Can playing computer games improve childrens’ math skills? Researchers in Scotland (link) found out that playing Nintendo DS‘s Brain Trainer significantly improved the students’ test scores. Students aged nine and ten completed math tests before the nine week project, and then again afterwards. All the childrens’ scores were higher, but those using the trainer improved by […]
A new pilot has just started in Canada (link) to supply 4 year old kindergarten students with laptops, to be used in the classroom. During the pilot, the computers will be used “in both reading circle and outside the building to explore nature”. Huh, what is that I thought? Exploring nature with a laptop? Anyway, […]
In recent years, computers have become an integral part of everyday life. Now, more people own computers than ever before, and the numbers continue to rise. As a result, children are learning how to use computers in school at a much earlier age than ever before. There is a wide array of educational software available […]
There is a growing trend towards starting kindergarten later, sometimes at the age of 6 or later. Most parents who hold their children back at home, do so because they think their child is not ready for kindergarten. In their opinion, their child will be stronger (socially and emotionally) and smarter if they wait longer. […]
I was looking for information of teaching jobs on the website of the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, and found some interesting statistics that I wanted to share with you: In the USA, of all occupations in the elementary and secondary school category, there are 64,000 preschool teachers, 160,000 kindergarten teachers, 1.4 million elementary school teachers, […]
Last week I posted a message about the utilization of new media on primary/elementary schools. I then thought of some reasons why the usage of internet and computers is still relatively small. After speaking with some teachers, I found out there are at least two other good reasons: 1) Money. Let’s face it, although governments […]
I read a newspaper article today here in the Netherlands about the usage of new media in primary/elementary schools. Although the article mentioned a distinct rise in internet and computer use in general, it is currently only used in 26% of all schools. Granted, it has risen from 15% last year, but I still think it’s […]
