TechnoKids Classes in Hong Kong Teach About Blogs
November-29-07
Students attending TechnoKids classes in Hong Kong are learning about blogs. A blog is a web log about a particular subject. A typical blog combines text, images, and links to other blogs, web pages, and other media related to its topic. The ability for readers to leave comments in an interactive format is an important part of many blogs.
Sarah Mak, program director for TechnoKids Hong Kong Ltd., decided to modify the technology project TechnoCorrespondent to include blogging. Grade 5 and 6 students extended their learning by posting a small part of their report on a famous landmark to a TechnoKids blog.
The ability to extend the popular technology project TechnoCorrespondent into the blogosphere was a big success. Sarah Mak was thrilled with how easy it was to customize the materials. "We modified the curriculum to 8 sessions to give students sufficient time to create their blogs and to read and post comments on each other’s blogs. This is a useful complement to the curriculum, as now students have acquired a new technology skill which has become so popular in the recent years", Sarah commented.
To view the TechnoKids Correspondent Blog visit http://technokids-correspondent.blogspot.com/
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TechnoKids Venezuela Teams with “Wheels of Freedom”
June-19-07
TechnoKids Venezuela has been working to help disabled adults learn technology skills and rejoin the workforce. In conjunction with Fundaprocura, a Venezuelan foundation dedicated to aid people with spinal cord injuries, TechnoKids has taken the initiative to provide training and computer science qualifications.
Fundaprocura’s mission is to support disabled young people and adults, especially those of limited economic means. The foundation donates canes, wheelchairs and specially equipped cars to those in need. Physical and psychological therapy, as well as family support is also offered. In addition, one of Fundaprocura’s programs, called “Wheels of Freedom”, aims to reintegrate wheelchair bound individuals back into the workforce. Often this requires education and retraining in another career.
TechnoKids, with its integrated curriculum that teaches computer skills within the context of project-based learning, has set up the first computer lab in Venezuela especially designed for people in wheelchairs. Jose Benacerraf, of TechnoKids Venezuela, has been working with Fundaprocura since 2003. He states, “We are now in the process of raising funds through a new science and technology law. With this money, we will be able to provide training for people with motor disabilities. We have already succeeded in receiving furniture and computer equipment. In addition, Microsoft has lent its support to this project as well!”
Not only are basic computer training courses provided, but with the goal of reintegrating disabled people into the workforce, Benacerraf is also offering a course in entrepreneurship. He adds, “In a country with very few opportunities for people with disabilities, learning the skills of how to start and run a business can open many new doors and possibilities.”
The goal of Fundaprocura and “Wheels of Freedom” is not only to provide mobility to disabled people, but to help them once again become independent, productive members of society. With the enthusiastic help of Jose and TechnoKids Venezuela this aim is becoming a remarkable reality.
To learn more visit http:www.fundaprocura.org or contact venezuela@technokids.com
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TechnoKids Releases TechnoPhotoshop
April-30-07
Are you teaching a course using Photoshop? TechnoKids Inc. has just published instructional materials that will make your life easier. TechnoKids Inc. has just released TechnoPhotoshop. This project is a great way to introduce photo editing to your middle or high school students.
The new TechnoPhotoshop project has everything you need to teach a photo editing course. When you order TechnoPhotoshop, you will receive a teacher guide, student workbook, review questions, skill reviews, extension activities, sample photos, and other helpful resource files.
The TechnoPhotoshop project integrates photo editing skills into a meaningful task. Students learn how to use Photoshop to create a digital scrapbook, which is in the form of a presentation, photo gallery, or contact sheet. To begin they learn about digital cameras and how to use the equipment to take high-quality photographs. They then apply this knowledge to take a collection of photos they will use in their scrapbook (if a digital camera is not available sample photos have been provided). Once students have their photos, the fun begins! They transform their photos using filters, color adjustments, retouching tools, layer styles, shapes, text, and selection options.
TechnoPhotoshop is recommended for students in grades 6-12.
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TechnoKids in Tokyo are Gaining IT and English Skills
February-25-07
Japanese school children are learning two valuable skills at the same time: computer literacy as well as English language fluency. And in addition, they are also having lots of fun!
Shelley Bearse is the Japanese associate for TechnoKids Inc. She teaches students information technology (IT) skills using TechnoKids integrated curriculum projects. Class instruction is carried out in English, with some Japanese translation as needed. The final student computer projects are also completed in English, creating a complete language immersion experience.
“The kids, whether native Japanese or native English speakers, all agree on one term – cool!” Shelley states. “Parents are amazed that their five year old is learning PowerPoint, a presentation tool, and are convincing the children to show them how.” In fact, Shelley finds that she is receiving enquiries, both private and corporate, from adults who are asking, “If you can teach kids, can you teach me?”
If you would like to read more about Shelley’s success with integrating IT and English language skills, view the International Business article published in Hiragana Times.
You can also visit the TechnoKids Japan site at http:www.technokidsjapan.com to find out about the many classes and courses offered for both children and adults.
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