Portland Roasting Farm Friendly Direct program in Costa Rica funds a computer instructor for the children of the La Hilda estate. Andres reports on updates from the first half of 2009.
The following report comes from Mr. Juan Diego the computer teacher that Portland Roasting is sponsoring at La Hilda school in Costa Rica. He sent us a brief report by grades focusing on the main skills and knowledge that kids has acquired during this first half of the year 2009.
Transition and Preschool grade:
Kids range from 4.5 to 6.5 years old. At this age they have already started to work with basic computer programs. Moreover they are able to identify several components of any desktop.
Most of these kids learned how to open, close and minimize windows as well as interact with the mouse. In addition, they are starting to draw for the first time with the help of simple software. This group would never have envisioned being in front of the computer screen, but thanks to Portland Roasting, they are now able to learn basic computer skills at a young age.
Primary and Second grade:
Kids in these grades are between 6.5 to 9 years old. At this stage they already are capable at using the mouse, keyboard, the display, and CD drive, among others. In addition, they feel confident using programs for word processing and Paint software.
The second grade class is able to write several paragraphs using the Word processor. Moreover, this grade is using the Ecarta 2007 software and are doing research to expand their knowledge basis. They are enjoying the interactivity of the computer. Finally, using software called Tux math, this group has found more interesting ways to learn beyond the lecture model.
Third, Fourth and Fifth grade:
This group is between 8.5 and 13 years old. They are still learning about basic components regarding hardware. Thanks to the computer lab and specific software to increase their ability to type, they know how to use word processor as a regular tool. They also know how to use Power Point to increase their skills in presentations. They know how to use Encarta 2007 to perform advanced research increasing the available information of their presentations. This group knows how to use Windows capabilities such as creating, deleting, and searching different types of files. In addition, they also know how to surf the Internet, using tools such as email and search engines. I am glad to know they are taking full advantage of the Internet access provided by Portland Roasting last year.
Sixth grade:
This group is between 11.5 to 14 years old, and their focus is providing technical support and guidance to the younger students. They already know how to assemble and split up a computer — understanding its components and functions. These capabilities empower them to discover new possibilities as future technicians or engineers.
As part of their training, they also know how to configure a Bios system, defrag and fix a hard drive, install and uninstall a program, manage settings and compel information within digital notebook software — among other capabilities.
Read about their experiences first-hand. Click here for letters from the Letters from La Hilda Estate
