Computer Explorers Believes Electronic Gifts Can Reinforce Learning

By Mini Swamy, TMCnet Contributor

In stark contrast to the prevailing opinion that electronic gifts will turn kids into couch potatoes, Cyndee Perkins, director of curriculum and program development at Computer Explorers, a Houston-based education technology franchise system, strongly believes that popular technology can actually reinforce learning in core subjects and help children develop important problem-solving skills.

Keeping up with rapidly evolving technology changes is a challenge for teachers and Perkins accepts the fact that it is not economically viable for schools to replace software systems annually, nor is it economically feasible for them to staff classes with teachers attuned to the latest range of software in the market.

In a press release, Perkins said, “Our local owners not only provide opportunities for students to build critical and current skills that extend the range of their learning but they also serve as resources who can help educators navigate this often confusing area.”

Computer Explorers is not only well versed in the art of creating programs that combines technology with learning and entertainment, but can also position local franchise owners as experts in their communities. Perkins added, ”We were poised and ready when the iPad came out, and within six weeks we had a full curriculum.”

With the right training, kids can use the gifts to design video games, write some simple computer programs and attain a better understanding of the world. She further added, “Kids get so excited they forget they are learning. Their ability to absorb knowledge and apply it is really amazing and inspiring.”

In addition to in-school programs, Computer Explorers lives up to its name and allows children to explore the 3-D worlds, program robots, make movies and experiment with cutting-edge technology. The extracurricular classes are taught in public and private schools, after-school programs, camps, pre-school and youth organizations. There is no gainsaying the fact that children ages 3 to 16 master technology skills at an early age, and giving electronic gifts to them may well turn out to be beneficial.

Computer Explorers was founded in 1983 and teaches more than 25,000 students a week through 60 franchise locations in the U.S. and five foreign countries.

In a related news release, Computer Explorers, a Houston-based technology education franchisor for children, is experiencing rapid growth in Ireland, England and Scotland. Computer Explorers has opened eight UK franchises so far in 2010 and is expected to double its total franchises by the end of the 2011, said Nigel Toplis, Master Franchisee for Computer Explorers in the U.K. 

Mini Swamy is a contributing editor for TMCnet. To read more of her articles, please visit her columnist page.

Edited by Jaclyn Allard

Check out the online article: http://education.tmcnet.com/topics/education/articles/127295-computer-explorers-believes-electronic-gifts-reinforce-learning.htm