IBM empowers children

Published : 2006-01-24

Five-years-old Rizza Mae Joy Lopecillo touches the computer membrane like some sacred artifact. She is among the pre-school kids, who have been itching to get near the colorful computer with its wide plastic cabinet and large keyboard.

Though they do not have their own computer, she knows that this one is really different from what she sees on the television or that in their neighbor’s house.

A volunteer-teacher finally asks her along with another kid to sit in the bench that fits two children. Without any delay, she and her friend did a virtual tour of the world along with their friends, who couldn’t help to watch them learn and play. They even tried doing the numbers in the computer.

“Nalingaw jud ko ug tan-aw kay lahi ra siya sa mga libro nga among gigamit (I enjoyed watching it because it is so different with the books we use),” Lopecillo said. When she grows up, she wants to be a teacher and dreams of using computers in her class.

Integrating technology in early learning is part of Integrated Business Machines (IBM) Corporate Community Relations Program that empowers children to learn through the use of technology. The program is in partnership with EduQuest, that helps prepare the curriculum for children from ages 3 to 8 .

Lessons in Science, Math, Language, Reading and Geography are packaged creatively to make it attractive to children while tapping their multiple-intelligences. They also use the pedagogical approach of collaborative learning as at least two children could help each other learn new concepts. Other children could still participate in the learning process as they watch and make their own answers too.

“Part of our trust is to share what we have to society through this Integrating Technology in Early Learning program,” Richard Burgos, IBM-Philippines Communications Manager said. He added they donated computers along with the Little Tikes furniture in Cebu City Central Elementary School, Zapatera Elementary School, Labangon Elementary School and the SOS Village to expand the learning experience of the students.

He added teachers are trained by EduQuest on how to integrate the technology inside the classroom to keep them updated also in the new trends in teaching.

Burgos said learning with the use of the Little Tikes furniture with IBM’s advance computer technology and pre-school software programs enable the kids to have a safe and productive learning experience. Unlike the ordinary keyboard, the Little Tikes Membrane Keyboard makes computer exploring fun and educational. This Membrane Keyboard helps teach and reinforce reading and keyboarding skills in children, ages 3-7 years as it uses a color-based mnemonic system. Consonants, vowels, punctuation marks, numbers and function keys are easily recognized because each has its own bright color. Even the flat, easy-to-clean surface of the keyboard is larger than a standard keyboard, making it easy for young children to operate with comfort and control. In case of spill outs, the computer is safe as it is encased with two locking cabinet doors and the computer wiring is stored inside the ventilated cabinet.

In this age of Information and Communication Technology, even young children should be updated to encourage them to expand their learning experience inside the four walls of the classroom.

http://www.mindanaotimes.com.ph/story.php?id=9476