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.

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.

Students at Computer Explorers have fun, get ahead in science, technology, engineering and math education

Photo credit andreavallejos on Flickr.

Depending upon your age, the word “robot” is often associated with fictional characters like Rosie the Maid from “The Jetsons,” Johnny 5 from Short Circuit or even with Pixar’s Wall-E.

A growing fascination among several generations, robots have evolved from an on-screen presence to a learning tool for students at Computer Explorers. Learning how to build and control robots challenges students to solve scientific, mathematical and engineering puzzles in order to bring their creations to life.

Students acquire the skills needed to succeed in our increasingly competitive world — and actually have fun doing it. And with the boost of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills, students are able to get ahead in areas where American education lags.

Here are a few of Computer Explorers robotics courses:

Let’s Do Robotics: With the LEGO™ WeDo Robotics System, young children can build and program their own robotic creations. Designed by the experts at MIT, this unique system teaches children about simple machines, engineering, programming and so much more.

My First Look at Robotics: Meet Roamer, a child-friendly robot just waiting to follow your child’s commands. Even our youngest students will be able to program this robot to dance, help tell stories and play music as they are introduced to robotics and programming in an entertaining way.

Rock & Roll Robotics: Using the LEGO™ WeDo Robotics System, your robots will include a monkey that plays a drum to a rock ‘n’ roll beat, a lion that roars, a bird that flaps its wings to create a big wind, a sleeping giant who will awaken on your command and a boat that will rock on the rough seas. This course builds knowledge of simple machines, engineering, programming, and teamwork.

Computer Explorers knows that the best way to teach STEM skills is to engage students in the hands-on process of creation — whether that creation is a robot or a film, a blog or a video game.

Students’ STEM skills aren’t just equations scribbled in a notebook — we help them take their creative visions and build them into reality. It’s the sort of experience that fires the imagination and makes students realize that becoming an engineer, a programmer or a mathematician isn’t something that’s boring or out-of-reach.

For more information regarding course offerings, visit www.computerexplorers.com or give us a call.

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

Computer Explorers gives kids hands-on experience with technology, boosting creativity and learning

Kids know how to work around a social media site, but other skills are falling to the wayside.

It’s easy to think that kids today are all masters of the online world since they’ve grown up with the Internet, seem to live on social media and have access to an array of devices that keep them connected at all times.

Truth is, today’s kids may be online a lot, but they’re not necessarily blazing new creative trails.

Andra Brichacek of the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) wrote last year that students today “are far more comfortable and proficient with technology than older generations could ever hope to be … (but) their range of skills does not necessarily extend to more complex technological tasks.”

As one commenter on her story noted, “How many can touch-type, add an attachment to an email, or be more creative and manipulate an image or create a film or song from scratch?”

That’s where Computer Explorers can help, by offering the best computer classes for kids.

The hands-on classes let students have fun while learning the science, technology, math and engineering skills that will help them succeed.

Take a look at some of the courses we offer:

• Rocketeering: Kids get to build — and launch — their own model rocket using compressed air. Along the way, they learn about aeronautics, thrust, drag and ballast.

• Robotics: Yes, you can build and program your own robot, using a teaching system developed by experts at MIT. Using the LEGO WeDo  Robotics System, students learn engineering and programming.

• Video Game Design: Have you ever wondered what goes into making a video game a reality? We offer courses that allow students to create their own characters that dance and interact with one another, and by the time the course is over, students will have a playable video game that they can post online. In the meantime, they boost their programming and visual arts skills.

• Build your own App: Kids will learn how to create their own math practicing apps, voice recognition, remote controller, compass, and altimeter apps. Do you have a budding entrepreneur on your hands? A lot of businesses are eager to get their own mobile app. This program can put your kid way ahead of the curve.

• Digital Moviemaking: Students create their own characters, costumes and sets, use a digital camera to record the action, then digital editing to give their work a final polish. Creativity fuels this course, which teaches technical skills that students can use to bring their stories into the world.

That’s just a tiny fraction of what Computer Explorers offers. Computer Explorers is an international education company that uses proprietary, state-of-the-art curricula and cutting edge technology to give over 33,000 students a competitive edge in math, reading, science and other core academic subjects. Computer Explorers offers technology classes for after school programs, summer camps, and recreation/community centers and more.

Interested in one of our programs? Visit www.computerexplorers.com to find a location near you.

Computer Explorers is preparing kids to solve global problems (and the kids think they’re just having fun)

Kim Storch is the director of enrichment for Canterbury School in Fort Myers, Fla., where she handles after school programs and summer camps. She works closely with Computer Explorers franchisee Michelle Hershey, who provides tech-savvy programs for students.

How long have you been directing at Canterbury School?
I’ve been with Canterbury for 25 years, mostly as a parent. Both my kids have gone through here. I’ve been director of enrichment for five years. I was deeply involved as a parent and a volunteer before joining the payroll.

What do students like about Computer Explorers?
A lot of the programs are very hands-on, like the LEGO robots they get to build. Of course, kids love LEGOs. The parents love that it’s a STEM program (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). With computers, the kids have a good time. It’s second nature to them to interact with computers, and parents realize that computer literacy is going to be a vital component for their kids to be successful in the future.

What do teachers like about it?
I think the teachers like the fact that the Computer Explorers teachers are exceptional. They have wonderful knowledge of the material. They’re very organized; they’re very prepared. They’re very professional. Everything that they say to the kids is positive. We at Canterbury are very directed toward 21st century education, and toward collaboration. The world is becoming flatter. Students who are culturally and cross-culturally aware are more tolerant and can problem-solve. We instill in our students a huge social responsibility. The computer enables our kids to work in teams and work with their peers and problem-solve. Now is a good time for kids to learn that teamwork is the best way to work. It will be important for analyzing complex problems in the future. Now, they’re having fun and they don’t even realize that they’re learning new skills that they will use in the future. And it’s an overlay of different age groups who are having a good time with their peers in a safe and positive environment with positive role models. Computer Explorers is part of our family.

During summer programs we have a rotation of teachers, and they’re all terrific and as dedicated as the owner of the franchise. They’re all just A-plus. I would not think of anyone better than Michelle Hershey and her staff. They have great ethics and positive attitudes, and a willingness to adapt instruction to all levels of children. I would never think of using anyone else in our enrichment programs for computers.

What changes do you see in students?
The classes that they offer are always updated and new. So it’s fresh for the kids, and they are able to build upon the skills that they learned previously. It’s not stale or stagnant. The kids just jump right in.

How do the lessons carry over into class?
I think when they are able to use their critical thinking and problem-solving, their communication is enhanced, and so is their collaboration and their creativity. It gets them leaning toward innovation. It’s huge. It’s opening up doors for them as far as the global landscape.

How do students react when it’s time for Computer Explorers?
They’re very excited. As the teacher enters the room, none of the kids are saying they’d rather go outside or hang out with their friend Johnny. It’s really amazing. They think of it as a form of play. They don’t even realize that they’re learning engineering concepts. They know they have to listen and follow instructions. They can’t just be playing on the computer like they do at home. It’s easy even for the small ones during the summer. We have 2- and 3-year-olds who have never used the mouse before, and they listen and follow directions and they want to learn because they know that the other kids already know how to use computers, and they don’t want to be left out.

Does it change the way children interact with one another?
I find them to be more tolerant and accepting. They’re learning social responsibility. They can’t be hurtful. They have to cooperate if they want to be successful with their projects. Our kids are wired for this. Obviously, watching small children, you can see that they’re hard-wired for using computers, and it’s going to make them more socially responsible and able to solve the big problems in the future as far as getting along with our partners in the world. It’s just amazing how much they can accomplish and how much they get done through use of the computer.

What Computer Explorer offerings are most popular?
Anything with the word LEGO. Right now we have LEGO Junior Engineering and treasure hunting with robots, and that’s very popular. Everything basically with the word “LEGO” in it is what the kids gravitate toward. And anything with the word “robotics,” the parents are interested in, because they understand that that’s where innovation takes place. They want to see their kids learn the skills that will help them do great things for themselves.

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.

Computer Explorers helps students set eyes on Mars

St. Francis of Assisi Elementary School

Computer Explorers has been a revelation for fifth-grade teacher Mary Newman since she joined the staff at St. Francis of Assisi Elementary School. The 18-year veteran of Sacramento schools started working with Computer Explorers when she joined the St. Francis faculty two years ago. Since then she has developed an easy, informal collaboration with Computer Explorers teacher Stefan Wenk, who works across the hall. She spoke with us about her experience.

Computer Explorers: How long have you been working with Computer Explorers? How did you come to work with them?
Mary Newman: It’s my second year working with them. Computer Explorers was already a presence here at St. Francis when I started working here two years ago.

CE: What is your educational and professional background?
N: This is my 18th year teaching. I graduated from UC Davis, where I studied psychology before getting my teaching credentials.

CE: What do you like best about these programs?
N: It’s dealing with a lot of the same skills that I’m trying to develop in my class: listening, following directions, team building. They learn the skills they need in order to do a research paper.

CE: What is it like to work with Stefan?
N: He’s wonderful. Fabulous computer guy. Very helpful. The kids love him, and he makes sure that what he’s teaching works well with my program. We coordinate very well. I’ll tell Stefan, “I’ve got a program coming up, can you support it?” and he always says yes and tailors computer lessons to help out.

CE: How do the kids react to him?
N: The kids love working on computers. He makes it fun, and the program itself is fun, and they’re learning. I have a project right now on explorers, and they can go to him for help with research and how to put their paper together, since we require cover and title pages and a bibliography. All of our students get a computer period during the day. He’s there after school, too, and they can go to him and say, “Mr. Wenk, am I doing this right?” It’s helped a lot. The kids really enjoy it. A lot of them go to the lab after school until 4, so you know they’re enjoying it.

CE: How does Computer Explorers complement what kids are learning in your classroom?
N: It kind of goes with a couple of other programs we do, and skills like learning how to work together as a team. They have to learn how to research, how to put together a report. We do research papers, we do team projects, all those things. I do a big project on the Mars mission where kids pretend to be an astronaut on the Space Shuttle while another kid pretends to be on the ground, using computers to provide guidance. Neither one has all the information that they need to accomplish their mission, so they have to work together. Stefan works with them as they take turns playing each role in order to accomplish their mission using the computer. It’s all about following directions and team building.

CE: What does Computer Explorers bring that might otherwise be missing?
N: Organization. We need the program to help build computer skills. It is very organized and the lessons build on one skill after the other.

CE: How do Computer Explorers programs foster collaborative learning?
N: A lot of the skills that Stefan works on with the kids involve using the computer to collaborate. His stuff goes perfectly with my program. The kids work together great, and they’re accomplishing a task. Stefan also has everything organized, and has directions ready to go as soon as kids walk into the room, so they know what they need to do and there’s no downtime.

CE: Have you noticed kids gaining confidence in the classroom?
N: Absolutely. For one thing they like the class, but now that they have these projects to do, they also have the skills they need so it’s not overwhelming.

CE: Are there any instances that are especially memorable?
N: I’ve seen students help one another on the reports. They’re learning the skills well enough to teach the other kids. And that’s important, because research reports are something that they’ll be doing a lot more of in high school. My own kids are in high school and college — they have to know what they’re doing. They have to know how to do research on computers. My kids did not have this program, and I think that my students are a lot more ready for research than my kids were. (Recently) they were learning from Stefan how to put a newsletter together and how to add and take away things from the paper and move them around. They are really practical things to learn, but they are also learning to work as a team. There were a lot of skills going on in a very short time.

CE: How important is it that youngsters get this type of training early?
N: These kids need this. They have to be proficient by the time they get to high school, because you have to submit work on a computer, turning things in through turnitin.com. You have to know how to do presentations in PowerPoint, all that stuff.

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.