OIT provides computer workshop for first-graders

by Sarah R. Buchholz, Chronicle staff

Marcel Walters, a first-grade teacher at Alice B. Beal Elementary School in Springfield, smiles as student Christine Hoang solves a problem. (Sarah Buchholz photo)

s part of the Office of Information Technology's community outreach program, a group of 15 first-graders from Alice B. Beal Elementary School in Springfield attended a technology workshop on March 25 in Lederle Graduate Research Center.

     The workshop was arranged by Rosio Alvarez, associate chancellor of Information Technologies, and Marcel Walters, whose first-grade class attended the workshop. Beal Elementary doesn't have the resources to purchase many computers. Walters said the number of students sharing one computer limits each child's exposure to 20 minutes per week. Seventy-five percent of the students at Beal are classified as low-income, according to Alvarez.

     The youngsters attended four multi-media workshops, allowing them to use technology to create a class yearbook as the final product. Presented with the opportunity to play with sophisticated technology, many of the children were filled with questions for staff members and were so absorbed in each activity that most were reluctant to switch stations, until they were reminded of their upcoming pizza party.

     Students first took pictures of each other on digital cameras and uploaded them onto the computer for later use. Next they experimented with video conference technology which allowed the kids to see themselves on screen and interact electronically with a staff member across the hall.

     The students then worked in a lab, learning to use Adobe Photoshop to place their uploaded digital pictures on a background of their choosing and had the opportunity to manipulate the on-screen graphics and work with programs on www.pbskids.org.
As the final part of the project, students used Microsoft Excel to compile data of class interests such as favorite colors, foods and animals in order to see how this technology can be useful and exciting.

     "We're really thrilled to be here, and the kids have been really excited about this field trip," Walters said. "The staff has been fantastic and has really worked to make this a child-centered day, and we're really grateful for this opportunity."

     OIT staff served pizza, drinks, and dessert. During lunch, folk singer Dennis Calaher led a sing-along, while other staff members printed copies of the pictures each student created along with the class data. At the end of the workshop, the students each compiled and bound their own yearbook to take home.

     This was the second community outreach event hosted by OIT. Last summer, the department hosted students from Springfield Technical Community College and UMass Boston for a program entitled "Diversity Through Technology."