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.

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.

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 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.

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

The easy part about writing professional development courses for teachers over the last two years was deciding on eight relevant topics and giving them catchy titles (What’s All the Hype about Skype?, Goodbye Index Cards; Hello PowerPoint™, Design your own PLN … 140 Characters At a Time, etc.)

The actual writing wasn’t so easy! The writers struggled because they were teachers at heart, not trainers; they were excited about the topics, wanted to explain, give the background and context, and share their thought-processes. But we were producing skill-based “how to” training, and we went back to basics.

 First we considered the characteristics of the adult learner. Just because the audience is a group of great teachers, doesn’t mean that the audience is a group of great learners!  If you’re writing any PD courses or conducting any workshops, keep in mind that adults:

• Need to know the relevance of participating in a class. Why am I here instead of someplace else?
• Want acknowledgement and credit for life experience. Don’t tell me what I already know!
• Like to discuss, and are restless during lectures.  I’m ahead of you, and let me tell you why!
• May be fearful to explore and discover. Please, just tell me what to do, and I’ll do it! 

 After thinking about teacher schedules, we developed some easy-to-follow parameters:

• Each course is four hours (offered in one-two-four hour segments)
• First two hours are spent experimenting with new technology skills using project-based learning; second two hours are spent creating a new project – a teaching tool designed for immediate use in the classroom
• At least 50 percent of the time is spent in hands-on technology activity and the other 50 percent in discussion and sharing. (No lectures, no “I’m the leader. Look at me” on the part of the trainer.)
• Have quality take-home materials for the participants to continue building their skills independently
• Include concrete objectives and “proof of learning” to qualify for CEU’s

Now how to get the courses into the hands of the teachers?

In-service meetings can be easily offered on school-release days, at staff meetings, or in “back-to-school” time slots when teachers are already on site.

Online courses mean easy access for the teachers who can learn at home in sweats with coffee at hand.

 Conference sessions mean camaraderie and great interaction/discussion with peers in large groups.

 All in all, birthing the courses was painful, but like real childbirth, we are determined that the end result will be worth the time and trouble!

By Cyndee Perkins

Updating your school’s Responsible Use Policy for technology may keep you from ending up in court! As schools are held more accountable for student actions, setting good policies on campus may help influence behavior off campus…and protect your school’s reputation!

I spend a lot of time communicating with technology teachers and coaches, media specialists and network administrators at schools and online. They are usually enthusiastic about their jobs, until I ask about their Responsible/Acceptable Use Policies. Then their eyes roll toward the ceiling, feet shift uncomfortably, and vague smiles drift across their faces.

“Oh, I think I saw that when I was hired a few years ago.”

“The hardware guy takes care of all that.”

“We must have one somewhere.”

“You know, I should probably check on that.”

By not publishing an RUP for both parents and children to sign, a school runs the risk of being held liable for the actions of its students. Writing an RUP doesn’t have to be hard, just up to date!

Some general recommendations when writing a Responsible Use Policy include:

• Define technology broadly (include cell/smart phones, notebooks, e-readers and other portable technology)

• Solicit input from administrators, staff, students and parents. LISTEN to their input.

• Frame the policies positively – tell what you expect rather than what you forbid!

• Translate and distribute the RUP into the language of the home.

• AND check with your school’s insurance company to determine liability and guidelines. Protect your school financially.

You can download additional recommendations and a sample RUP from the Computer Explorers Document Center: Designing a Responsible Use Policy.