to use PowerPoint does not make me digitally literate. We educators need to know how to use Angry Birds to teach math, physics and even to reinforce emotional intelligence.
• Everything is moving online – Online K-12 instruction is growing by 40% per year.
• Tablets aren’t phones: expect to see a big growth in tablet games in 2014.
• Look for a portable tablet with a pen in 2014 …“fat fingers” (having nothing to do with obesity, but everything to do with hand-eye coordination) are a problem in the world of swipe.
• Interactive technology is today – Kinect was only the start. In China a whole building responds to the applause following a symphony.
• New acronym for STEM: Stop Testing – Energize Minds!

And of what significance are the above bullets?  We as educators must accept that learning IS going online and we have to use the new tools! Our job is to reveal the fun of tablets, the fun of apps, the fun of gaming … and the fun of learning!

The toddlers of today have expectations! Our job is to meet them!

Members of CETeam are in Lambertville, NJ this week attending The Eleventh Annual Dust or Magic Institute.

What is Dust or Magic? Think TED with brilliant minds discussing what is next in the Children’s Educational Technology industry.

The attendees are tweeting like mad! Below are a few of our favorites.  If you would like to follow all of the tweets just click here:

http://tweetchat.com/room/dustormagic

• Zinc Roe’s DoodleCast App is launching this Thursday. Get a sneak peek here: http://t.co/j7Kt2V95  #dustormagic Awesome job @jasonkrogh
• Neat: OmniTouch http://t.co/6cvuhlym  Origo http://t.co/WZUmV0PO  Fluid Interfaces http://t.co/h94vzAXd  #dustormagic
• Jesse Schell, Asst Prof of Entertainment Technology Carnegie Mellon presenting at #dustormagic
• Very cool latest in disrupting touch-sensitive and camera-enabled devices for AR: http://t.co/WQJlqeaE  #dustormagic
• Interesting examples of Augmented Reality and Play RT @duckmoose: From Seth Hunter, MIT Media Lab http://t.co/MLLCIG98  #dustormagic
• ‘The most important reason for going from one place to another is to see what’s in-between’ (The Phantom Tollbooth) #dustormagic
• Keep the child inside you alive! via Chip Donohue #dustormagic
• It’s important to keep a dose of Mr. Rogers in all of us! via Claire Green #dustormagic
• Robin Raskin: Touchless is the new black. Omni Touch demo: http://t.co/TOqnXZDY  #dustormagic