Thursday, July 30, 2009

Shira Chess Challenge: Portugal Day 4

Hola darlings! Email from Shira, providing more details about Computer Labs for Kids' latest charitable assignment and background information. Enjoy! Hello Everyone, I thought I'd send out a little more information about what I am doing here in Portugal. For those of you who just want a quick look at today's class, here is the You Tube link. I am in Olhos D' Agua, Portugal giving a two week course to the Pire Lampo orphanage. The course is on the Leapster, which is a handheld learning device designed for young children. My goal is to introduce young children to technology which will help them learn English and basic computing skills. I use computers that are age appropriate. For the Pire Lampo orphanage, I selected the Leapster because of it's popularity with children and in United States. The Leapster's activities have built-in tutorials and adapt automatically to the child's skill level. Orphans, unlike other children, have limited access to expensive toys and computers, so we feel the need to provide something that is both fun and educational. Our course is especially designed to increase self-esteem and responsibility. The course topics include what it means to be an owner. Each child learns to be responsible for their own equipment by carefully going over how to handle the Leapster, troubleshooting techniques, and other basics. At the end of the course they receive their own Leapster and a certificate of completion. The Pire Lampo class is divided into two groups. The first group graduates tomorrow, July 31st. The second group starts on August 10th nd will graduate on August 13th. More information on the Leapster Computer Labs for Kids Computer Labs for Kids at Facebook You Tube links: Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 I have also finished two other projects this year - one with a group of children near the Gaza Strip in Israel and another at an orphanage in Agra, India. Israel Video India Video Thank you very much for following along with the Computer Labs for Kids projects. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading the replies I've received, and I appreciate so much your encouragement. Shira

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