Last Computer Course!

Today, was the last day of our computer course in Granada. All of the kids nervously lined up at the door, waiting to present their projects to the entire class. The kids have had several days to work on final projects. Each of them created a story in Etoys, the program that we have been working with for the duration of the program.

All of the chairs were set up in a couple of rows facing the a huge TV. One by one, each of the kids walked to computer in the front of the room to present their project. A few timidly and quietly clicked through their projects. Most however, very excitedly read and shared their stories. Applause and cheers followed each presentation.

The remainder of the day, the kids were free to explore and use the computers however they chose. To wrap things up, we all shared a little bit of ice cream. When the clock read four o'clock, none of the kids were to ready to shutdown and pack up. Some of our top students asked if they could take a computer home with them. Sadly, we could fulfill their request, but this is an indication that they program was a success! We look forward to having the students from the computer course out to camp for a weekend.

Computer Course Nearing Completion

The computer course is wrapping up. Daniel and I come in every day to setup tables and chairs for the course. We are greeted eagerly by smiling faces. The kids are excited to help setup, they want to boot up the computers as soon possible.

I teach for about and hour each day. The kids learn all sorts of things, everything from basic image creation and animation to basic scripting. After the lesson, the kids have a chance to practice their new skills. They have challenges to complete to test their abilities. Some are more difficult than others, but each new challenge builds upon the last. We have a board in the classroom that tracks the completion of the challenges. One small star is awarded for the easier challenges. A large star is awarded for the super challenges. After class the students all huddle around the board to count their own stars and the stars of their friends.

The goal is for the students to eventually create their own projects using everything they have learned through the course. We have several students already adding their own creative twist to the exercises and challenges. I am excited to see how these students apply their own ideas in upcoming projects.

Lack of Posting

There is so much going on that it is easy to become distracted. I have not posted in a about a month. I will try to do so in the next couple of days, hopefully to bring my blogg up to date. Sorry about that!