Computers in the Classroom
Linda Reasoner, Project Director, Head Start Region VI Technical Assistance Support
Center, Basic Health Management, Inc., Little Rock Arkansas
Ivory Conley, Head Start Director of the Economic Opportunities Association of Washington County in Fayetteville, Arkansas, knew that she wanted computer programs that were compatible to the programs being used in the public schools. She also wanted programs that would enhance or develop beginning literacy skills with Head Start children, and programs that could be used in a variety of ways.
She contacted an area computer center that works with the public schools. At a meeting with the Education Manager of the computer center, suitable computer programs were selected for the children who would be transitioning into public schools.
The Education Manager worked closely with Head Start staff to help get them familiar with the programs and now maintains close contact to provide technical assistance. The teaching staff at each center were provided with an orientation to the equipment and programs.
The children are encouraged to use the computer set up in the classroom as a learning center. Two children at a time may visit the area.
Parents are encouraged to get involved as well. Using the computers is a way to increase interaction between the parents and children.
Parents and staff can also seethe potential for using the computers in a variety of classroom activities. One use is to enhance the literacy skills of the children. After the teacher has read a book at story time, the children can go to the computers and type out words from the book or their version of the story with the teacher's assistance. The children may also write a note to their parents on the computer about the book or story characters. To see the enthusiasm of the children as they type out a letter on the printer to a parent, or type their name, is priceless, a staff member reports.
The parents are very aware of the importance of computers and are excited to see their children working with "Reader Rabbit," "Math Rabbit," or "Visit to the Farm," to name a few favorite computer programs. With these programs the staff can work with the children on literacy, number concepts, and eye-hand coordination.
Computers are new this year in three centers and there are plans to add computers to the remaining five centers as funds become available.
This has been a new experience for Head Start staff in Washington County, as well as parents and children, and they have welcomed the challenge.
For program information, contact Ivory Conley, Head Start Director, or Sharon Sizemore, Education Coordinator, Economic Opportunities Association of Washington County, P0 Box 1823, Fayetteville, AR 72702. (501) 521-5571.
Head Start Automation
In February 1992, Head Start grantees and delegate agencies received the National Head Start Automation Manual, a depository for information on computers, software, technology issues, and automation developments of interest to Head Start programs. Head Start programs have received three chapters so far: 1) Head Start Specific Computer Software Guide, 2) Higher Technology in Head Start, and 3) Fund Accounting Software: A Review. The next two chapters Head Start centers can expect to receive in the very near future include: A Buyer's Guide to Accounting Automation in the 90's: The Role of the Head Start Director, and Using Computers in Head Start Classrooms.